Patricia van der Vliet - model of the month - Sept

Hailing from the Netherlands, Patricia van der Vliet would have never guessed she would have the success she is having today in the fashion world. After her participation in Holland's Next Top Model, the 5'10.5" beauty was immediately signed with some of the best agencies in the industry, and opened Louis Vuitton and closed Balenciaga during her Paris fashion week debut.
With various top campaigns already on her resume, expect many more great things from this Dutch stunner.


How did you get started in the modeling business?
Patricia: I joined a Dutch TV show called Holland's Next Top Model. After making my appearance on that I got signed with an agency in Holland. And from there on everything went really fast.

Did you ever think you'd be doing this?
Patricia: Absolutely not. I wished. But I never thought that it would be possible. You should know that not a single agency in Holland was willing to sign me. I've been trying ever since I was 14!

What do you like most about modeling? What do you like least?
Patricia: I love being in front of the camera. Getting to play a different character with the crazy (sometimes experimental) hair and make up. And using my body as an art project. That's what makes it work for me. The thing I like the least is all the bullshit surrounding it. I'm too down to earth for that. I'm in it for the creativity.

Have you encountered any surprises along the way?
Patricia: I don't really know you're definition of a surprise. But ehrm.. opening the Louis Vuitton a/w 10 show?.. And I did the closing of Balenciaga 2 times in a row. Such an honor. And ending up at all this amazing places all over the world of course. Keeps me speechless every time and realizing how blessed I am at the same time.

What has been your most awkward moment of your modelling career?
Patricia: That was during the BCBG MaxAzria fitting. I had one of my famous "blonde moments". They putted me in this black two layered see through dress and the designer said: I don't like that underwear, take that off. I was like oohhh okay.. I guess.. So I went back into the dressing room thinking about this awkward request for a sec, and then I was like ok, what the hell.
So I took my undies of and went back. When they saw me the designer said: now why is she still in that underwear? Me: Uhhh.. I took it off… Then they finally realized I actually took off my undies instead of the first layer of the dress. Which they reffered to as underwear. I felt sooo stupid and turned really red. But we all had shared a great laugh. After that I always double check what people mean by "underwear". Just in case.. :-P

Have you developed any new interests since you started modelling?
Patricia: Yes, fashion! You should have seen me 2 years ago. I was such a tomboy. I'm really interested in styling and photography know of course. Just cause I'm surrounded by it so much.

What are your favourite things to do in your free time?
Patricia: Hanging out with friends, watching movies, going out, shopping, taking a looonnngggg bath, getting mani/pedicures and massages. But also skype'ing with my family.

Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable?
Patricia: For now LA. Just because I'm such a big fan of The Hills. It was incredible seeing all those places and venues with my own eyes. And those humongous billboards everywhere, wow..
Not even mentioning all the super tanned/toned/full of plastic surgery people. So surreal.. But I have a really cool trip to China coming up in a couple of days so that might beat the LA experience.

Do you have a mentor? Who? What is it about them that affects you? Why?
Patricia: Yfke Sturm. But she's more like a big sister who I look up to rather than a mentor. She's so beautiful and such an amazing person inside and outside. And she's in this industry for so long already. So she must be doing something good. ;-) She's always inspiring me and giving me great advice.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? What could be your next career?
Patricia: Hopefully still modeling and god knows what else. I really don't think about it that much. I'm more the adventurous type. I love not knowing what's coming my way. And on top of that things never seem to work out the way they're planned any way.
Therefore it's way better to live your life to the fullest. Rather just hop on that roller coaster ride and see wherever it may take you. Instead of trying visualize everything already. Such a waste of energy in my opinion.

What are your best beauty secrets? How do you stay in shape?
Patricia: Just watch whatever you put in your mouth. You'll see the results of it in your body shape. That's why I cut out a lot of things in my food pattern. Such as: white bread, rice, meat, pastas and any kind of treat. Now my daily treat is a Jamba Juice or a beverage from Starbucks. Only the 90 calories counting light versions of course. ;) On top of that I just work out as much as possible. I always do a bunch of different classes and exercises. It confuses your metabolism and makes your body burn more calories!

What would you want people to know about you?
Patricia: Nothing really. It's way more interesting if they just try and get to know me personally.

Any advice for new models? What advice would you give other models starting out?
Patricia: If you're sure you really want this (for whatever reason) then don't give up. Just do whatever is in your power to accomplish your goals. If you be the best you possible could, I found there is no way you can't succeed. You just have to make an effort.

Favourite all-time model?
Patricia: Can I also name two? :) Raquel Zimmermann and Daria Werbowy

Favourite fashion designer:
Patricia: I have multiple! Alexander Wang, Valentino, Chanel, Jason Wu, Celine, Rodarte, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, Prada, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy

Favourite kind of food:
Patricia: Sushi!!!!

Favourite kind of music:
Patricia: House music! I can't live without. But I also really love R&B and Hiphop.

What are your favourite 3 songs at the moment?:
Patricia: Swedish House Mafia Ft. Pharell - One (Your Name)
TV Rock Ft. Rudy - In The Air (Axwell Remix)
Afrojack Ft. Eva Simmons - Take Over Control

Favourite quote:
Patricia: Live your life to the fullest.

I'd like to meet:
Patricia: Lady Gaga

If I were trapped on an island I'd take:
Patricia: This is a really bad, yet honest answer.. I would bring my Blackberyy + charger. (And yes, I count that that as one item. :p) As long as I have that with me I'm fine. Just been through one weekend without. What a nightmare! I'm literally nowhere without that thing. I admit it, I'm a bb addict. Did they opened a BB rehab centre already?? :-P

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