Alejandro Poveda
Every week, Bazaar's booking team highlights one name to note, from the industry's best-known faces to girls who are just starting out. This week, we turn our attention to Clémentine Desseaux.
With the huge global success of Ashley Graham, Adwoa Aboah and Cameron Russell, models with a positive message are occupying a unique position within the industry, helping it become more inclusive.
Challenging expectations on the runways and broadening fashion's view of beauty, the French model Clémetine Desseaux is doing much more than selling clothes. Having co-founded All Woman Project with her fellow model Charli Howard, the 28-year-old speaks candidly about body image and representation, questioning preconceived notions and inspiring debate and change.
Using her platform to spread a message of confidence and body positivity, Desseaux has struck a chord with brands such as Nordstrom and Marina Rinaldi, not to mention 10s of thousands of Instagram followers.
"Clémentine is a truly amazing and a really inspirational model. She has a face smothered in freckles and this smile that is so infectious, and her body shape is the perfect hourglass," says Anna Shillinglaw at Milk Management. "Clémentine is a force to be reckoned with and we are excited for what's ahead."
We talk to Desseaux about living in Miami, running her own creative agency and her All Woman Project.
Alejandro Poveda
How were you discovered?
"I sent my images to a French agency almost 10 years ago. They called me straight away and we started working together, although in France the work was very limited and I only shot about once a year while I studied International Marketing. Then, after I moved to Miami, I starred in an American Apparel campaign and that's when it really picked up for me, back in 2012."
If you weren't modelling, which career would you pursue and why?
"In addition to modelling, I also run my own creative agency, Les Mijotés, where we do creative direction, content creation and production. I also co-founded the All Woman Project, a foundation dedicated to empowering women through inclusive imagery and positive messaging. When I get older, I'll start my own restaurant and food products."
What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
"It was awesome shooting for Vogue US and having that crazy experience."
Alejandro Poveda
How do you spend your free time?
"I love taking day trips or weekend trips to the Hamptons or Miami with my man and my new pup. It's so awesome seeing her running free on the beach. I am such a beach girl and I'll go to the nearest one as soon as I have a free time."
Do you have any travel tips for those visiting your home town?
"I have several home towns actually as I move so much. I consider Miami my home even though I am from France. I was born in the South of France, where I love going to local food markets, making paella with my family, going for a walk along the beach or sailing. I also like walking in the streets of Paris when I am there for work or pleasure."
What are the three products you can't live without?
"Gluten-free Barilla pastas, Odiele dry-almond oil and any organic, cold-pressed olive oil."
What is your favourite form of exercise?
"I like to hike, walk and do yoga. I would highly suggest trying on the beach at sunrise or sunset, it is the best feeling ever!"
Alejandro Poveda
What is your dream shoot?
"I would love to shoot in an amazing place like Victoria Falls, Namibia or Machu Picchu. I love being part of something much larger than me."
Name your five essential items you wouldn't leave the house without?
"Wallet, phone, lip balm, portable battery charger and a business card."
If you had to wear only one designer, who would it be?
"Oh my god, that would be the hardest thing. I think I would have to go for Max Mara."
Alejandro Poveda
What kind of advice would you give to new girls to the industry?
"I would encourage new girls to find their own unique way of making it. Everyone has their special sparkle that will make their strength. In some cases it will be a feature and in others it's a character trait."
Is there a model's career that you admire and why?
"I love Liya Kebede, not only is she stunning but she is also a role model and a businesswoman."
Let's talk about favourites. What about…
…music? "Eighties girlie classics."
…movies? "Disney movies and real-life stories."
…books? "Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel."
…food? "Anything Asian."
Alejandro Poveda
Alejandro Poveda
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