Interviews
Today I had the honor to sit and talk in Brooklyn - with the recommended 6 feet distance, of course - with Olga Rossano, a beautiful and talented fashion model from Spain based in NY since 2012. In the mid 90’s, she started her career as a model in her home town, Jerez de la Frontera, a small but very popular place in the south of Spain. By the age of 17, she was discovered on TV during a beauty pageant and got signed by Stars Agency, owned by the reputable agent Bernardo Gil Nazabal who launched and managed the careers of stars like Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Karen Mülder, to name a few.
Photo by S.G.Young
TS: You totally look Italian, a mix between a contemporary Monica Bellucci with an edgy swag and a taller Penélope Cruz.., you get that a lot right?
OR: (Haha) Every time I attend to a casting and sometimes on the street someone shouts, hey! You look like those Italian actresses from the mob movies! I have Italian ancestors so I think you can perceive that part in my look. All my family is from the south of Spain and nobody is related to the Italian mafia!
Photo by S.G.Young
TS: You have been working in the fashion world for more than 20 years.., that’s amazing! Which campaigns would you highlight and what was fun about doing them? Tell me some cool anecdote!
OR: Well, let me think... Oh yes, Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Perfume. The shoot was overnight in Madrid and it was really crazy and fantastic! The motto of the campaign was “Are you on the list?”, and I was working with John Kortajarena and other fellow models from NY and Spain. Everyone had an edgy and pretentious role to play, mine was kissing a girl at the door in order to get in the list.
TS: You must be very versatile. Is that a common thing or is it something you need to study in a school? I mean, the acting thing.., I guess it’s a plus to be able to deliver some lines and real expressions sometimes..
OR: Ahh, of course.., in order to get better jobs and get the best out of them you must give the best you can on set. If that means you need to act or get into a specific character for a commercial or for an magazine editorial, then you find the way to do it. Like an actor, you can hire a coach or you can attend to acting classes, it’s always helpful even if you don’t want to pursue a serious acting career, but as models, we really need to express real emotions in front of the camera and it has to be credible and natural. Coaching helps, I’ve been in two good acting schools in Madrid and I’ve been coached but great professionals, filmmakers and casting directors. Anyway, what really really counts is the experience and the passion you put in what you do. That’s the key!
Photo by S.G.Young
TS: Of course! Experience is all. How you decided to become a model? Is there someone in your family related to fashion or arts in general?
OR: My family is so eclectic. My father has a strong artistic side in his veins, he plays music, he acts and sings and he is a horse lover, he actually works as a horse trainer in Sevilla, he also used to be a bullfighter when he was very young! My aunt is a well-known voice-over coach and her daughter is an actress, some of them have done modeling too. My mum’s side is more into business so I also get that from them, which is very helpful tho. I have a sharp sense for business too. I guess the environment in my house was a huge factor and helped me to focus on other things besides my studies like books, music and fashion.
TS: That must have been very helpful for sure. What about your first job as a model, tell me a little bit about it..
OR: I was 14 years old and I was walking in a mall called El Corte Inglés (similar than Macy’s) in my town. There was a photo shoot happening indoors and I came closer to watch it. They were basically casting young faces from the audience and photograph them there after a quick make up and hair session. The photographer, Michael Wray pointed at me and well, that was my first modeling opportunity. I became one of the young faces of El Corte Inglés after that.
TS: Impressive. It sounds like one of those stories where an actress or model was scouted on the street. What happened next? I know you have traveled all over the world for many years working with the best agencies. Which city or trip has been unforgettable for you and why?
OR: Paris Je T’aime! First official city I stayed circa 1999, time flies! That was an awesome experience and I worked pretty well. Japan, Germany and Italy would come after that. I really had a great time in Los Angeles were I met many people in Hollywood. If I had to choose, I would choose NY. I simply love this city and I know that it will survive.
TS: I know.., the world right now is a chaos. How did you spend the quarantine? I imagine that you are use to be long periods of time by yourself.
OR: Correct, as a young model you have to deal with that. Being alone is something that you need to learn. It gives you strength if you know how to handle it. The quarantine has been a total different experience, but I was lucky to stay well and healthy.
TS: I’m glad to hear you say that. Unprecedented times for sure.
OR: Yes, absolutely.
TS: I’d like to thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. Really appreciate it.
Before we finish this coffee, I’d like to ask another question: which advise would you give to a young girl who dreams about being a model?
OR: You’re welcome Tina. It’s been a pleasure. Thank you... Well, very simple; I’d tell her, go for it. Just go and work hard for it. The path is long and can be tough but that will make you stronger.
TS: Thank you Olga! And all the best for you :)
Follow Olga Rossano on Instagram
and/or her official site
Don’t forget to check out her great blog: “Trapped in the Big Apple”!
Leave your comment! And don’t forget to sign up :)
ReplyDelete