Each week, we take the time to highlight one of our favorite emerging models. Last week, we profiled Johanna Schapfeld and this week we're turning our attention to Madison Weik.
Following her discovery, almost immediately she landed one of the most prestigious jobs in modeling: making her debut in Paris for Dior F/W 19. The Gold Coast native has also appeared on the runways of Valentino and continues to be in high demand in 2019. With her distinctive looks, she is one of the most promising newcomers and has been making her way up in the fashion world. From the moment she was discovered it was obvious that Madison was going to make waves.
We caught up with her to talk about her career so far, her passion for modeling and her plans for the future.
Nationality: Australian
Instagram: madiweik
Have you always wanted to be a model? If not, what did you want to be growing up?
Modeling was something that I never thought I'd get the opportunity to do. Of course, every little girl grows up dreaming of being in glossy magazines or flying around the world to have the opportunity to wear designer clothes, however that was never something I considered I could do, especially as a career option. I started riding horses when I was in my early teens, with a particular interest in showjumping horses. My passion for riding turned into an opportunity to work for a highly respected horse trainer in my hometown, so I left school early to pursue a career as a horse trainer. Unfortunately, multiple injuries prevented me from continuing down that path. A chance meeting with a veterinary doctor piqued my interest in the study of horse genetics, and due to my interest in the environment as well, I commenced pursuing a double university degree in genetics and ecology.
How were you scouted?
Whilst on my study break, I thought I'd see whether I could earn some extra cash doing modeling. I had two part-time jobs, and love to work. I had always been told since a young girl that I should get into modeling due to my height and the length of my legs. On a Sunday morning, I searched online for a few local agencies and typed in my measurements and uploaded some basic pictures. Busy Models agency replied immediately and asked to meet with me two days later. They requested I bring a pair of high heels with me. Well, I've never worn high heels - nor make-up - so had to drop by K-Mart to purchase some shoes on the way to the interview. I turned up fresh-faced, of course. They took my measurements, and when asked to do a sample walk, I had to confess I'd just purchased my shoes. They took a video of my walk, and I could tell it was pretty bad. They then gave me a few tips on how to walk, and the next try blew them away. I was offered a contract and by that evening I'd signed for Busy Models to be my Mother Agent.
How would you describe yourself as a model in three words?
Professional, Fun, Authentic
Your first modeling job?
Within two weeks of signing with Busy Models, I met with Luc from Two Management LA and was offered a contract for overseas work. Thirty days later, I made my runway debut in Paris for Dior F/W 19. That same week, I did my first shoot - a denim video with Calvin Klein in Amsterdam then finished the week off with a runway walk for Valentino back in Paris.
What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model?
The variety of the job - the people, places, and fashion. The people in this industry are so very interesting and it's fun to hang out with them, whether it be at a runway show or photo shoot. The places on this beautiful earth that you get to see as a model just blow your mind - especially if you're a girl from 'Down Under' who's never ventured far from her back yard. I've had the opportunity to travel to such countries and experience diverse cultures and it really expands your mind. The fashion industry is so interesting, and it's an honor to wear such beautifully crafted garments. As a little girl, I loved to work with fabric and sew, and now I get to indulge that little girl's fantasies of wearing designer clothes.
Is there anyone that you admire as a role model and why?
My biggest role model is my mum. She has had Rheumatoid Arthritis through her whole body since she was 28 years old. She was told by the doctor that she can't work full time and is not allowed to do any physical activities. In other words, they were saying she needed to be bedridden. However, my mum always wanted the best life for my sisters and me so she continued to work full time to support the family, spent time playing sports with us and going on fun camping trips. The thing that inspires me most about my mum is that she always has a 'There's always someone worse off than me' attitude. No matter how sick she gets, she always looks at the positives in life and is always most kind and humble. There's not a bad bone in her body.
What's been your biggest OMG moment to date?
There were two OMG moments for me at Paris fashion week. Cara Delevingne, Karlie Kloss and Jennifer Lawrence attended the Dior show and Cara Delevingne posted a pic of the three of them on Instagram seated for the show, and I was in the foreground of the photo - each of them studying a different part of the suit I was wearing - it was a great photo! The second OMG was when I spotted Kaia Gerber (a model I admire) backstage at the Valentino show. She walked eight places ahead of me in the show, but before we walked out, I went up and introduced myself to her, she shook my hand which was absolutely lovely.
Biggest lesson that modeling has taught you?
Be proud of who you are and confident in your own skin. Working overseas and being away from home and family is tough, but you really start to appreciate home and where you come from.
What's the best life advice you've ever received?
Advice from my Mum that was passed down from her father - always acknowledge people, and smile. A simple smile can make a huge difference in the world.
If you had to be head to toe in one designer brand for the rest of your life, which would it be?
I like to dress up but am equally at home in jeans and a simple tee. So, I'd have to choose Tom Ford for an occasion that requires heels and Calvin Klein for my jean's obsession.
How would you describe your style?
Casual chic.
Denim or leather?
Definitely denim. I live in denim. Having the opportunity to work with Calvin Klein on my first shoot, and wear denim - I was in heaven!
Heels or flats?
When casting and working, obviously heels. However, on weekends or as everyday casual wear, definitely flats or thongs (the Aussie version of flip flops).
Vintage or contemporary fashion?
A little bit of both
What is your guilty pleasure?
A good old Australian meat pie with tomato sauce. Preferably cottage pie which is a traditional pie with mashed potato on top.
What's been your most indulgent purchase since you became a model?
I'm very, very thrifty, so it has to be really special and highly functional for me to consider 'splashing out' for it. I'm quite conservative when it comes to spending money, but I have just recently booked a weekend away at Tangalooma Island, Australia to spend with my boyfriend next time I'm home.
If you were an emoji, which would you be and why?
The laughing with tears emoji. I believe a smile is the most attractive thing anyone can wear, and it doesn't cost anything to use. Laughing and smiling is universal. It breaks down language barriers, helps reduce stress and giving someone a smile, which can change their day from a bad one to a good one - that's priceless. I can see the funny side in most things and having a sense-of-humor really helps in this industry as it is easy to get caught up in your own self-importance.
When you're not busy modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I always enjoy going to the beach, horse riding and volunteering somewhere, however, the most important thing in my life is my family and close friends so spending time with them would have to be my favorite thing to do.
What are you working on now and what do you dream of happening in the future?
At the moment I'm still traveling from place to place with my home base still being in Australia which is extremely inconvenient when being an international model. Soon I hope to find somewhere overseas that I can make my home base to continue working more overseas.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
In 10 years' time I'd like to have a magazine up and running that will spread awareness and provide information on current environmental and social issues and encourage people to get involved in making the world a better place.
Check out Madison's profile here and check back next week to find out who our next 'Model of the Week' is.
Thank you, Madison for taking the time to talk with us!
Interview by: Clinton Gonsalvez
Special Thanks to Teizeen Haji @ Why Not Models (Milan, Italy).
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