What makes Coco tick? Read on for the anti-supermodel’s refreshing take on life, love and the pursuit of happiness.
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Famous for her striking features, fierce walk and bubbly personality, Toronto-born Coco Rocha may be an international supermodel — not to mention Vogue magazine darling and model muse to the likes of Steven Meisel and Jean Paul Gaultier — but the 21-year-old is careful not to let the attention go to her head. “I’m one of those funny girls that didn’t know what a supermodel was, nor did I know they even existed,” she laughs. “From the beginning I never expected anything, I took it very step by step and I think that’s the best way to do it because I was just thrilled with each new thing.”
And despite her supermodel status, Coco isn’t about to rest on her laurels now. In fact, she may just be the hardest working girl in the biz. Between fittings, fashion shows and magazine shoots, Coco somehow finds time to charm industry heavy-weights as a correspondent with Entertainment Tonight and E! Talk, design her own fashion line, ROCOCO, which she hopes to debut at the end of this year and plan her upcoming nuptials to muralist/interior designer James Conran. “It’s a busy time but I have a lot of people who support me and help me out so I’m really lucky!” she says.
After the frenzy of Paris Fashion Week — where she rocked the runway for coveted shows a la Chanel, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and of course Jean Paul Gaultier — Coco took time out to tackle our infamous Model DNA questionnaire and give us the scoop on her plans for the big day.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being totally and completely comfortable with yourself.
What do you consider your worst trait?
Jumping to conclusions. I think everyone does it but, man, I hate when that happens.
If you could choose an occupation other than your own what would it be?
Definitely dance. I don’t know how you make money from dance but that’s what I would do!
Best moment of your career so far?
There are a few: being named one of Steven Meisel’s girls in American Vogue (“The Godfather,” May 2009) and taking a picture with him and Linda Evangelista and all his top girls — that was a big honour! Dancing down the runway with Jean Paul Gaultier…fighting down the runway with Jean Paul Gaultier! There are a lot of things I’ll look back on and think, “that was amazing!”
Favourite fashion shoot?
The Romeo and Juliet shoot with Annie Leibovitz for American Vogue (“Love of a Lifetime,” December 2008). I love anything with a storyline and a lot was put into that so I really enjoyed it.
Were there any models you looked up to when you were starting out?
I remember being really in awe of Daria Werbowy. She was — and still is — number one on every hit. I was just really enthused about this other Canadian model who was doing so well in the industry.
Coco shares her personal style secrets on the next page ...
Check out our favourite Coco Rocha runway moments here!
Runway rocker: Erin Wasson
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