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My interview with Canadian supermodel Monika Schnarre
July 16, 2008 - Follow me on Twitter
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Do you remember Canadian ex-Supermodel Monika Schnarre? Yes, you do … the name may not instantly ring a bell, but her face is unforgettable.
Monika became one of Ford Models’ youngest models to win the ‘Supermodel of the World’ competition in 1985 when she was only 14! And to top that, by 15, Monika was the youngest ever to have appeared on the cover of American Vogue and in the pages of the coveted Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
I had a chance encounter with Monika during Toronto Fashion Week and I could not resist approaching her and asking for an interview. I was thrilled beyond belief when she responded!
I met Monika at a local eatery to talk about her career, beauty tips, the modelling industry as we know it today (aka size zero models) and her views about aging in an industry that is so youth obsessed.
Just for the record, Monika is absolutely gorgeous in person. You know how you see celebrities and models in magazines only through the lens of air-brushing and then meet them in person only to be hugely disappointed? Well, that was far from being the case with Monika and from where I was sitting, it’s obvious that very little air-brushing is needed when it comes to Monika Schnarre’s photos.
Here’s what Monika had to say about being a model, beauty and aging-well:
Beauty Match: We’ve noticed a number of models who are making a comeback in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. Is this trend dictated by the need of the general public to see women who are their age sell them products or is this the decision on the part of the designers … who are aging themselves?
Monika Schnarre: It could be both… It could also be that the public likes to identify models by name and we don’t really have that with today’s younger models. We know who Cindy, Christy, Iman and Lauren Hutton are… and there is comfort in that. And, of course, women have a hard time identifying with a 16-year-old model.
Beauty Match: When you look at models on TV shows or during an event like Fashion Week, you realize how small they really are. If memory serves me correctly, models in the late 80s and 90s were bigger. I remember Cindy Crawford saying that in her 20s she was a size 8, but now that she’s modelling in her 40s, she’s a size 2 … because most of the other girls are a size zero or 2? What’s your take on the weight controversy in the modelling world?
Monika Schnarre: The weight issue in fashion these days is really alarming. And I believe that, we, the female population is to blame. Most men will tell you that they enjoy women who have curves. If we all stopped with our own obsession with being skinny — perhaps the fashion industry would follow suit.
Beauty Match: You’ve done modelling in the U.S. and in Europe, would you say there’s a difference in terms of the definition of “beauty”?
Monika Schnarre: In Europe, ethnicity and being unique are more celebrated. Americans are still stuck on the bleached blonde, bikini clad Barbie types.
Beauty Match: There’s a new trend of models starting their careers in their 60s (i.e. Valerie Ramsey), what do you think of this trend and would you continue to model until your 60s?
Monika Schnarre: Well, I would have to see what my economic situation is like at that time! I hope to be retired by then and living at a villa in Tuscany!
Beauty Match: What do you think of “silver-haired” models?
Monika Schnarre: Silver hair is really striking on certain people. I think it’s a beautiful way to embrace your age.
Beauty Match: What’s your ultimate aging-well secret?
Monika Schnarre: Take a moment every day and meditate on all the good things in your life.
I know my meeting with Monika was far too brief, but I can tell you that there is such a great energy that she puts out and it’s obvious that she’s found the perfect combination to keeping her life in check and in balance. Most importantly, I think she found a way to create a happy life for herself … no wonder she’s aging so well in her late-30s.
We want to know what you think. Do you agree? Or disagree? Leave us a comment!
Posted by Beauty Match on July 16, 2008 | Permalink
Topics: Celebrity Beauty Secrets, Celebrity Interviews |
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