Each week, we take the time to highlight one of our favorite emerging models. Last week, we profiled Polish model Paula Galecka and this week we're turning our attention to Tes Linnenkoper. We caught up with her to talk about her career so far, her passion for modeling and her plans for the future.
Name: Tes Linnenkoper
Nationality: Dutch
Hometown: Groningen, Netherlands
Instagram: @teslinnenkoper
Have you always wanted to be a model? If not, what did you want to be growing up?
It was never really a profession I thought of, I just remember I did what I liked to do/loved to do and guess I never really stopped doing so. My friends' mom owned a clothing store and we used to model for that which was great fun, we also loved to make little acts and play characters with my brother, we would dress up (crazy), my brother would put some makeup on us (not a makeup makeup but more like 'smink') and then we acted our part and took pictures of it. I just never saw it as a job you could choose, but I'm happy about that.
How were you scouted?
I was invited to come to a casting day by my now mother agent in Rotterdam. The day after they called me to sign with them.
How would you describe yourself as a model in three words?
'I am Tes'
Your first modeling job?
A look book for Allesandra Rich, I could not have asked for a nicer team.
What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model?
Not just meeting but working with many creative people. Endless learning from them and the experience overall, there is always more to do, and it just feels very open. In that way, it's also never boring. Then it feels really good to be able to turn that into a cycle.
Is there anyone that you admire as a role model and why?
My mom, for her hard work, loving self and everlasting positive view on life.
What's been your biggest OMG moment to date?
Must have been working with Saint Laurent, or maybe even the casting before that show. It was my first show season and the first time I met PG and Samuel. I enjoyed the whole experience and remember laughing and thinking 'I can feel it in my bones'.
What is your dream shoot/campaign?
There are many things I still would love to do and people I would love to work with. I've always said I want to do jobs that make me feel proud, I think I will stick to that.
Biggest lesson that modeling has taught you?
It taught me a lot actually; about people, communication, mostly about myself, there have been a lot of experiences and they all helped me grow.
What's the best life advice you've ever received?
Simply have courage and be kind.
How do you stay in shape?
I really enjoy eating healthy so that's a first, then I've always liked to be active. When at home I go to see my horse every day, then walk a lot everywhere I go and like to go swimming when I get the chance. My dad always taught boxing and karate, so I did that as well from early on.
What do you think about fashion? What does it mean to you?
I really like how wearing something nice can make someone feel different and better about him or herself. This 'something nice' can be anything from a simple sweater you happen to love, to a designer suit or dress. As long as you honestly feel good wearing it, that's what can make it inspiring to others.
If you had to be head to toe in one designer brand for the rest of your life, which would it be?
I think I would quickly start designing clothes myself because I couldn't possibly choose. I like the looks and style of many designers. I just feel like it's often the mix of different brands that sets your own style or simply that it depends on where I find myself at the time.
How would you describe your style?
Boyish mostly
Denim or leather?
Depends
Heels or flats?
Barefoot please!
Vintage or contemporary fashion?
Vintage
What is your guilty pleasure?
I prefer to have the pleasure of anything without the guilt, that doesn't mean I never have ice-cream or anything. But just that I won't take so much that I will regret or feel guilty about it later. Besides karaoke (at home) maybe, it's not easy to say enough to that.
What's been your most indulgent purchase since you became a model?
A NYC apartment
If you were an emoji, which would you be and why?
'Open Hands' because I think it has a grateful, warm and open feel that is important to me. It might also have a little patience which I'm missing sometimes, but I'm trying to work on that.
When you're not busy modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I like to wake up early and have a piece of watermelon. Go for a ride with my horse, then come home for a walk and picnic with friends/family and dogs. After having a swim and sailing along the Aegean coast in Bodrum and ending the day at our favorite beach club in Gumusluk. Altogether not very realistic but luckily I'm also pretty satisfied with just some family time at home.
What are you working on now and what do you dream of happening in the future?
I just had my first show season last September and started working full time then. For the future, I hope to be able to keep doing and get to do what makes me feel happy and proud.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
Maybe in an interview with FMD to look back on the last 10 years, see what I have achieved, what has stayed the same and what has changed.
Check out Tes's profile here and check back next week to find out who our next 'Model of the Week' is.
Thank you, Tes, for taking the time to speak with us!
Interview by: Clinton Gonsalvez
Special Thanks to Teizeen Haji @ Why Not Model Agency (Milan, Italy).
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