MODEL
SOFIA FANEGO
Can you remember when and where you were scouted? How old were you?
I was 18 years old when I was discovered by an agent walking in the street in the capital of Buenos Aires.
What is the earliest memory of a model burnt into your mind?
My first test I did, which I just danced and tried to forget the camera in front of me.
Can you tell me an iconic model whose work you got very fascinated by? — What did you feel when looking at images of them?
I am fascinated by people who feel free and express authenticity and light. I had a shoot for Gucci with Iggy Pop and I remember how beautiful it was, seeing him as spontaneous and real in the pictures, the same like he is in his shows, FREE & FUN!
Do you think the “male gaze" is a myth?
Yes, personally it is a myth. I believe it is a myth.
What was your first fashion shoot?
It was in Buenos Aires, a show campaign with a talent team ! Still remember I had to be like a classical dancer.
What do you love most about being a model?
Today, since I am doing other projects on the side, landscaping and art, I realised being a model is a big responsibility. I love to show that I am a person who had emotions and passions, insecurity and normal states of mind.
What do you most hate about being a model?
I don't like when people treat you like "a thing" and have no respect for the profession which like any other. It is a real job!
How do people react when they find out you are a model?
Some people are fascinated because being a model looks like something unreal (travel, money, clothes, covers, campaigns) and other people think it is a low-level job without content.
What is the most common question you get asked as a model?
A common question is if I eat everything or if sometimes I don't eat or if someone makes me do strict diets. Food problems are an interesting subject to discuss in this environment.
If you would start out now what would you be doing, how would you go about // who would you work with and where would you be aiming?
I fI could start now as a model, I would show me like I am am, not trying to be anybody else, taking care of my body, physical and mental, loving myself. It is just a job. I would do all my best like I am doing in all aspects, but not suffering and not trying to be.
Statistics show that only 1 in 10 of the big money jobs i.e. womenswear- beauty and perfume campaigns are shot by women. Is there just no qualified female fashion image makers out there?
I think it is changing now... lots of female talents are taking the big jobs! Revolution!
How does it feel to be shot by a female photographer vs a male photographer — is there a difference, if so how?
I don't feel the difference today because like a woman I ask for respect and compassion if I feel uncomfortable. Talented humans have no gender... There is talented male photographers and female photographers in this industry! Impossible to compare, I like masculine and female energy in the shoots, they have different eyes and I like diversity.
What makes you feel comfortable in front of a camera?
I feel comfortable in front of a camera anytime the photographer lets me be myself.
Besides modelling what do you do?
I just finished my studies of botanic and landscaping, excited to create visual spaces with nature! I am doing art collage which are exhibited in different galleries around the world; working on a book of self portraits shot with my analogue camera and also another book with an Argentinian writer about poetry... Connecting with nature and exploring it to create beautiful things!
One says it takes 10’000 hours to become a master of a craft, how long in hours/days/years did it take you to feel like a master of a craft?
I just create everything that passes in my mind, I just do , don't think too much about it. If I feel it to expand I go deep into concepts... spontaneous things are coming from our soul, they are marvellous. Of course, time and practise make you a master but you realise after when you finally are!
Who is your female fashion image maker icon and who is your the one to watch?
Every talented woman who express herself freely is an icon for me! Recently I saw a documentary of Hilma af Klint and I had the opportunity to see her amazing show in Guggenheim in NYC, wow! She had the power in that time to show herself with total freedom.
Who is your female designer icon and who is your the one to watch?
Vivienne Westwood is an icon who inspired me a lot.
What do say about the charge that all fashion imagery is predominantly sexist?
The Fashion industry sells beautiful things (clothes, images, models, accessories and story) and everybody knows desire and sensuality is coming with this... It depends on the way we want to show it; it is not the body only sexy, nature is sexy and it can be an object of desire.
There is a big surge of feminism at the moment - do you think that will affect fashion image making?
It is affecting for sure, times of revolution.
When I look at your work as a model, my favourite images are the one we created together for the Gold Project and also the the ones Kat Irlin took of you in NY. What is yours?
Every image people took of me is unique and wonderful. I appreciate the talented people who choose me to to be part of their work! It is so interesting how the visions are so different and how an image can change the meaning and express its own world.
What qualities do you value in an agent or booker?
Be honest, be a partner, be human!
What is the most valuable piece of advice you were ever given and what advice would you have wished for earlier on in your career?
New faces; trust in yourself, be authentic, be real, be true, responsible and smart, take this opportunity to learn and do your best in every job! We are all the same!
What was your relation to design/fashion prior to modeling? Has it changed?
I am learning a lot and the interaction with talented people in this media inspired me to create my art.
