Coco Rocha, the “world’s first digital model”. Photography: Courtesy of Coco Rocha

Why Don’t You..? 

…Make your strengths work for you?

My dance training was super helpful when I became a model. I was comfortable moving my body, while being watched by an audience. With dance, you practise until you stop making mistakes. I treated modelling the same way.

…Be yourself?

For me, success at all costs has never been attractive. My goal in the industry was to leave it as the same person who entered it—just a little older and wiser.

…Be seen and be heard?

There was a time when I thought, and was often told, that sticking to my principles could cost me my success in the fashion industry. Social media helped me feel like I had that voice, that people cared what I had to say.

Looks from Co+Co by Coco Rocha Autumn/Winter ’16. Photography: Courtesy of Coco Rocha

…Treat yourself to a comfort meal?

Mine is spaghetti bolognese. I travel for work and at the end of a long day, it’s the only thing I’ll order from room service!

…Break barriers and stereotypes?

It’s not an easy transition, but the last two years designing my own products have been extremely rewarding and liberating. It’s a struggle to be taken seriously at first. When you’re a model, people assume that you’re only good for one thing: taking nice pictures.

…Let icons inspire your own creativity?

I came into the industry as a 14-year-old tomboy. Soon, I was sitting at the feet of masters like Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier, watching them create. In the process, I found my own style and point of view.