Are there any historic figures that you profoundly identify with?
“Actually, I think so. Since I was about 7 years old I began to idolize Pocahontas. I have plenty of memories (and family home videos haha) of me in her Disney apparel, day in and out, barefoot and singing Colors of the Wind. I recall channeling her, reminding those I saw to respect nature and of universal love. Whether or not the romanticized version of Pocahontas that I envisioned based on the Disney idol is the real Powhatan doesn't matter. To me she always represented my love and respect for every life form in the physical macrocosm.”
What makes you laugh uncontrollably?
“Nothing in particular. I should just laugh more anyways. I am usually pretty serious.”
How would you describe your personal style?
“My personal style has been changing considerably since I started playing in the fashion business. I am guilty of resorting to comfort clothes at times, wearing the same cashmere sweater, but I like a feel of sophistication and femininity in my clothing. I love more womanly clothes especially wardrobes inspired by styles around the 1930's. Clothing felt more elegant, romantic and delicate. Style preferences change, but I always feel in my element when I take pieces I like and make it my own. I really love how fashion is so expressive.”
What are your last thoughts prior to stepping out onto the runway?
“No thoughts really. That is what I think I like best about the runway, being able to perform is something that puts you in the moment. Thoughts and noise go away, you really get to live what you are doing.”
What is your most prized value in others?
“Sincerity.”
What is your most prized value in yourself?
“The two questions go hand-in-hand. What I look for most in others is what should have as a prominent quality in myself.”
What do you consider to be your “big break”?
“I had a long, quiet interest in modeling. Having Chantale [Nadeau] discover me would have to be my biggest break so far. I consider myself new and only making small waves at this time. I don't have any major covers or opened shows yet. Chantale really helped get my image out there at the beginning. With her I was able to break in and get an amazing agency, and have her as an amazing mentor. At a good pace I am being able to do with modeling what I want. I still thank her for continuing to be there and constantly helping step up my career and potential.”
Do you believe in luck?
“I believe everything has a place in the universe; a potential and a path. Things will happen as they do, but it sure feels lucky when they are good! Luck is a power of attraction. Therefore, I like to think I am lucky. I most certainly feel blessed.”
Do you prefer runway, campaign, or editorial work?
“They are apples and oranges to me. When a show or a shoot has lots of talent as well as an organized production I feel like I enjoy my work environment the most.”
What do you least admire about the fashion industry?
“I do not like how everything is so unknown. There is never a yes or no, a black or white. It is the most fickle job I could imagine at times. You really just have to learn to roll with it.”
What have you learned about yourself through this no doubt challenging work?
“Just the same, I learn more through myself by my trials. I feel like a homebody at heart. I love to have a set life to cook, clean, sleep, shower, workout etc. all in a somewhat scheduled manner. I like my control, haha. Well, despite my more critical nature this job gets me out of my shell. I equally love new things, I am not all that serious! I have been able to grow as a person when I am out my comfort zone. Traveling all the time and having no concept of tomorrow can be easily perceived as stress. Work provides the opportunity to master the art of decompressing and ultimately learn more about myself.”
How do you keep yourself occupied while traveling?
“I spend a good amount of time reading and playing crossword puzzles when I wish to enjoy the time. More than doing something "entertaining" I often find myself either thinking about issues, joys, dreams etc., and then to the opposite, not thinking. Traveling feels stressful at times so I feel the need to decompress quite often. Focusing on breathing, for example, makes me feel better.”
Is it difficult to find vegetarian options while traveling abroad? How do you - in the words of Tim Gunn - “make it work”?
“I do not focus on what I can and cannot eat. There are a large variety of commodities sold that wouldn't interest me as food, processed products and meats alike. After many years without animal foods I recently transitioned to eating fish and eggs to enhance my diet. The lack of animal foods in my life became a threat to my health. My reason for eating vegan wasn't about killing animals. I feel both plants and animals have life, either way I am going to respect the life that I consume for my own. I traditionally prepare everything I eat in a day myself to eat organic and sustainable foods, save money and ultimately know that I am going to enjoy my meal. Getting fresh foods is hard, but without them I know I don't feel my best. I usually have a lunch kit on me. There still are great restaurants that serve a menu of organic and sustainable foods, but on a working day it is very useful to have my homemade goodies to keep my day rolling.”
Besides an organic diet, how do you maintain your radiant complexion? Do you have a specific beauty ritual?
“Simply balance. Maintaining a good relationship with important things in life (family, myself, friends, food, organics, water, sleep, sport) takes credit for radiance in my life. My best beauty rituals are the ones that contribute to my happiness. Meditating is great! I am able to reflect inward and change perception. I feel more connected to everything around me. That glows. A good relationship with life works.”
Are you an avid cook?
“Am I ever! A subject of great interest to me is Food Politics. I have a great interest in the reaching impacts of food in society, which I find in America seems to be a symptomatic lack of. Food has become such a commodity. I love gardening, whole foods and greatly promote a real relationship with the things that sustain us in life. I have a great respect for the whole things I eat. Cooking and actively living "green" make me feel more connected to everything that is alive. Being so passionate about it I can see myself in the future making a greater impact on societies dwindling relationship with such an important thing.”
What is your favorite meal of the day?
“Perhaps lunch. I usually eat the most around midday and the afternoon. Recently I am having a big thing for anything to match with avocados. I know I like to eat local but I love those suckers! Can't win them all I suppose.”
You come across as an extraordinary independent learner; is there anything that you have learned through your work that would have otherwise been impossible to discover in the classroom?
“I never felt like I have learnt anything great in a classroom. It is true that I have always been a more independent learner, going through my notes and understanding concepts on my own. That aside, classroom studies do not teach emotional intelligence or street smarts. I work in a business where I am a baby in comparison to most of my coworkers. I have an opportunity to learn about and experience life, and mature more in a real world. It is fast paced but a great ride overall.”
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement thus far?
“I am just proud of how much I feel like I am improving as a person the more I get into this. With or without this job I would develop no doubt, but modeling has provided opportunities that a 'regular' life could never offer. I feel like I have achieved so much in learning from and accomplishing what I set out for each day.”
Do you ascribe to a particular life philosophy?
“Simply put, balance.”
Are there any organizations that are close to your heart?
“I am supportive of organizations such as local farmers markets, boutique grocers and stores on a daily basis. I am not part of any foundations in particular but simply supporting and living a lifestyle that is sustainable matters to me. If I lived in one location I would love subscribe to a local CSA for example, but alas I am on a plane almost weekly. How contradictory. The airlines I fly claim to be ‘greener’.”
What do you consider to be the most widespread misconception about models?
“I get asked two questions the most, 'So you are like America's Next Top Models?' and 'Do you get to eat food?' No comment. I hope the answers are obvious enough, haha.”
A very sincere thank you to the delightful & beautiful Simona for taking valuable time out of her teeming (and fascinating) schedule- as well as for her exceptionally heartfelt, astute responses!
bunny BISOUS
xx jf
Exclusive portraits of Simona by the brilliant Alice Larkin Lancaster!
![oversize jacket [inspiration] collage](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/2451792736_d23bfb8c27.jpg)
