Manuela Frey: Q&A with the Supermodel and TV Sensation (Fashion Editorial Ft. Designer Lanyu)

Interviews by Luis De Jesus / Editing by Jose Morales

"Be yourself and don't compare yourself to other girls. Otherwise, you can't move forward. There's a ton of beautiful, gorgeous women out there, but everybody is unique. Don't try to be somebody else." - Manuela Frey

1 – You have worked for some of the most prominent designers in the industry, and graced the covers and pages of countless magazines. Can you tell us about your first major gig as a model and realizing that your successful career had begun?

I always wanted to become a model, but when I won the Elite Model Look, I knew that was a good step towards my goal. I then got booked exclusively to walk the show for Jill Sander. Two weeks later, I walked for Yves Saint Laurent, and after that for Calvin Klein. This was a big career boost!

2 – You have been considered Switzerland’s most successful model, and are a judge on the Swiss version of American Next Top Model. Can you share with us about your experience on the show, and what characteristic do you feel is essential for a model to possess?

I love filming Switzerland Next Top Model. For once, I get to decide who deserves to come on the next round. During my first season on the show, it felt like when I was at the beginning of my career, and I finally realized how far I had come and how lucky I am. The most important thing a model should possess is to really want to succeed! Otherwise, don’t even try. It is a tough business. It helps if you also have the whole modeling package: looks, style, and personality.

3 – Thinking of your trajectory in this career, what is the best advice you can give an up-and-coming model who wishes to follow on your footsteps?

Be yourself and don’t compare yourself to other girls. Otherwise, you can’t move forward. There is a ton of beautiful, gorgeous women out there, but everybody is unique. Don’t try to be somebody else.

4 – Besides Switzerland Next Top Model, what plans lay ahead for television?

Switzerland Next Top Model was my first TV experience. This year, we will film the second season, and I’m very excited! I have started taking TV coaching classes, and once done, I would like to do more work on television. I am not a shy person, and I love to talk, so I think this career path fits me very well.

5 – As a child, you danced ballet and played soccer. However, we have learned that you love to paint. Can you tell us a little bit about this artistic side of you?

I love painting. It relaxes me, but I am not a professional. My mum keeps all my paintings!

6 – What do you love most about your career?

Traveling! I was recently in Hawaii. I love the different cultures I get to experience because of my work. I also love the people I get to meet. I have many friends around the whole world, and I have gotten very good at reading people.

7 – As this is our travel issue, can you tell us which has been your most memorable travel experience and which is the country you never get tired of visiting and why?

In 2015 I had a job in Capri for Dolce & Gabbana. It was the summer couture show. That show was so special. It was outside on the cliffs, and there were only private clients and important people like Anna Wintour. I remember it was sunset time and for the music, we had live opera singers. The moment I stood on the cliff to get my picture taken by the photographers, there was a huge wave which hit me, and my dress became thoroughly soaked in saltwater! I will never forget that moment. My first time in beautiful Capri became magical: here I was, during a beautiful sunset, wet from head to toes, while wearing a glorious Dolce & Gabanna dress. It was just magical. As the sun went down, we all became emotional with the opera music. I had tears in my eyes. I just loved it.

When it comes to my favorite city, I never get tired of New York. I have been living in New York since I was 16 years old. I love it – the energy, my friends- the city really never sleeps, and it has changed me a lot. In a good way, of course! – GM

Instagram: @emanuelatatjana

About the Designer: Lanyu

1 – You were the first Chinese designer to be invited to Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week in 2014. Can you talk to us a bit about this experience in your career?

The guests at the Paris Haute Couture runway shows consist of famous European artists and idols of the fashion industry. Even after all these years, I still can remember all the details from the great show, and I still feel super excited about it! We featured Su Embroidery with our Haute Couture gowns, creating a collection so powerful that it refreshed the recognition and knowledge of the Chinese arts for all the guests attending the show. All the guests and media spoke highly about this! It also gave me faith and confidence in using modern art forms to promote traditional Chinese art techniques. This faith has been a significant motivation for my career since that time. The acceptance of the international fashion industry was a promising development and platform for future creations.

2 – This past February 2019, you showcased an exquisite Autumn/Winter collection inspired by the magical world of fairies. What can we expect for your next collection?

This past runway show was the sixth time that my work was showcased during NYFW. It continued the signature style of Lanyu while adding a touch of youth elements. The collection was very well received by the media and those in attendance. It is what we intended, of course! It means a lot for us, and our team.

I believe the future will always belong to the younger generation. I will try to accomplish combining traditional elements with what is breakthrough at the moment, in every one of my future collections.

3 – At such a young age and being so successful in your career as a fashion designer, what advice do you have for the new designers entering the industry?

If it is possible, express your own mind with your designs. Use your designs as a language to talk to this world as much as you can. Also, as this is a journey full of challenges, always aim to gain more experience. All of this will play a significant role in future career development.

4 – Who or what has been your most significant influence?

That honor goes to my dear mother. She is the fourth generation of Lan Su embroiderers and brought me into the environment of this traditional Chinese technique when I was a kid. Every single needle and thread led me to this fashion design path. At that time, in China, the embroidery artists used handmade techniques, but they didn’t have the chance to communicate with the world as we do now. For this reason, I made my mind that as a fashion designer today, I would express the elegant beauty of Asia to the rest of the world. – GM

www.lanyu.com

Photography: Jose Morales

Fashion Director: Luis De Jesus

Hair: Mauricio Artunduaga

Makeup: Coral Del Mar

Jewelry: Bacata Artisans

Location: New York City

ABOUT CREATIVE TALENT MANAGEMENT

Creative Talent Management is a full-service talent and model management firm founded by Victoria Lyandres. The primary goal of Creative Talent Management is to help talent and models achieve their full potential, with a careful and detailed strategy. The company scouts, develops, and places worldwide while providing full career guidance and management.

www.creativetalentnyc.com

Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
Strobes: Profoto B1
Modifiers: Profoto 5′ RFi Octa Softbox & Profoto RFi 4.0 x 6.0′ Softbox

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