Photographer Oda Eide – Fashion Editor Oisin Boyd and Ellie May Brown – Model Daniela Kocianova at The Squad – Makeup by Mariko Hirano – Hair by Gordon Chappels – Retoucher Oliwia Meriläinen – Photographer Assistant Nick Hillier – Fashion Assistant by Blathnaid Paige – Interview by Gennaro Costanzo // Dress VALENTINO – Shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN – Tights HEIST // Top and Skirt THEUSSIAN – Earrings MAYA MAGAL // Dress and Shoes MAISON ALAIA – Earrings MAYA MAGAL
Coat JIL SANDER – Earrings MAYA MAGAL // Total Look GUCCI
Daniela, walk us through the beginning of your career. What does being a model mean to you?
I was scouted in Prague in 2007, in a shopping mall, and since then, I’ve been modeling on and off. Being a model allows me to be surrounded by the most talented individuals in the fashion industry. Fashion has always been a passion of mine, allowing me to express and protect myself through style.
Daniela, you’ve walked for all the most notable fashion houses, including Givenchy, Hermès, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Stella McCartney, Valentino, and countless others. Which experience or shoot has had a significant impact on your career?
Working with Phoebe Philo back at Céline and seeing how she built her new brand from the beginning was mind-blowing, and I treasure every moment I got to work with her and her team.
Dress FERRAGAMO – Earrings MAYA MAGAL // Top and Skirt THEUSSIAN – Shoes DEAR FRANCES – Earrings MAYA MAGAL
What’s the preparation before a fashion show/shoot like?
Long story short — washing my hair and getting a good night’s sleep (Laughs, E.D).
Your career has likely brought you face-to-face with various expectations. How do you maintain authenticity in an industry that often sets rigid standards?
Honestly, whenever I set expectations for modeling jobs, goals, and dreams (like fashion week and shows), or when I try to meet other’s expectations of me, I end up feeling extremely stressed and frustrated because things never turn out the way I hope. Everyone is super different, and that’s the best part. The best thing to do is to listen to your own gut and instincts. The more experience I get the more confident I’m becoming. Lastly, you must remember you can’t please everyone.
Dress PROENZA SCHOULER – Sunglasses LOUIS VUITTON – Underwear BASERANGE – Tights HEIST // Total Look MIU MIU – Earrings MAYA MAGAL
How do you define beauty, and has your definition evolved throughout your career?
I’ve always believed beauty comes from the inside and I still stand by it.
You’re also an artist whenever you’re not gracing a catwalk. How did both passions all come together, and was fashion an influence?
When I was growing up, my mum was an art gallery curator, and I also used to attend art classes after school. She loved dressing me and my sisters up, even in second-hand clothes, so I’d say that my parents are my biggest influence.
Dress and Shoes MAISON ALAIA – Earrings MAYA MAGAL // Dress COPERNI – Earrings MAYA MAGAL – Tights HEIST – Underwear STYLIST’S OWN
Looking ahead, what are some goals or aspirations you have for your career, both within modeling and beyond?
For my modeling career, I don’t have anything specific at this time, that’s not to say that won’t change. However, I’d like to keep up doing interesting projects with talented people, and maybe down the line possibly concentrate on creating art. My current obsessions are wood carving, furniture, and architecture.
Dress and Shoes MAISON ALAIA – Bangles STYLIST’S OWN // Total Look TOM FORD – Earrings MAYA MAGAL