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Stefi Susanna: Story & Interview

I used to work at a small local alternative clothes store. That was a great environment to get to see and try out many different kinds of alternative clothing. During my time there I grew to love this type of clothing and after several years of finding my own style, I decided I wanted to try out some modeling. I am especially fond of PVC and latex, and those have been central themes in my previous photoshoots (and hopefully in the future too). Quite easily I found several photographers who were interested in working with me, and basically that is where I am now. I had enough photoshoots to found my own social media site (Facebook only so far), and I feel that it has gotten a really good start already too. I’m very much looking forward to whatever new modeling opportunities the internet social networking may bring! It will take some time of course, but I’m actively updating new photos and promoting myself to all the suitable directions. I should mention also that I am participating in an alternative modeling competition here in Helsinki, called Rock Model of the Year 2014. I am in the semifinals, the finals are coming up shortly and I’m really excited about that.

Describe yourself in three words. Tattoos, heels, latex.

What languages do you speak? Finnish and English.

How would you describe your personality? Fiery, but considerate. Fun and social.

How would you describe your style? I don’t like to classify myself to just one style, but in a broader classification I’d say rock, metal, alternative are the basics from which I combine in my own way. PVC and latex are my favorite materials.

What’s your most memorable shoot? The most memorable shoot was probably with the talented Toni Salminen (0-orb) one on a very cold and windy winter evening on the seashore. It was cold even for the photographer, but even more so for me, as I wasn’t wearing outdoor clothing. But I was so excited that I forgot the feeling of coldness.

What kind of shoots would you like to work on in the future? I’m especially looking forward to doing shoots with clear themes, but with a latex mostly as the primary material for my clothes.

How would you describe your professional interests? It would be a dream of course to be able to support myself only by doing things I enjoy doing anyway.

What do you think, Is it important to attended fashion modeling courses? Do they really help newbies to get a foothold in the Fashion Industry? I definitely don’t think it’s necessary, but I’m sure they can be useful especially for people who are initially nervous or shy. I think it would be better to use for the money for example to get a good photographer who has also the patience to teach you on your own terms. Also getting into contact with other more experienced models is very valuable and recommendable.

Is there anything you want to change about yourself, what are they? I don’t have anything particular I want to change as such. Of course, I always expect to learn new things when working with new photographers.

Also, I could use naturally red hair so I wouldn’t have to dye them since it takes time and money. 🙂

What kind of modeling are you interested in and why? I love latex as a material so much, but I’m open to any modeling with different kinds of photographers, as long as the idea (theme) works for me.

Do you have any other experience in the fashion industry (like writing photography etc.)? Not much. I did study the clothing industry and I worked at an alternative clothing store, but that’s it.

Describe the atmosphere when you’re on a shoot? I’m always excited. I take the shoots seriously as I expect the photographers to do also, but shoots should always be pleasant as well. So far they have always been too!

Do you have any limitations? Would you model any kind of clothing at all? I don’t think I have any limitations. If I like the theme of the shoot, the style of clothing doesn’t matter much.

What are your strengths? And what are your weaknesses? I’m very adaptable, unprejudiced, and I feel very natural in front of the camera. I think these traits make me easy to work with. One weakness might be that I can’t leave things unfinished if I get really excited about getting something done. Sometimes that means I don’t get to sleep enough.

Describe the ideal work environment for you. The most important things are that I like the theme of the shoot, the clothes, and that the photographer also seems excited and willing to do his or her best. If those conditions apply, then the environment itself doesn’t matter.

What makes a stylish lady or man? Is there a difference? First and foremost is always confident in yourself. If that fails, looks or clothes won’t really help. Confidence is sexy no matter the gender. It’s easier for others to appreciate you if you seem to appreciate yourself.

Who are some of your favorite fashion photographers? HUGO V PHOTOGRAPHY, Marco Ribbe Photography, Fotoni, Otamo.

What’s your favorite outfit from your own closet? Pandora Deluxe latex dress (LULU mini dress). <3

Do you have a favorite clothing item, and if so what is it and why? Almost anything latex!

Who are some of your favorite models and designers? Designers: Mags / Pandora Deluxe, Haydee Sparks / Savage-Wear, Atsuko Kudo Latex, Madrubb, Medicine Wolf Clothing, House of Harlot, Impero London, Toxic Vision, Miss G Designs.

Models: I don’t want to name any individual models, but I find many models to my liking. For example on some Facebook pages.

Where do you generally like to shop? Do you shop online? If yes then tell us about your favorite shopping sites? I browse and shop online all the time, here are a few really good ones: Pandora Deluxe, Savage-Wear, Toxic Vision, Pleaser USA

Occasionally I also find clothes from eBay, Etsy, Lip Service. I think shopping online is very handy because the selection is wider, but I do of course also occasionally browse through clothing stores.

What are your likes and dislikes? I really appreciate it when people share my photos, it’s very flattering. The only thing I ask is that the credits are always visible alongside them. It is important because the photographers and I have put in a great deal of time and energy in creating those photos. As long as people remember to honor that, I endorse the free sharing of my pictures.

What’s your beauty regime? It’s pretty basic, mostly just skin scrubbing and moisturizing lotions, and of course, drinking enough water.

What’s your take on size zero? I don’t think that any kind of beauty ideal should be pursued at the expense of one’s health.

Excluding all complicated beauty & fitness mantra, what do you think to be the easiest way to look pretty and glamourous? It’s most important to find the style you’re comfortable with, from there it is easy to grow confidence and also experiment with other things.

Do you have a diet mantra? Tell me about the diet you follow on a daily basis? No diet matra, I mostly try to eat healthily and regularly, but I’m not too strict on myself.

Is there anything you avoid eating? Sugary drinks, potato chips, etc. The most difficult thing to avoid is cheesecake, but I allow it to myself now and then of course.

What’s your favorite healthy treat(s)? Greek salad.

How do you stay fit? How much you workout? What types of exercises you do? I try to maintain a routine of jogging twice a week.

What according to you is the easiest way to be in shape? Eat healthy (lots of vegetables!), regularly and most importantly small portions at a time. That not only keeps in shape but in really good energy too.

What’s your biggest indulgence? Cheese! All kinds of cheese!

How do you enjoy your time off, away from work? What keeps you happy? Going to concerts, meeting friends. I also love traveling to foreign countries.

What are your favorite hang out spots in the city you live in (current location)? Few local parks and the beach in the summer. Of course also local rock and metal pubs and venues, some goth clubs if I feel like dancing.

What is your favorite city and where do you like to hang out there? I don’t have one favorite city, I like so many places. I also know there are many wonderful cities I still haven’t visited. Berlin was great, I was there a few weeks ago. I especially enjoyed the Friedrichshain area.

What magazines & weblogs you like reading? I like tattoo magazines. Not so much reading, but a good source for inspiration for future tattoos. I like also Dark Beauty Magazine, which is a contributor publication.

How you communicate with other netizens? How often you reply to them? I use Facebook as the basis for communication. I’m always polite and friendly towards those who are polite and friendly towards me. But I’m also patient if someone expresses negative emotion, everyone is entitled to their opinions. I always try to reply as soon as I can, which usually means within a few hours.

How you access the Internet? I use smartphone and laptop.

What according to you is a more comfortable and easy device for accessing the Internet? A laptop is more convenient of course because the screen is larger and it’s easier to type with the keyboard.

Where netizens can find the latest news feed about you? Currently, I am only present on Facebook, where I strive to make regular updates and upload new pictures.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? I want to thank everyone I’ve worked with. If anyone is interested in doing photoshoots with me, feel free to get in contact and let me know your ideas. Generally, I like bizarre alternative/fetish/goth most, but I’m open to other ideas too!

Your ultimate message for netizens? If you are an artist or a model and wish to promote yourself on a larger scale, just be confident and go for it! If there are people who like your style where you are, you will certainly find more all over the world.

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