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Utah born Alison Stephens was propelled into an meteoric career in September 2007 when she opened the Prada show. The fashion world took notice and soon after she waled a string of high profile shows such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Chloé. Next Ali solidified her best newcomer face status by booking ads for Calvin Klein, Chloé, M by Missoni and Chanel cosmetics. This former cross country runner has come a long way from her home town of Salt Lake City and with her strong views on the industry (she refuses to loose weight on the whims of designers) and environmental ideals for which she publicly campaigns she is an unique face amongst the new faces in fashion. We are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this american stunner, we know whatever lies ahead will be fierce. Read our exclusive interview....
How did you get started in the modeling business?
Ali:
I was scouted at a mall when I was 16 by a local agency that works with Elite in New York. I signed with them and then 5 days after I headed to Milan. Later on Elite introduced me to Model Management in Hamburg.
Did you ever think you'd be doing this?
Ali:
No! Growing up I was always the really skinny, tall and awkward looking girl who wanted to be a marine biologist. I never dreamed I could be doing this, so my whole career is a sweet surprise.
What do you like most about modeling? What do you like least?
Ali:
What I like the most is being able to transform into different characters that I wouldn't get the opportunity to be in real life. It's so much fun playing a fifties schoolgirl one day to a sexy bombshell the next.
My least favorite thing is the traveling all the time and living in airports. I hate being away from my family because I am very close to all my siblings, so I make it a point to go home at least once a month.
Have you encountered any surprises along the way?
Ali:
Yes, too many to count. I never know where I am going to be 3 days out so I am always surprised.
What has been your most awkward moment (of your modelling career)?
Ali:
I am a bit of a clutz, so I've had a few awkward moments. I tend to trip a lot. On a shoot two days ago, I tripped over a lamp that had fallen on the ground that I didn't see!
Have you developed any new interests since you started modelling?
Ali:
Lots! I've really grown into who I am through my experience modeling. I was never interested in fashion before and had no knowledge of it at all. But now I enjoy shopping and finding nice pieces.
What are your favourite things to do in your free time?
Ali:
I'm quite a tomboy so I play sports with my brothers like football and skateboard when I'm home. I love going to movies and hanging out with my friends. I also intern at Oceana, which is an ocean preservation organization, on my days off.
Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable?
Ali:
I will always remember shooting the Chloe campaign in the Dominican Republic, because it was a dream come true being able to go to a beautiful island, as I had never been to one before.
Do you have a mentor? Who? What is it about them that affects you? Why?
Ali:
My dad is my mentor. Ever since I was a little girl, he's always given me the best advice and I've always been a daddy's girl.
My mom is also, as she travelled with me the first 2 years of my career and taught me a lot.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? What could be your next career?
Ali:
I have no idea! But my passion for marine biology and ocean preservation I am sure will be a big part of my future.
What are your best beauty secrets? How do you stay in shape?
Ali:
I try to get lots of sleep and I don't go out much because I don't think it is a very healthy environment. I also do transcendental meditation which is my number one beauty and anti-stress secret. I go to the gym in the winter but go run in Central Park when the weather is warm and swim a lot. I also enjoy tai chi and yoga for keeping your body in balance.
What would you want people to know about you?
Ali:
Hocus Pocus is my all time FAVORITE movie and halloween is my favorite holiday.
Any advice for new models? What advice would you give other models starting out?
Ali:
Make sure it is what you really want to do, because you need lots of determination and motivation and sacrifice to achieve your goals.
Favourite all-time model:
Ali:
Gisele.
Favourite fashion designer:
Ali:
I love Isabel Marant and Givenchy is my favorite for shoes.
Favourite kind of food:
Ali:
Typical Utah food...meatloaf and potatoes.
Favourite kind of music:
Ali:
I don't have a favorite kind. I listen to everything from pop and hip hop to heavy metal and classic rock.
What are your favourite 3 songs at the moment?:
Ali:
Alltime favourite songs are
My favorite 3 are Black or White by Michael Jackson, Metallica For Whom The Bell Tolls, and Fire by Jimi Hendrix.
Favourite quote:
Ali:
"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, there is a rapture on the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea and music in its roar; I love not man the less, but Nature more; from these our interviews, in which I steal, From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel, What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal." - Lord Byron
I'd like to meet:
Ali:
Shia LaBeouf
If I were trapped on an island I'd take:
Ali:
My laptop, my sister, and a very cute swimsuit.
Thank you Ali for this great interview!
Special thanks to Pat from Model Management! :-)
note: all answers are original and unaltered
view Ali's profile
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