Laetitia Casta: I was only 15 and on holiday with my family. I was lying on a beach in Corsica with my baby sister when a woman came up to my father and gave him her business card. She was a photographer who spotted me, so I guess that's how I got discovered. She introduced me to a modeling agent. I was still in school so I went to castings only on the weekends. My father was a little nervous so he chaperoned me on different jobs. We took our time. G?: Did you always dream of being a model? LC: No, growing up I always thought I looked like a boy. G?: What was your first real job? LC: My first real job was doing a shoot for Italian Glamour. Then Paul Marciano, President and Creative Director of GUESS?, selected me for a GUESS? advertising campaign. It was shot by Neil Kirk in Jamaica in October of '94. G?: How has fame affected you? Do you see yourself differently now than before you started modeling? Why? How about the way others see you? LC: I am very proud of my work. I am happy with my family and I try to stay healthy. I think I have changed a little bit - I've learned a lot about traveling and people. I've learned a lot about life! I do miss my friends though, and they miss me. I think about my friends all the time. But over the years, our friendship has stayed the same. If it changed then they would not be my true friends. G?: How do you describe yourself? LC: Easy and happy. Very happy. I'm 5'7" with light brown hair and blue eyes. I think I have a good sense of humor. I try to be confident and self-assured. My motto remains, "If opportunity is knocking at my door, I will open it." G?: What do you like most about modeling? What do you like least? LC: I like meeting new people. I like learning about different people and communicating with them. The thing I like the least about modeling is fake people. There are a lot of people in this business who can hurt you. G?: GUESS? has catapulted many modeling careers. How has GUESS? affected your career? LC: Before I started modeling for GUESS?, I only modeled in France for French publications. GUESS? introduced me to the United States and to the world. GUESS? was the first company that really gave me international exposure. G?: When you think of GUESS?, what first comes to mind? LC: Jeans! Beautiful black and white advertising images! Eva Herzigova and Claudia Schiffer! G?: What are your favorite things to do in your free time? LC: I love spending time with my family. I love playing with my brother and sister. I like to go-cart race and relax on the beach with them. My favorite thing to do is hang out with my family. G?: Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable? LC: I would have to say either Jamaica or Mexico, and of course Normandy! I was born and raised in Normandy & Corsica. I grew up in Normandy, swimming in the rivers and playing in the forests. G?: Where do you consider home? LC: Modeling takes you all over the world. Currently, I live in Paris with my mother, father, older brother and younger sister. I like being at home where I can cook with my mom and spend time with my 9-year-old sister. G?: How did you get started in Judo? How long have you been doing it? What about the art do you carry into other parts of your life, like modeling? LC: I started practicing Judo over nine years ago and I've received a Brown Belt. Judo teaches you many things about life. It teaches you to control and how to set limits. It's knowing how to balance your life and your mind and not be ruled by your emotions. G?: There are a lot of models that try their hand at acting. Is this something that interests you? If so, what types of roles do you see yourself playing? LC:Yes! Actually I just completed a French film with Gerard Depardieu called, Asterix et Obelix. Eventually, I'd like to try every role, why not? I think I'd be great in a comedy role. Right now though, I would like to continue modeling for as long as I can. G?: Do you have a mentor? Who? What is it about them that affects you? Why? LC: Napoleon and Bridget Bardot...because they were from Corsica and because they made something of their lives. Oh, also Estelle Halliday because she was a French girl too, and she became a GUESS? Girl just like me! G?: Where do you see yourself in ten years? LC: In ten years, I hope to be happily married and have a very large family. I love children. G?: What is your favorite kind of food? LC: I like all kinds of foods-- Italian and French the best, I think. G?: What is your favorite kind of music? LC: I really like French music, but I like to dance to American rock-n-roll. | |
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