Couture dreams in Numero China 2010

Dream…

And don’t rush to wake up…

Photo source: Numero #1 China September 2010 (photography: Tiziano Magni; styling: Joseph Carle)

Read more »

Karlina Caune: the story so far

When Karlina Caune smiles, it’s like honey being poured over your heart. Her beauty is mesmerising and the warmth she radiates melts you down to the core. Then, in a matter of minutes, she is on a runway – distant, mysterious, looking into your soul with her gorgeous sparkling eyes, teasing and seducing. Her exquisite beauty won hearts of the agents who chose Karlina for the Ford model competition, the judges who put gorgeous teen on the top of the pedestal and then – practically every fashion designer under the sun, from Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock of Vena Cava, Jenni Kayne, Behnaz Sarafpour, Mona Kowalska of A Détacher, Tory Burch and Georgina Chapman of Marchesa who booked the beautiful Latvian for their Fall 2010 shows to Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld, Peter Copping, Giambattista Valli, Jason Wu, Kinder Aggugini, Christopher Bailey, Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs (for both Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton), Erdem, Emma Hill, Christopher Kane and many more. She walked for Chloe, Chanel, Mulberry, Etro, MaxMara, Versace, Blumarine, Marni, Missoni, Nina Ricci, Carve, Rochas, Sonia Rykiel, Vionnet, Roland Mouret, Burbery Prorsum, Carolina Herrera, Roberto Cavalli, graced pages of Vogue, W, Numero, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel and Elle and became a face of Akris, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Just Cavalli, Rebecca Taylor, Strenesse Blue, Sportmax, Jil Sander and Givenchy.

And despite this impressive CV, the girl I meet is the sweetest, down to earth, nature loving philosopher. She is constantly on the move, waking up and falling asleep on different continents, getting through the busy schedule and yet, when I ask for an interview, she finds time, generously shares some of her childhood photos and thanks me for the opportunity. And just like that, sentence by sentence, her story unfolds before my eyes…

Katrina (or Kate as her friends call her) was born in Riga, the capital of Latvia, but the family soon moved to Jelgava where the little girl and her three sisters grew up. “The town on the river” and the connecting link between Latvia and Lithuania, Jelgava was the best of both worlds, combining the history and nature with the buzz of the modern city.

Unlike many girls who dream of being on a runway, modelling wasn’t exactly on Katrina’s list until the day her phone rang. The agent who caught her off guard during the Youth Guard training, informed the girl that she was chosen for the Ford Model competition. It turned out that the girls cousin sent an application form for her and before she knew it, 15-year old Katrina Caune was whisked away to Sao Paolo and won the top prize. A few months later, she was booked for her first fashion shows and editorial, and became Karlina. Two years on, aged 17, the young model was signed up by Viva Model Management. From this moment her career took a very different and more serious course. In just two short years she made it to the top 50 models.

“Fashion business calls me by my other name. That’s kinda cool, because there're too many Kates and Katrinas, but I am the only KARLINA.”

What happened after the competition?

Not much. I was too young and it wasn’t my time yet, I travelled, did some jobs here and there, but nothing really at the same time.

Did you ever think of modelling before you got approached?

No, not at all. I kinda knew what modelling was, but never came to the point that I would be interested in taking part in it.  I guess, it just wasn’t at the top of my interest at that point.

What was the main reason to become a model?

I always liked jumping into new things. I guess, traveling the world and seeing what time brings you were the main things that excited me. As I like to say - never look back, just forward. Never say no, say - why not.

What did your parents say about your choice for a job?

My parents are really happy, because I am happy in my work. They always wanted me to do what I feel happy doing and I like, rather then pushing me into something fully opposite my interests.

“Family is my backbone and most important over everything. Without them, I am nothing.”

Who is your biggest fan?

My grandmother. She's been collecting every single magazine I've been in.

What do you like the most about being a model?

What I love the most is the gift of meeting new people and never sitting in one place, I always wanted a job where I can be in the movement. 

Where do you find the energy and how do you recharge?

I've been always a nature kid. I love nature and spending my time off work enjoying raw beauty. Big city rhythm is great for work and it inspires to move your ass and do something, yet its very exhausting, at least for me.

Models are constantly judged by other models, designers and public - how do you deal with that?

I don’t deal with the judgement of others, I just don’t care. I believe criticism is a good thing in correct amounts, but only if it comes from people who give it to you for unselfish reasons, like family.

You walked pretty much for every big designer - was there a show that felt like a career height?

There wasn't one particular show what felt like career height. It all came together, working with top designers, make up artists, hair stylists & biggest models in the business. Just being a part of it is amazing, if you think how many girls would kill for the possibility I have. Appreciate everything.

You also became a face of several big campaigns including Tom Ford, Stella McCartney and most recent Givenchy - how did you feel when you got chosen?

Very honoured, they could have any girl they want, but they picked me.

“Being a part of it is amazing. Appreciate everything.”

In just over two years you became one of the most sought after models - what do you think makes a model so successful?

Personality, self-esteem, being in the right place in the right time.

Do you believe there's an element of luck involved in the process?

I believe its pure luck.

Your perception of life sounds quite philosophical…

You are on the right track. I believe in karma and that everything what goes around must come around. I love reading post-war literature – it’s very deep and rough, but makes you understand and appreciate everything what comes your way.

What is the most important lesson about this profession and the industry you have leant so far?

You have to stand for and take care of yourself. If you won’t do that, no one will.

***

6 things about Karlina

Words that best describe you… Sarcastic, adventurous life-loving loner.

Who did you want to be when you were 5?

I don’t remember precisely, most probable a candy shop owner, fireman, princess, McGyver.

Favourite quote

Forget past indiscretions, and stolen possessions. You're high. In the cold light.

Favourite childhood memory

Cooking breakfast while my mum was still sleeping, and seeing that face expression when I announced  -  I cook, you clean. Priceless.

Favourite song/band

Another question on what I can not answer with a single answer, I love listening to good old Rolling Stones, Chilli Peppers and newer - Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, Kings of Leon.

Favourite dessert

Waffles! The thin and crispy ones my mummy makes!

 

Contact: Viva Model Management London / @VivaLondon_

 

Photo source: Chloe Fall 2013 backstage, childhood photos c/o Karlina Caune, Vogue UK October 2012 (photography: Boo George, styling: Charlotte Pilcher), Akris Campaign 2012 (photography: Karim Sadli, styling: Spela Lenarcic), Vogue Turkey August 2012 (photography: Jem Mitchell, styling: Konca Aykan), Vogue Paris September 2013 (photography: David Bellemere, styling: Capucine Safyurtlu), Chanel Resort 2013 backstage, Black No 19 2013 (photography: Michael Schwartz, styling: Aeri Yun), Elle France February 2012 (photography John Akehurst, make-up: Jurgen Braun, hair: Olivier Lebrun), backstage and runway photos via stylebistro.com and style.com.

 

Read more »

Stylish quote

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

Coco Chanel

 

Photo source: Chanel Spring/Summer 2009 campaign

Read more »

Making Chanel couture

Last night, just before I fell asleep, I watched Chanel Couture and then dreamed beautiful dreams. Oh, those dresses… These are the ones I would collect if I was among those 5 per cent of the world population.

You see, I believe that in the last hundred or so years there have been very few art forms worth falling in love with. Couture is definitely one of them – it moves me beyond tears, especially when seeing it in the making.

Call me naive, but don’t you think every dress should come with a list containing the names of all petite mains involved in the production? Sort of like movie credits…

And while we are on the subject of Chanel. How gorgeous are those rings? Such a charming and delicate touch…

 

Read more »

Equestrian fashion

Let the title play a sweet trick with your mind. Feel free to jump between the lines. Today we are not going to talk about a trend that seems to never go out of fashion, the Balenciaga hats circa 2006, Givenchy feline hybrids from 2011, Ralph Lauren jackets or Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2012 campaign. We won’t even discuss the comfort of Dubarry boots favoured among those country, horse and hound loving folks who have to get out there whatever the weather.

A bit of trivia about those boots before I continue. Since the company is based in Ireland, I thought that the brand name would be of an Irish origin, too. After all, it sounds Irish. Surprisingly, “Dubarry” came from Madame du Barry, a famous French courtesan – a decision made to differentiate the company from other Irish brands and make it sound more European. Not sure if the European strategy worked, but the blend if history and fashion did indeed make me smile.

But enough about that – I realise some of you might be nodding off by now…

The whole idea for this post was inspired by my ode to poodles. I adore creature-focused posts very much and always wanted to continue the series, but somehow it took me a while.

I chose horses. They are my unicorns – beautiful, mysterious, graceful and absolutely fascinating. I was obsessed with them as a child, but never really got a chance to meet a horse “in person” and touch it until I moved countries.

English country side and horses are inseparable. You see these stunning animals wandering in the fog covered fields, protected from the chill and rain by cosy turnout rugs, and then, as soon as the first rays of sunshine laser-cut the clouds – happily galloping through the woods leaving a haze of powdery dust behind, like a memory of a miracle that you just happened to witness.

Photo source: Vogue Germany February 2011, Amica August 2012, Vogue Paris November 2005, Vogue Paris May 2013, Grazia Italia 2011, Vogue UK June 2004, Vogue US October 2004, Vogue US September 2003, Chanel campaign F/W 2009, Vogue US September 2005, Elle Russia July 2011, W May 2002, Harper’s Bazaar US August 2010, Qvest 2010, C Magazine Spring 2012 via FGR, Vogue US May 1994, Vogue US April 2010, Grazia Italia September 2011 via FGR, Marie Claire Germany 2002, Harper’s Bazaar UK August 2012, Vogue Italia March 2008, Allure US August 1999, Vogue Japan May 2013

Read more »

Blogging resumes tomorrow

I wish I was somewhere hot, dressed in Chanel and Ferragamo, relaxing under a shadow courtesy of Chanel… Frankly, right now I’d be happy if I could just take time off and relax, no phone, no PC, nothing… Just a comfy pillow, blanket or massive cardigan. It’s been a pretty busy time for me, so I decided to take a day off from blogging. I know you’ll understand. Back tomorrow, fresh as a daisy (one can only hope).

 

Photo source: Elle Italy April 2007

Read more »

Trends 2013: spring crops

This spring the skirts are getting longer and longer while the trousers seem to be doing exactly the opposite. The exposed ankle was seen on many runways this season making cropped trousers the Trend hero of Spring/Summer 2013.

They may be desirable and a must-have, but the crops should definitely come with a caution on the label because some can be unforgiving, emphasising on what we’d rather hide and making 98% of us look shorter.

The good news is that we are no longer limited to cigarette style trousers a la Parisienne (the look I personally adore the most), but any shape imaginable, so it’s easy to find the perfect pair.

Go for higher waisted versions in order to lengthen the legs, wide and boy’ish to create a straight line and visually change the silhouette, or boot-cut without side pockets – to balance the wider hips. Be careful with tapered trousers and remember to wear heels, the fashion’s simplest trick to longer-looking pins.

Here I will be sticking with my trusted long-term friends – Patrizia Pepe wide straight black and white Gingham pair that may be a hundred years old, but is just lovely (and very much loved) and recently bought Whistles tailored black cigarettes for colder days.

What about you?

Alberta Ferretti. Cacharel, Phillip Lim, Philosophy Spring/Summer 2013

Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Rachel Zoe, Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer 2013

Paola Frani, Daks, Etro, Fendi Spring/Summer 2013

Tracey Reese, 1A Classe Alviero Martini, Tibi, Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 2013

Vanessa Bruno, Carven, Saint Laurent, Chloe Spring/Summer 2013

 

Photo source: Vogue US May 2011, elle.com

Read more »