What’s the most precious fashion garment you own?

Demna once gave me a T-shirt with my name on it; he’d embroidered it himself, so it feels especially meaningful.

What is special about haute couture?

The uniqueness of each piece and that it is made for a specific person – especially in light of today’s culture of obscene amounts of mass-produced garments. It
also feels more about artistry and not as directly profit driven.

Who is your fashion heroine?

It’s hard to choose just one! Kembra Pfahler, Sharon Niesp and Martina Tiefenthaler come to mind.

How did you master your runway walk?

I don’t feel like I mastered anything. During my first meeting with Demna he said, ‘Just walk like you’re walking down the street’ – so that’s what I do. It’s mostly about exuding strength and not trying too hard. I had a very different experience when I modelled in the early 2000s: I was always told I wasn’t walking well, and I was even given lessons with J. Alexander, who I think didn’t had much hope for me.

What is it like to be a haute-couture model?

It wasn’t wildly different to being a ready-to-wear model; there were just more fittings. But being part of Demna’s first-ever couture show was especially exciting; he made a transcendentally mind-blowing collection. Walking in it was different as there was no music and it took place in a simple, classical setting. Usually the Balenciaga runway is overflowing with sonic and visual stimuli, so there was a different quality to the way I felt present.

How did you meet Demna?

We first met in 2016 when he was casting his debut Balenciaga runway show. I was in art school at the time and hadn’t modelled for many years. When I opened Demna’s first Balenciaga show, I had no idea I was beginning this journey that would last for all these years, which continually inspires me and has led to so many nice relationships.

What is your first high-fashion childhood memory?

I grew up in New York City and when I was 12 I was approached by a model-agency scout. That’s when I was first exposed to fashion. I was eventually sent to Helmut Lang and did his shows a few times. The first time I visited his old atelier on Greene Street was my first experience in high fashion. I went there straight from high-school basketball practice and was still wearing my uniform.

What was it like to see clones of yourself walking that virtual Balenciaga runway?

It was fun – I was honoured to be cloned!

What does Balenciaga stand for?

For me, after all these years, it is a home away from home. I feel accepted and embraced by it. I also love the clothes so much; it provokes a lot of material desire in me!

What are you proudest of?

I feel proud and mostly just lucky that I was able to stop drinking alcohol and doing drugs 13 years ago. It probably saved my life.