FASHION MODELING
My journey as a fashion model began with a humble goal - to earn enough money for a flight ticket to Paris when I was just 18 years old. Starting at a local Slovenian agency, I quickly found myself involved in an editorial magazine photoshoot of a well known magazine, which opened the door to a world of possibilities.
However, I soon discovered the darker side of the industry, facing body-shaming and relentless pressure to give up education and commit to modeling full-time. Alongside the limited job opportunities and delayed (or unpaid) payments, I realized the importance of safeguarding my rights and independence.
There is so much more I could be talking about during this explorative and formative time, traveling through Europe on my own and experiencing my first Japanese underground parties in Paris which additionally ignited my intense interest in Japan after being a long year music admirer, but for the sake of the topic I will keep it short.
Embracing my newfound freedom and determination, I made a conscious decision to navigate the industry as a freelancer and vowed to never again sign an exclusive contract or leave my destiny to someone else.
This led me on a remarkable and adventurous journey, where I traveled throughout Europe, organising photoshoots in captivating cities such as Paris and Berlin and exploring the cities and people while traveling whenever school allowed. This truly kicked off my passion for exploring the world and its different cultures.
At the age of 20, I finally embarked on my long awaited first visit to Tokyo, immersing myself in the underground fashion scene and connecting with creative people from all walks of life. After spending months or preparations and logistical planning to travel and enjoy the intricate culture of Japan back in Europe, now being in the centre of the happening ran me over like a freight train in the most euphoric way possible! Its also when I first met (or was observed by) Jab, my future best friend, who would become pivotal to my photography and computer graphics future, and so, so much more.
The experience left an indelible mark on me, and by the following summer, I found myself returning to Japan for a one-month internship with a fashion brand. The internship not only allowed me to contribute to various photoshoots but also served as a turning point in my decision to relocate to Japan permanently.
The fashion college in Slovenia could no longer provide the level of education and organization I sought, so I took it upon myself to organize my new life in Japan. In January 2012, after months of back-and-forth travel between Europe and Japan, I finally settled in Tokyo.
This marked the beginning of an exhilarating chapter in my modeling career. As a fitting model for prestigious names like Issey Miyake, a participant in catalog shoots for boutique brands, and a runway model for renowned international labels such as Armani, I found myself immersed in the vibrant and extreme fashion landscape of Tokyo before I knew it.
Living on my own for the very first time, suddenly happily drowning in the extreme saturation of Tokyo's culture, weirdness and vibrant nightlife where I accumulated a good amount of friends from my Paris trips which made transitioning between such different lifestyles much more comfortable.
To me, the allure of a brand name was secondary to the creativity and interest of the experience itself, as well as fair compensation for my work. Embracing my role as a freelancer, I deftly navigated through Tokyo's fashion industry, collaborating with a diverse array of agencies and clients.
My days were filled with a colourful blend of activities - attending Japanese language school in the morning, changing outfits and grabbing my portfolio before embarking on a whirlwind of castings and meetings with agents, and traveling to various corners of the city for shoots and jobs.
From TV productions to shop openings, every day brought something new and exciting. I particularly cherished the creative art editorials and fashion shows I participated in for esteemed fashion schools like Vantan and Bunka, as well as the surreal and captivating visions brought to life by independent artists.
The occasional involvement in music shoots alongside Japan's biggest idols added a touch of excitement and intrigue to my journey as well as showing me the dark side of the Japanese entertainment industry and life of celebrities, which I would later painfully experience in close-up, while living in a relationship with a seasoned Japanese actor and musician as well while working for “The Godfather of Japan” some time later.
Of course, not every aspect of my modeling career was glamour and excitement. I faced challenges along the way, but it was these experiences that allowed me to evolve as a person and develop resilience. I learned to navigate through the demanding schedules, long working hours, and occasional setbacks with grace and determination. Each day brought a new lesson, a new opportunity to grow and adapt.
Looking back on my time as a fashion model, I wouldn't change a thing - unless perhaps being a little bit more self-confident and assertive.
It was a period of immense personal and professional development, where I learned to appreciate the small moments as much as the big milestones. From the humble beginnings in front of the camera to pursuing my dreams in one of the biggest and certainly craziest fashion capitals of the world, my journey shaped me into the person I am today - an individual who cherishes life's experiences, values every unique moment, and seeks out extraordinary connections in every endeavour.
Have my fashion adventures ended here? Maybe.
Or not?