Photographer Max Hoell – Fashion Editor Judit Melis – Model Michelle Laff at Next Models – Makeup by Kamila Vay – Hair by Melissa Rouilllé – Interview by Chelsea McPartlon // Dress Sportmax – Boots Shaydn Gill // Jacket Versace – Top T-Label // Jacket Diesel – Trousers Blumarine – Shoes Givenchy
Jacket and Trousers Andreadamo – Shoes Ferragamo // Corset T-Label – Tights Atlein
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Michelle, bring me back to the start of your modeling career. When and how did it begin?
I was scouted, in my hometown, around the beginning of July 2019. To be honest with you, I’d already been asked to model, but I feared it’d mean changing who I was, so I always turned it down. On that occasion, I really felt accepted and seen as a human being, and that’s why I said yes. Back then I put all my trust into Manuel Scheper’s hands, and I don’t regret this decision.
Michelle, your Instagram is like an open book of your resume and life in the most eccentric and well-captured way. Would you say you use it that way, as a sort of casting to further your career?
Yes, of course! I think Instagram can be such a great platform to form a community, find inspiration and, at the same time, inspire others. I’m not the best person when it comes to Instagram, and how to get a large following. However, I find the opportunity to share your feelings and views on pretty much anything and everything simply wonderful. Whoever wants to read and truly listen to what you have to say, will. So you don’t have to feel like you should limit yourself in any way. Going back to your question, yes, I’m trying to push my carrier with Instagram. On social media a lot of people try to show a better version of themselves, but I strive to give authenticity to my community. Put more plainly, I’m a crazy person, and I don’t hide it (Laughs, E.D.)! Instagram is my hiding space, as well as my stage somehow!
The fashion industry is, or can be, a very cut-throat industry where one minute you’re in and the next you’re out. Do you find that to be true?
Very short answer, yes! You need to be a fighter, a survivor, to stay. That can be fun, but also very tough, if you’re not one of the lucky ones.
Coat Givenchy– Top and Earrings MM6 Maison Margiela – Earring Transe Paris // Total Look Ferragamo
Additionally, the fashion world is very competitive. How do you mute and filter out that noise to find a healthy work-life balance?
I can’t give you a piece of advice on this topic, as I don’t have a healthy work-life balance. In fact, I always strive to be the best in what I consider important. I think it’s very hard to find this kind of balance in the fashion industry. Nonetheless, I stay positive. Maybe this is exactly the way it should be, in order to find all the inspiration you need…
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your styling job? And that of your modeling job?
Being able to perceive, see, feel and be a part of it! Through the fashion industry, I can make my very own fairytale come to life, and nothing’s more magical than this.
What’s been your favourite project to work on thus far?
I’m not sure, but I think it’s one that hasn’t been released yet.
As a model and stylist, how would you rate the diversity within the fashion world? Could it improve and how?
Hmm, I’m don’t think I’m the best person to answer this question, as I feel like I don’t have enough information on this topic. Still, I value the
difference in body types and start to understand more and more how the very same pieces of clothing can change and create a completely different vision, depending on the body type. For sure, I’d like some brand to explore this path with more enthusiasm
Tank Top Dsquared2 – Dress MSGM – Necklace MM6 Maison Margiela // Jacket and Sweater Marni – Bra Zana Bayne – Leggings Isabel Marant – Shoes The Attico
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Michelle, bring me back to the start of your modeling career. When and how did it begin?
I was scouted, in my hometown, around the beginning of July 2019. To be honest with you, I’d already been asked to model, but I feared it’d mean changing who I was, so I always turned it down. On that occasion, I really felt accepted and seen as a human being, and that’s why I said yes. Back then I put all my trust into Manuel Scheper’s hands, and I don’t regret this decision.
Michelle, your Instagram is like an open book of your resume and life in the most eccentric and well-captured way. Would you say you use it that way, as a sort of casting to further your career?
Yes, of course! I think Instagram can be such a great platform to form a community, find inspiration and, at the same time, inspire others. I’m not the best person when it comes to Instagram, and how to get a large following. However, I find the opportunity to share your feelings and views on pretty much anything and everything simply wonderful. Whoever wants to read and truly listen to what you have to say, will. So you don’t have to feel like you should limit yourself in any way. Going back to your question, yes, I’m trying to push my carrier with Instagram. On social media a lot of people try to show a better version of themselves, but I strive to give authenticity to my community. Put more plainly, I’m a crazy person, and I don’t hide it (Laughs, E.D.)! Instagram is my hiding space, as well as my stage somehow!
The fashion industry is, or can be, a very cut-throat industry where one minute you’re in and the next you’re out. Do you find that to be true?
Very short answer, yes! You need to be a fighter, a survivor, to stay. That can be fun, but also very tough, if you’re not one of the lucky ones.