Model: Angelika Wierzbicka
About: In 1998 Angelika won the Elite Model look competition. After giving birth to her second child she has entered a new era in her life in which she is in more demand by casting directors than she ever has been. Since her comeback she's walked for both Balmain and Vivienne Westwood twice, shot various editorials and scored a Polish Vogue cover with her son.
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In Conversation:
How did you get into modelling and at what age? Well, in 1998 I won the Elite Model Look contest which marked the beginning of my career. My life turned upside down, I was not even 15 years old but i was very courageous and curious with what the new situation will bring.
Did you have any dream job or other plans before pursuing modelling? I always wanted to become a botanist. I was also a horse rider since I was a child.
Do you remember your first modelling job? My first shoot was a modelling test shoot to build my portfolio. That’s a great question, I will have to check in my parents' archives. They have collected all my pictures since I’ve started. I think I was shooting for Elle Poland with photographer Marek Straszewski.
Do you have any favourite designers that you’ve worked with? and any designers you still want to work with? I have really admired Dries Van Noten's work, he is unique. I had an amazing privilege to observe him during 3 shows I’ve done for the Maison.
I see modelling in a different way now. I am much more inspired and interested in the creative part of it. I love Pieter Mulier’s projects, J.W Anderson’s collections, Matthieu Blazy becoming Chanel’s creative director… looking forward to see his collection. I love to observe the creative process of making the collection. I am so lucky to see designers work behind the scenes.
Out of all the models you met, who would you say you were the closest with? Anna Tokarska is my best friend ever since she won the Elite Model Look contest in 1999. She became a very successful Top Model and she is the god mother of my son. She runs a very inspiring Instagram about gardening now. Im happy to share these years with her.
What was the scariest experience for you as a model? Shooting locations are so random sometimes. Shooting on a slippery mountain was scary :).
You recently had a huge comeback! How did it feel to return to the runway and what made you want to? I feel amazing about that. I saw the change that the fashion industry was facing and that was it! After giving birth to my second child I decided to come back. I love modeling now, I enjoy it so so so much.
Last year you were on the cover of Vogue Poland with your son. Would you encourage your children to model in the future? That was such a special project to me and my family. When Vogue called me and asked if I would agree on a Cover story with my kids i couldn’t say no :) That was such a beautiful story shot by the Baltic coast. Vogue have decided to share also our interview. I was so privileged, I will be forever grateful to the Vogue team for this amazing opportunity. I never offer my kids for shooting, I get many offers but I am very careful and very picky. First they have to agree. Maybe one day they will be modelling…let’s see :)
Since your worldwide comeback, you've walked for both Vivienne Westwood & Balmain twice. Do you have any tips on how to create lasting relationships with clients? It’s important to be polite, kind, observe and listen carefully to their vision. Every shooting is like working on your PR. You have to be the best of the best!
You just walked Peter Coppings debut at Lanvin and you were photographed alongside fellow Pole Malgosia Bela for Vogue Runway. How did it feel to be a part of Lanvin's new era? Since many years I have always admired the Lanvin Maison. I remember many beautiful collections created by the legendary Alber Elbaz at the time. The story of Jeanne Lanvin is so inspiring. She comes from a very Parisian modest family, she was the eldest and she was so unique. At the age of 22 she had already opened her first hat boutique. Working with Peter Copping and casting director Pergiorgio Del Moro was a dream come true. It was Peter’s first collection for the Maison, everybody was super excited and the looks were brilliant. I was also honoured to be walking the show with Malgosia Bela, a Polish Icon. That was an unforgettable moment for me.
And finally, if you were to start modelling today, what would you do differently? I would start a bit later than 15 years old. I am so happy that the Fashion Industry has changed for the better in so many ways.
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Find more about Angelika on her instagram @angelikawierzbicka
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