Only 8 months ago Dajana Antic was a typical teenager whose days were filled with typical teenager activities like going to school, planning movie nights and hanging at the mall. That all changed last summer on an otherwise typical day at (where else!) the mall. “I was at Eaton Centre shopping with a friend when I noticed a tall man running after me—It was Elmer Olsen,” says Dajana. “He asked me if I was interested in modeling—I told him, no, even though it was my biggest dream.” Her answer may seem crazy coming from an aspiring model but a tough rejection three years earlier had crushed her modeling dreams and put her off the industry for good…or so she thought. “Four days later I got a Facebook message from one of his models telling me what a great agent he was and how excited he was about me—I was intrigued and started to do some research on him,” she says. And the rest is history (albeit recent history!). “Elmer says it took me 17 days and 4 hours to call him,” she laughs.

Now living her dream and already rumoured to be the next Daria (another Elmer Olsen discovery), Dajana seems destined for superstardom. She made her modeling debut just one month later at Toronto’s LG Fashion Week and she’s already walked mini-runways for Valentino and Oscar de la Renta at Holt Renfrew. And now with a new season of shows already underway in Toronto, this busy rising star took time out between runways and fittings to tackle our Model DNA questionnaire and give us a glimpse into her new life as a top model.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

When you enjoy everything you do in life.

What do you consider your worst trait?

Waking up in the morning.

If you could choose an occupation other than your own what would it be?

A lawyer. I saw the movie, “7 Angry Men” in philosophy class and I thought how interesting it would be to solve cases and help people.

Best moment of your modeling career so far?

I will never forget my first time in New York. Seeing all the lights, huge posters and the Statue of Liberty — I felt like I was in the movies!

Designer you would love to walk for?

The late Alexander McQueen. His shows were always so amazing. Not only was he a great designer, he was an amazing artist.


Favourite models?

Daria Werbowy. She has the most amazing walk I’ve ever seen.

How do you approach your runway walk?

I think of the runway as my spotlight so I’m always excited to do shows. After we change and line up backstage, that’s when I start to feel butterflies. I just review my walk, my posture and my expression in my head so as soon as I step out, I’m ready.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Oh my.”

What is your most treasured possession?

My silver Balenciaga heels.

Latest/favourite beauty discovery?

Lately I’ve been using L’Oreal’s Telescopic mascara—it makes my lashes look incredibly thin and long. And I love MAC cleansers and foundations.

Fashion trend you wish would disappear?

None. Every trend has its own beauty and art.


How would you describe your personal style?

Very laid-back and feminine. One of my favourite outfits is my Alexander McQueen lace tights, short black skirt, a plain black long-sleeve shirt, and my Burberry jacket. And of course, my silver Balenciaga shoes! I used to dress “Gina” but those days are gone now that I’m in the fashion industry. Now it’s designer clothing.

Dajana’s fave recent fashion find on the next page …

Check out our favourite Coco Rocha runway moments here!


Runway rocker: Erin Wasson
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dajana-2.jpg
What’s your favourite recent style find?

I just got a black fur dress-vest by Steve Madden. It comes to just above the knee—I love it!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Modeling internationally.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned this past year?

To have faith in yourself and not let others brainwash you into thinking you can’t do something.

Describe your perfect Sunday?

Waking up at 3:00pm, blasting some music and making my favourite food for dinner.

What do you most value in your friends?

Trust.


What is your Twitter policy?

I’m not on Twitter but I think it’s a great way of keeping updated.


What will you do when you retire?

Become Elmer Olsen’s lawyer.

Finish this sentence:

“People think I’m
overweening but I’m really just
confident.”

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