On the streets of Paris, stars are born. It's a city that for more than a century now has been a global sartorial mecca for models, and a place where the industry's freshest new faces come to congregate in the hopes of working with some of the biggest names in fashion.
RUSSH's own Olivia Repaci took to the streets to meet some of the Paris models lighting up lenses and fashion week runways as of late. We asked them about where they're from, where they're going, their favourite spots in the city, and about the highs and lows of living life as young models in the French capital.
Victoria Charles @ Silent Models
Age ... 21.
Star sign ... Taurus.
Place I was born ... Lagos, Nigeria.
I came to Paris to … I am here for my first experience modelling in Europe.
The thing I like most about the city is … I love the architecture and the French pastries!
The one place I always go when I'm here is … The Eiffel Tower, of course.
The hardest thing I've had to do as a model is … Managing to go to a lot of castings all over the city in one day, and to constantly adapt to the last-minute changes.
My proudest modelling moment is … Seeing myself on the runway.
This year, I hope to achieve … I hope to work for big campaigns and walk for lots of top fashion brands in their runway shows.
When I'm away from home, the thing I miss most is ... My mum’s food and my little sister gists.
Mingma @ Silent Models
Age ... 21.
Star sign ... Aquarius.
Place I was born ... Guangdong, China.
I came to Paris to … Model at Paris Fashion Week. .Whether I get something or not, it's lucky for me to go to a new place, even to experience the world.
The thing I like most about the city is … The history and art that is everywhere: street performers, musicians in the subway. But I also love to just walk around and admire lovers kissing in the streets, old buildings in the places I visit, or maybe just the sunny sky.
The one place I always go when I'm here is … The Marais. You can wear your own style – there are so many fashion stores, flea markets, bookstores... I love the cultural atmosphere.
The hardest thing I've had to do as a model is … I think it's working outside in very cold weather, or shooting with cold water. But, this is normal for models; I just do it!
My proudest modelling moment is … It was the first time I went to buy a magazine I shot. And when my friends are sending me pictures of me from different places. It’s an amazing feeling.
This year, I hope to achieve … I think life is about experience, and I hope I’ll be able to travel and meet a lot of people thanks to modelling. I want to experience the world as a model.
When I'm away from home, the thing I miss most is ... I miss Chinese food so much [laughs]! And my family will always be in the softest place of my heart.
Lucia Puccini @ GIRL MGMT
Age ... 20.
Star sign ... Sagittarius.
Place I was born ... Barranquilla, Colombia.
I came to Paris to … Model at Fashion Week.
The thing I like most about the city is …The architecture, the food and the feeling of being in a movie 24/7.
The one place I always go when I'm here is … The Tuileries Garden.
The hardest thing I've had to do as a model is … Handle feeling sad and down when not getting a job I really wanted.
My proudest modelling moment is … When I did my first job outside of Colombia.
This year, I hope to achieve … Booking a worldwide campaign with a Haute Couture brand.
When I'm away from home, the thing I miss most is ... My dog, my family and the arepas.
Aleksandra Angielska @ GIRL MGMT
Age ... 27.
Star sign ... Libra.
Place I was born ... Poland.
I came to Paris to … I came to gain new experiences and grow both personally and professionally, while also seeking fresh perspectives.
The thing I like most about the city is … There are many things to appreciate in this city, including its architecture, beautiful gardens, and an abundance of museums and art galleries to explore.
The one place I always go when I'm here is … Palais-Royal Garden.
The hardest thing I've had to do as a model is … The night I was shooting on the yacht in Seattle. I landed on the day of shooting, and the jet lag was brutal. Honestly, I don’t remember anything from that night.
My proudest modelling moment is … Working on the Burberry collection. The process of creating a new collection from scratch is incredible, and the people I met there were so inspiring!
This year, I hope to achieve … I have set some goals for myself: learning French, improving my graphic/website design skills, and becoming more visible on social media. These are the first steps towards achieving my aspirations.
When I'm away from home, the thing I miss most is ... Paris feels like home, but I do miss my dog every day.
Oriana Ruggeri @ GIRL MGMT
Age ... I’m currently 24.
Star sign ... Scorpio.
Place I was born ... Venezuela.
I came to Paris to … Pursue my big dreams.
The thing I like most about the city is …I love how romantic the city is. It's very easy to feel like I am in a movie. I just love it.
The one place I always go when I'm here is … I love Palais Royal. It's a chill place to go read or maybe just enjoy the different seasons of the year, specially spring with all the flowers blooming.
The hardest thing I've had to do as a model is … The hardest part is being so far away from my family and not being able to visit so much; missing birthdays or tough moments where I would love to be present.
My proudest modelling moment is … Right now I’m very proud of myself because I can see that I’ve grown so much in the industry. I feel confident and powerful and like the best things are coming.
This year, I hope to achieve … I would definitely love to shoot an editorial for a big magazine, and even a cover – why not? I love to dream big!
When I'm away from home, the thing I miss most is ... Home, my siblings watching them grow up, the hug from mom when it's a hard day, my friend that live around the corner... even the endless summer weather in Venezuela.
