Julia Stegner Q&A
International model Julia Stegner is the face of 'femme by BOSS' and a fashion icon for many women around the world. To help you understand more about Julia, we asked her a few questions about femininity, modelling, health & beauty, and her life in general.
Femininity
What to you represents modern femininity?
Femininity comes from inside. It's about how you feel, but it's also expressed by how you look and what you wear. I can put on a nice dress and instantly feel more feminine. It's all about how you style yourself.
What clothes make you feel most feminine?
I have a really pretty light rose pink dress that's very sexy and feminine. I even feel feminine when I wear it over jeans.
Can you feel feminine in womens company, or just with men?
I feel feminine around both, but in different ways. You behave differently. In front of men, femininity is a show of confidence they totally understand femininity.
Is there an age when a woman feels her most feminine?
Its not about age, it's about how you feel. Femininity is a state of mind.
What is the most feminine thing for you?
A flower. I love orchids. Floral fragrances too. They are so delicate and sophisticated. Wearing them makes me feel ultra feminine, even when I'm wearing just jeans and a t-shirt.
Modelling
When did you start modelling?
At 18 I went to Paris and was really fortunate to be chosen to do a French Elle cover shoot. After that, things just took off. I started full-time doing the Paris and Milan shows in 2003 and got six advertising campaigns in my first season.
What do you think about when you are being photographed?
It's like an actor playing a role. We discuss inspiration before the shoot so I know what's required. Of course, I use personal experience for inspiration and then I have clothes, hair, make-up and lighting to help.
Lifestyle
Where do you live?
In Little Italy, New York. It's a nice neighbourhood but because there's not much to do there, I hang out in SoHo.
What is your apartment like?
Comfortable, carpeted and furnished with a mix of contemporary pieces and flea market finds.
What is your favourite way to relax?
Spending time with my boyfriend and friends, go for a massage or to the spa. I go home to Germany quite often to see friends there. And because I spend a lot of time on planes I get the chance to read, which I love. My favourite book is Ken Folletts Pillars of the Earth.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I like Indie bands like Bright Eyes and The Postal Service.
What is your favourite place to go on holiday?
I'd love to go to Italy, Spain and Greece and travel around to experience the culture.
Health & Beauty
How do you keep fit?
I was on the basketball team back in Germany so I play basketball in the summer, usually with guys, which is tougher because they're usually better than me. Otherwise, I work out with my personal trainer for an hour each day when I'm in New York. My favourite is playing sports though it really frees my mind.
How do you look after your skin?
I see Dr Orenstreich, a dermatologist in New York, and use his own label products. I also use the cleanser that all models use; it's the best product ever invented for fashion.
Your body skin looks so beautiful. How do you take care of it?
I only ever use a body cream!
What was the first fragrance you wore?
It was my mums fragrance. I just copied her.
Life
What would you take to a desert island?
My boyfriend, a book and a Hoerspiele recording. These are a kind of fantasy radio plays and they're very popular in Germany. I used to listen to them as a child.
What do you never leave home without?
Photos of my family and boyfriend.
What do you collect?
I used to collect soaps as a child but I've just bought my first painting by Hunt Slonem so perhaps I collect art now.
What are your plans for the future?
Id like to go to university and perhaps study economics. Then I'd like to do aid work, specifically helping children. I also take French lessons in New York.
What is your proudest moment?
I feel proud when I get an advertising campaign, so I was really proud to be chosen as the face of 'femme by BOSS'. Winning the BAMBI award was a special day. I told my Dad that I’d won a BAMBI award – I told him over the phone and I thought he was having a heart attack!
When are you happiest?
When I'm surrounded by people I love and who love me.