The Rubicon reporter Boraan Abdulkarim contacted previous The Rubicon staff photographer and St. Paul Academy and Summit School graduate Louise Parker to ask about life as a model – among other things. Louise has modeled for designers including Chanel, Oscar de La Renta, Saint Laurent, and more, in addition to being featured on the cover of Vogue Spain.

Q: What is fashion to you?

A: A form of expression

Q: How were you introduced to the world of modeling? Did you model as a child? Enter any pageants?

A: My parents never even let me think about the possibility of modeling while growing up. Looking back I am so thankful for this. So many girls start modeling very young and quickly become consumed by it. The friends I made in high school and college, as well as the education I received, are so important to who I am today.

Q: How did you make the decision to pursue that?

A: In college a photographer scouted me and I modeled for him many times over the next few years. As a photography major, this experience was both informative and inspiring. I realized I could learn a lot about photography through modeling as well as make a living so after I finished my studies I decided to sign with agency.

Q: Did you see yourself as a model when you attended SPA?

A: Not really. I was always very aware of how tall and skinny I was but I saw this as an awkward characteristic rather than as a career path advantage. I think modeling was always in the back of my mind but I never had the confidence to even dream of pursuing it.

Q:  Has it been worthwhile so far? Any particular moments or experiences that have assured you that you made the right choice?

A: It’s definitely been worthwhile. Of course it has its highs and lows but overall it’s been an amazing experience. It’s allowed me to travel, meet creative people, and inspire my photography.

Q: How has being a model changed your perspective on the fashion industry?

A: I never understood how many brilliant and hardworking people there are in the fashion industry.

Q: How is runway fashion different from what you see in magazines? Is it more like an art form?

A: Most girls get their start doing runway modeling. It’s the best way to meet castings directors, designers, stylists and photographers. These are the people that book you for the editorials you see in magazines and yes, they are much more like an art form and much more fun! [Magazine] photo shoots are much more of a collaborative and creative process.

Q: How would you describe the atmosphere among other models?

A: It’s mostly fun and supportive. It can be such a stressful and emotionally draining job that everyone really looks after each other.

Q: Who is your favorite designer you’ve modeled for? Why?

A: Hedi Slimane, who is the head designer for Saint Laurent. He is the first designer I worked with; I spent three weeks in Paris before the Saint Laurent show working for him. It was an amazing experience to see his creative process from start to finish.

Q: Who has been the most interesting person you’ve met in your modeling career?

A: Donatella Versace.

Q: How do you react when you meet famous people? Has this changed throughout the course of your modeling career?

A: I don’t make it into a big deal. I think the only time I was really star struck was meeting Kate Moss.

Q: What do you do to counter egotism, if anything?

A: Ego is an important element of the job. If you don’t believe in yourself other people won’t believe you in either. It can be very hard for me to maintain a positive ego.

Q: Are you ever surprised when you see a photoshopped image of yourself in a magazine? Does that happen at all? If so, what’s that like?

A: Occasionally I have noticed minor things that have been Photoshopped, like reshaping my jawline or nostril. I don’t get offended because it is my job to convey someone else’s vision; I am not acting as myself but as a different character.

Q: In a world where your entire appearance is designed by someone else and you supposedly can’t even choose your own haircut, what do you do to preserve your identity, on and off the runway?

A: I think that’s the fun of the job. You are transformed into these different characters and get to play the part. Outside of work I am able to stay very true to myself.

Q: Why do you make a point of taking photos? Why utilize photography as opposed to writing or another creative medium?

A: Photography was my major in college and it comes more much naturally to me than writing. My photographs serve as a visual diary.

Q:  Have you ever modeled a look you don’t necessarily like?

A: All the time.

Q:   How busy are you? What do you do to wind down?

A: Sometimes I will work for 2 weeks straight without a break, other times I will have 2 weeks off entirely. It’s hard to have such an irregular schedule that you have little control over. Having my photography is a great way to keep busy during slow work periods.

Q: I am basically obligated to ask : do you have any one beauty tip?

A: Lots of water and sleep!

Q: What’s the most fun experience you’ve had while modeling?

A: The most fun is taking trips with designers to different cities for runway shows. I went to Dubai for a Chanel show and then Hong Kong for a Dior show last spring with 40 to 50 other models. It’s like a short vacation with all of your friends!

Q: Have you had any  negative experiences, if you’re willing to share them?

A: The hardest for me has been modeling for stories I don’t believe in. I once shot an editorial in the middle of winter and at nighttime, on rooftop in NYC, and the whole team was very disorganized. The story got cancelled which was frustrating for me to realize that 2 days of work had gone to waste over something I had no control over.

Q:  Is modeling all it’s made out to be? It seems ideal- you walk down a runway, look pretty, and wear expensive clothes. Is there any truth to that? What goes on behind the scenes that is or isn’t what you expected?

A: This is definitely a huge misconception. Modeling is really hard work. Not only do you have to be extremely thick skinned because of all the rejection you face, but you also have no control over your schedule. You are on call 24/7. During fashion week many girls work until 3 or 4 in the morning and then wake up at 7 a.m. to do it all over again.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to girls, SPA students, or teenagers in general?

A: High school is hard. I never felt like I fully fit in or found my place at SPA. It wasn’t until college that I really felt like I found where I belonged. The social and academic pressures of high school can be very overwhelming. Just know that if you’re not the most popular girl in high school or didn’t do the best on your SATs, everything is going to be all right! Life only gets better.