Exclusive Model Interview: Sussan Zeck

We welcome a fresh new face to the fashion industry all the way from Germany. Her name is Sussan Zeck and she brings not only a unique and gentle look to high fashion, but she also entails an honest opinion on what life is really like as a model. I was lucky enough to snag an exclusive interview with Zeck and I have to admit it was hard not to be drawn to her outgoing and genuine personality.

Q. Where and how did your modeling career begin?

A. My modeling career began on a lucky day in Munich. Fate got me into modeling and this journey was possible because someone, Sylvia Leifheit (the owner of a Munich based agency) discovered and first believed in me as a teenager. I’m very grateful and want to say thank you once more as this single day changed my life.

Q. Have you always wanted to be a model?

A. No, I had no ambitions at all of becoming a model. Part of my early life was my violin which I had studied since I was a little kid. Languages and writing have also always been passions of mine, and I wanted to choose any job in these fields. When I started modeling full-time, I kept studying languages and writing for magazines. I’m a writer at heart but modeling gives me many great opportunities. I love all challenges and excitements that modeling brings especially all of the journeys and the interesting people.

Q. What designers have you worked for?

A. I’m grateful to have worked for many well-known names and big fashion houses. However I don’t want to list all of them now as it might seem pretentious. To name some, I’ve presented collections for names such as Roberto Cavalli, Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Guess and many others…

Q. What places has your career taken you?

A. Some of the most memorable places are: New York, Paris, Milan, London, Madrid, Barcelona, Athens, Vienna including some deserted islands that I don’t know the name of. Some of the buildings and sites I’ve been to for jobs have been among the most impressive buildings, architecture-wise I’ve seen in all my life.

Q. Has your career changed directions in any way?

A. It didn’t really change direction, but when I started I did lots of runway work, many shows and showrooms. I was considered as the typical “runway” girl and in “runway” board of some of my agencies. I loved this time and many of those shows were magic moments and I got the chance to meet many people from show business because of those jobs. I’m still doing shows but I’m focusing more on print work, editorials and campaigns now. I’ve become extremely selective in the work I accept. I always say it’s better doing a huge job and then having no work for six months afterward than doing a small job every day.

Q. What would you say your most exciting modeling job was?

A. Shooting with my face covered completely in glitter. The make-up was already exciting but the shoot was even more so. It felt magical and I could only move my eyes. Shooting on a skyscraper in New York was exciting too – it gave me a lot of positive energy. I’ve also liked traveling in night trains with fellow girls for shows. It was very tough but we always had such a blast going everywhere together and experienced so many funny adventures going around.

Q. I noticed the bright red hair in your photo shoot. Is this Rihanna inspired at all?

A. Haha! During my modeling time I changed my hair color very often, and went through the full range of colors. I went from blonde to red as clients often requested me as a redhead. When I was blonde, I had only one red haired shot in my book, and most of the time clients chose me only because of that picture. So I decided to go red due to the advice of one of my agencies. Being a redhead gives me even more energy and positive vibes. I’ve also had to adjust my wardrobe to this, so my hair color is not Rihanna-inspired, although I do love her as an artist.

Q. What are you currently reading?
A. Gabriel Barylli’s “Ballerina” is currently guiding me on flights and in waiting rooms.

Q. Any modeling dreams?
A. I’d love to dive for Zena Holloway…

Q. Any advice for Fashion de arte readers?
A. Do everything you can, in this time you’re given, in the location you are. It was said by Nikosi Johnson, a South African child battling with HIV/AIDS. Nelson Mandela referred to him as an “Icon for the struggle of life”. Nikosi’s life is the subject of the book: “We’re all the same” (by Jim Wooten). Love this Quote…

Interview by Glambassador, Elizabeth Hernandez for Fashion de arte

Images are Copyright Sussan Zeck and their respective owners. For more exclusive pictures of Zeck visit her own personal and very inspiring “Model Life” BLOG