Model of the Week: Anastasia Jovanovich
Each week, we take the time to highlight one of our favorite emerging models. Previously, we profiled Australian beauty Samantha Fendall this week we're turning our attention to Anastasia Jovanovich. The Hamburg native has been making a name for herself in fashion pursuing an international modeling career. Not to be boxed in, she represents the next phase of the German wave set to rock the industry.
With her striking looks and statuesque personality, her career is on the come up and the promising model is destined for greatness and looks set to sign big campaign contracts. We caught with Anastasia to talk about her career so far, her passion for modeling and her plans for the future.
Nationality: German
Instagram: anaxjovana
Have you always wanted to be a model? If not, what did you want to be growing up?
Actually, I have always wanted to be a doctor and I was fortunate enough to start studying right after school. Since I'm around 14 though when I started watching the VSFS and saw Adriana Lima just being a self-confident goddess, and then Candice Swanepoel and so on...I knew that's what I wanted to be. Little did I know I had to wait for puberty to pass me to actually be able to start doing it. I've since then been very passionate about modeling and still am today. I remodeled my life so that I could do modeling full time and hope to combine both my passions soon. On Instagram, I created the hashtag #brainfoodwithana to show people that I am more than just a passionate model.
How were you scouted?
I got contacted by my agency via Instagram after using their scouting hashtags. Funnily I had been to a casting to the agency half a year before and they told me to come back when I had lost some cm off my hip (I was always one to have a good booty). And as life wanted it - when I got texted, I actually was in super good shape after focusing on workout and a healthy lifestyle during semester break. When living in the library it wasn't all that easy for me.
How would you describe yourself as a model in three words?
"Mitdenkend" - in terms of aware/thinking with you, goofy, ambitious
Your first modeling job?
Was for a small German brand in the south of Germany in February. I had a long journey in the morning, and I got there not knowing they wanted to shoot outside. It was freezing but they were very sweet and organized a heater for me. It was the real model life right there...
What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model?
I see modeling a little like acting. Sure, when you do e-commerce there's not much room for creativity but when you get the chance to be part of an amazing magazine shoot or runway show - there's always a theme that the designer or photographer wants to portray. You can kind of slip into a role for a day and explore yourself every time. So, it's not unusual for me to see models turning actresses. As models, we are just in a silent movie and the challenging part is to express emotions and make the viewer feel something only through your body language and eyes.
Is there anyone that you admire as a role model and why?
I actually never had any role models, but I get inspired by people. It can be someone with an astonishing aura or knowledge. I also get inspired by history. One of my favorites is Alexander the Great and his thirst not only for power but to reach the ends of the world. Aristotle who invented Science in a time where knowledge was valued but religion was everything people relied on. Marie Curie who has been one tough and smart cookie in a world dominated by men, sexualized even though her cognitive capabilities exceeded some of her peers. It's always someone who lived an extraordinary life. Because that's what I am aiming for. The non-normal, exceeding expectations and crossing borders known to us.
What's been your biggest OMG moment to date?
One summer during school break my grandma got really excited about me wanting to study medicine so she arranged for me to work alongside doctors at a surgical clinic. I was really not up to it since I had some better things in mind to do during summer break and I knew I never wanted to get into surgery but I love her dearly and I just thought I'd do her the favor. In the end, she did me the biggest favor of my life. For one week I was just there in the emergency room, during post-op talks and lunch breaks. Until on my last day, they decided to send me to the OR. From the moment I entered the surgical ward, I was just ecstatic. My mind that was going for a pediatric therapist was making a 180-degree turn and from that moment on I knew I wanted to become a surgeon. It hasn't changed since and I've done some 3 years of work in surgery already.
What is your dream shoot/campaign?
Up until now it has been the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and despite the criticism, I still feel that way but we don't know yet where it is heading. Another dream would be one of those epic perfume campaigns like Candice Swanepoel did for Dahlia Givenchy or the ever-fabulous Charlize Theron for Dior or the recent badass Olympea Paco Rabbane commercials. I love the illusion created around the product and the effort the whole team has to put in it to make it that mesmerizing. Walking past a perfume store and seeing yourself on a big screen in a fantasy world has to be an incredible feeling.
Biggest lesson that modeling has taught you?
To not always be as blunt as I can be. I always tend to say what is on my mind which not only in modeling is a good lesson but also for life. Sometimes it is just better to stay calm and let people do what they do.
What's the best life advice you've ever received?
Comparison is the thief of joy.
How do you stay in shape?
Exercising is a big part of it because I feel like your whole mentality changes when you stay active. You automatically want to live healthily. And staying in shape is actually that simple: just be healthy. I do love chocolate and I do love Pizza and I do eat it but it all has to be the right measure. Obesity doesn't come from nothing - so does staying in shape.
What do you think about fashion? What does it mean to you?
I've always been interested in fashion. Since I was 6 years old, I would design clothes and have some notes next to it so that people would understand my not so talented drawings. Since I also love history, I am fascinated by the changes that fashion made over the centuries. I wish we still would all wear dresses sometimes haha. But to me, it says a lot about a person, what they think about themselves and how they want to be perceived. It can be a shield, or it can be an exclamation mark. It can be a statement and it can be political. With fashion really everything is possible. When I think I look good I automatically feel good. People tend to be more productive when wearing a suit to work. Uniforms express authority. Fashion is powerful.
If you had to be head to toe in one designer brand for the rest of your life, which would it be?
I think Balmain. Olivier understands that women want to be feminine, but we don't need flowers to express that. Just because we're feminine, doesn't mean we can't also be strong, cool, energetic and powerful.
How would you describe your style?
I don't think I have one particular style since I love to dress up, be a vamp, be sexy at times or just be cool. But on a regular day it's casual. Jeans, a print shirt and sneakers or boots. Oh, and Jumpsuits. I love them. So easy and comfy.
Denim or leather?
Denim for sure.
Heels or flats?
Depends on the mood. But yes, mostly I wear just sneakers.
Vintage or contemporary fashion?
I think that recently that has become one. Contemporary fashion keeps on looking back in time for inspiration and I am here for it.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate croissants and Crepes with Nutella. Ask anyone - they can confirm
What's been your most indulgent purchase since you became a model?
I actually never have bought myself expensive stuff. But to move to Hamburg in order to model full time has been the most expensive cost. Also, only possible through modeling.
If you were an emoji, which would you be and why?
People nowadays see themselves as emojis? Never thought about it ...
When you're not busy modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I am a workaholic so I will be helping my husband with his brand or I organize stuff, come up with new concepts for restaurants or apps. Of course, I also love to read - it's part of being a medical student and since I have a study break at the moment I actually enjoy studying.
What are you working on now and what do you dream of happening in the future?
I came up with an App that I feel would revolutionize the modeling industry and I am quite passionate about it and it would be amazing to have my own brand like Candice Swanepoel for example. I have many ideas! Fashion, cosmetics but also restaurants and hotels. Let's see. I also hope to inspire young generations to not only pay attention to what's on the outside but also on the inside. Intelligence is sexy! I dream of becoming the first model on a Vogue cover who's becoming a doctor. And eventually being one along with being a successful model. Too much to dream for. Maybe. But if I don't try, I already lost.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
Being part of a generation that's living nearly 100% sustainable and in unison with the world around us.
Living all around the world with my husband, our cute dog, and 3 kids. Being a successful (VS) model and having finished my medical degree. Being active in charity and actively helping people around me. Also, I'd love to buy my grandparents a house and finally be the one who pays back my parents and parents in law all that they deserve.
Check out Anastasia's profile here and check back next week to find out who our next 'Model of the Week' is.
Thank you, Anastasia, for taking the time to talk with us!
Interview by Clinton Gonsalvez
Special Thanks to David Scheicho and Cindy Klein @ Modelwerk (Hamburg).
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