Each week, we take the time to highlight one of our favorite emerging models. Previously, we profiled Lisa NG and this week we're turning our attention to Caterina Ferioli. With her strong features and hypnotic gaze, the Bologna native is part of a new generation of Italian talent. Graceful and cool with a gamine presence, the rising star is impossible to ignore. We caught up with her to talk about her career so far, her passion for modeling and her plans for the future.
Nationality: Italian
Instagram: feriolicaterina
Have you always wanted to be a model? If not, what did you want to be growing up?
I always wanted to be a model, but I thought it was impossible and super hard to achieve due to the fact that I used to leaf through many magazines, and I looked up to all the models I saw as celebrities and I thought it was impossible to achieve this goal. With the passing of time, I started discovering the world of modeling, and I become very interesting, and I become obsessed with it. I'm also interested in psychology and the story or the marketing behind fashion and I want to continue the study for sure in these fields, if possible, in Milan obviously.
How were you scouted?
I was scouted by my mother agency Women by Marie Claire's casting that took place in OVS store in Bologna. That day I didn't really know what the casting purpose was, but I decided to run at the store, and I found out about women management once I was called for two days of shoot, in fact I didn't know how castings properly work or things like that. I had done something before this occasion but not even seriously and for my mom's friends who need model for their campaigns. I didn't expect to be scouted and call in the agency, about six months later I was part of women.
How would you describe yourself as model in three words?
I'm determined to my goals, funny and focused. I always try to bring a little joy to the set, and I think it's such an important thing to empathize with your photographer, artistic director, makeup artist and all the troupe.
Your first modeling job?
I had not even signed up with a modeling agency and I had a shooting for some orthopedic shoes, my photos with them were on a lot of magazines, but I was 14-15 years old. After, when I signed up with my mother agency, I had my first experience for an e-commerce with such lovely people that continue to call me when they need a model, and that's amazing.
What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model?
I love the work environment, the professional people I have around and the way they treat me as a model, because I worked and continue to work so hard to being a better model and I love when clients are extremely happy for what I've done.
Is there anyone that you admire as a role model and why?
I love and admire every model because I think this work asks such a huge passion, but especially I've always admired Kaia Gerber. She's so nice, she's interested in everything and when she's working, I can see her passion and her dedication.
What's been your biggest OMG moment to date?
I don't think I have one and only moment that made me very happy because I literally love what I'm doing, but in generally I'm enthusiast when I'm shooting and for some reasons, I'm more confident than ever, and I can do things that I couldn't even imagine, like strange poses or maintaining an awesome rhythm during the changes of outfits.
What is your dream shoot/campaign?
I don't have a dream shoot or campaign, I'm excited about everything concerned this world and field; I would like to go very far, and I think I may, can handle this.
Biggest lesson that modeling has taught you?
Modeling has taught me to be patient and determined. Before I begin to prepare me to come in this world, I was such an impatient person and I always wanted all and suddenly. I have had to learn to wait, to be rejected; I've been rejected enough, especially the first few times, but I know that's completely normal, and nobody should be discouraged. Nowadays, I'm grateful to modeling also for the strength that I achieve, because is not as easy as many people think.
What's the best life advice you've ever received?
My mom always told me that things don't happen because of destiny but because of ourselves. I really can relate and to me this is the best way to motivate myself. I work hard for what I want.
How do you stay in shape?
I love eating healthy, but I am not too much a sporty person. After all I always love yoga and go jogging or walking, I think it is the best way to set yourself free and stop overthinking. And regarding the food I know it is important to have a balanced diet with all the nutrients especially if someone is always on the go, I eat everything but very healthy, I love all the proteins, vegetables, fruits and I try to avoid junk food and everything full of sugar. But obviously sometimes I allow myself to eat them.
What do you think about fashion? What does it mean to you?
I always loved fashion but when I was a child, I never thought I could arrive here or even be scouted by an agency. Fashion to me is the biggest dream ever, I really love this world for it gave to me, for the way I feel when I am working, is my absolute favorite thing in the world, and it helps me to make sense of my life. I think everyone has to visualize his own passion or talent and I found both. Fashion helps me also with my self-confidence because I have reached some of my goals, and I'm sure I will reach all of them in the future.
If you had to be head to tow in one designer brand for the rest of your life, which would it be?
I have no preference and I would not like being in just one brand for life, I'm too curious, and I always want to try new and unusual styles and brands. I would love to work with as many designers as possible because I could practice new skills which are essential for my career and my growth as a person. Every designer is special to me in his own personal way.
How would you describe your style?
I care a lot about my style because it is my own way to express myself, intact it changes according to my mood. I love vintage, the 80s and retro fashion, I feel confident with simple statement and basic clothes but with my personal touch which can be just oversized shorts or a pair of baggy trousers or jeans. Furthermore, I love to be comfy as well, I have a passion for matches sets of outwear.
Denim or leather?
I think I might be more a denim person just because of my personal style. I love leather on the other people, but I prefer myself in a pair of jeans or in a denim jacket because it's a little more retro and 80s to me.
Heels or flats?
I love both. Somedays I am in a heel's mood and other days in a flat one. It depends on my outfits and on how I feel a certain day.
Vintage or contemporary fashion?
As I said before I love vintage more, but that is my own preference based on how the style looks on my body and based on my lifestyle and mood. I like contemporary fashion, but I do not dress like this every day, when I have a shoot with something contemporary, I'm always very excited.
What's been your most indulgent purchase since you became a model?
I am not a fan of indulgent shopping. I could buy myself some pair of shoes which were on my Wishlist, but I want to collect and save my money for university and for my future.
When you're not busy modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
When I am not modeling, I am basically studying because I'm 17, and I go to school, but when I'm not busy with school and I have some free time I love meeting my friends and just chilling. Recently I found out I love painting my own clothes or drawing on somebody else's pieces and that is really funny, I get super relaxed doing this. In general, I live with music, and I am listening to it all day long.
What are you working on now and what do you dream of happening in the future?
I am working on myself above all on the relationship between me and just myself, the thing that to me is essential for a good life and I think everybody should have a nice or better connection with themselves. I try to be rational and find a balance and that is not always easy especially in my everyday life as an adolescent. But after all I am doing very well, and I am proud of the work I am doing on myself; I also learn how import is to be grateful for every single thing I reach. In the future I would like to reach all my goals, studying what I love at university and graduate, I am planning to move to Milan and continue to work maybe at an extremely high level which is my biggest dream.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
I have no idea of whom I will be or what I'm going to do in 10 years, but I hope it's going to great! Living day by day is the best way to appreciate every beautiful thing that happens.
Thank you Caterina for this taking the time to talk with us!
Interview by: Clinton Gonsalvez
Special Thanks to Elena Ghesini @ Women Direct Management (Milan).
Check out Caterina's profile here and check back next week to find out who our next 'Model of the Week' is.
Follow Fashion Model Directory on Linked In, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter !