BEHIND THE SCENES WITH KATRYN

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BEHIND THE SCENES WITH KATRYN

18 Jun 2012
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The July issue of ELLE (on-shelf today, so go get it!) is all about star quality. We take South Africa’s soon-to-be supermodel Katryn Kruger on a journey from casting to cover on page 59. You may ask: Katryn who? And we may reply (slightly shocked): She who starred in ‘First Dance’, our December fashion shoot and on the cover of our January issue. So watch this face. Remember this name. Introducing Katryn Kruger.
You’re still in matric. Do you know what you’d like to do when you’ve finished school (other than modeling)?

I am not sure yet (who is at 17?!) but I have a passion for languages and I love writing. So I will see where life takes me. I know that one day I want a family of my own, have a dog or two, a big garden and a happy life. But anything can happen, and I constantly change my mind about what I want.

Which is your favourite home-cooked meal?

Oh, that’s a tough one! Both my parents are great cooks and I am spoilt with great food at home. My favourite would be pasta salad on a Saturday afternoon or my mom’s roast and veggies on a Sunday after church. And nothing beats a good South African braai! I am not that big on the red meat, but I love chicken and some Greek salad.

Tell us a little about your family.

Oh, I love my family! I always say that I have the best family in the whole world. My brother, Albert, is three years younger than me. We are quite close and like to watch animated movies like Megamind or Despicable Me together. And he makes the best popcorn! I love him very much and we miss each other a lot when I am away. One of the saddest things for me is that I am missing out on his high-school experience. But we keep in touch and I give him all of the ‘older sister’ advice and tips.

My dad is a sweetheart and one of my best friends. I even ask him for fashion advice (when I don’t like my mom’s answer). Whenever he says something I don’t like, like remind me of a house rule, and I ask why, he would answer: ‘It is written in the Father-Daughter Book’. Now that I am (more) grown up I still smile at the thought of our ‘book’ and I know it would’ve been a bestseller! I also know that whenever I am away he still switches on my bed lamp at night.

My mom is amazing and my role model. She is beautiful, strong, loving, inspiring and the funniest person I know. She is the woman and mother I want to be. I also got my love for languages from her as well as my appreciation for classical music.

And your dogs?

My dogs are so cute. I have two dachshund, Rolo and Crunchie. Rolo loves to play fetch with the socks he steals from our laundry basket and Crunchie is the one you can cuddle and hold for as long as you want because he is plain lazy.

What was school like for you?

Growing up was, and still is, an interesting road and I still wander from the road sometimes. Primary school was tough, especially because my school work was important to me and because I was more mature than my classmates (like I’ve said before: I am a bit of an old soul). I was never one of the popular girls at school and didn’t really have friends until I met my dearest and loveliest best friends (De-Vene and Stephanie) in high school. I can’t imagine my life without them. We do crazy and funny and silly things together. We are not really popular because we don’t drink or smoke, but we have the best times just being ourselves and laughing until our stomachs hurt. The best thing about them is that they don’t treat me differently since I began modeling. When I am home, I can just be me, a normal 17-year-old, and we carry on as if I have never been away.

What goes through your mind when you get in front of a camera or step onto a runway?

In front of a camera I zone out. Nothing else matters to me at that moment. It is very important to embrace the feel and ‘theme’ of the shoot and I use experiences I’ve had to portray a certain emotion. It is so much more than smiling or not smiling and looking pretty. Emotions and thoughts show in your eyes and you are selling something, which means you have to work with the clothes and make people believe that what you’re wearing is what they need or want. So many people are involved in a photo shoot and everyone is contributing. Shoots can be emotionally and physically draining. Modelling is an art form.

With shows it is much easier. The models don’t have to give so much of themselves and the show is over within 10 minutes. However, the hours and preparation that go into each show are physically much harder than people realise. Sometimes I have to concentrate not to smile since I am having so much fun. And the adrenaline is all that gets you through the four of five weeks each fashion week lasts.

What is the craziest or busiest time you’ve had?

Without a doubt, the first two months of this year. I did Haute Couture in Paris followed by Ready-to- Wear Autumn/Winter Fashion Week in all four cities (New York, London, Milan and Paris). Altogether I did almost 50 shows, which is a lot for a ‘new face’ (it was my first season).

Is there anything that makes you feel beautiful?

Well, on shoots and at shows it is easier to feel beautiful because there are professionals doing your hair and make-up and you get to wear really pretty (and sometimes weird) clothes. But at home I think what makes me feel beautiful is wearing something nice – I am in love with lace these days – and putting on my Chanel lipstick.

Where do you see yourself in a year from now?

Oh, wow, I don’t know. Anything can happen in a year!

Do you have plans for your 18th yet?

No, but you sure got me thinking now! My birthday is on 14 April, so it could even fall on a public holiday or long weekend. I would love to go away for a weekend with my closest friends and family and just have fun.

Who was the first person you called when you heard you’ve been booked by Prada?

My two best friends! Since I began modeling, their and my interest in high fashion has grown and we like to go through show photos and discuss the hair, make-up and clothes.

First fashion memory?

Well, when I was a toddler I modeled for a little while. I had crazy curls and big eyes!

If we allow you a quick name-dropping moment, who are all the ‘famous faces’ you’ve met or worked with?

Gisele Bündchen, Victoria Beckham, Kanye West, Candice Swanepoel, Joan Smalls, Mila Kunis, Cameron Diaz (I only saw her back stage. Does that count? If it does, add David Beckham and Anna Wintour to the list.) and obviously all the designers I walked for.

How do you spend your free time? (When you actually get some!)

When I am overseas and not working, I use the time to communicate with my friends and family, shop, read and finish interviews. At home, I like spending time with friends and family, resting and doing normal stuff like baking or washing the dogs!

What’s on your bucket list?

I do have an actual list written down! At the top is traveling in Africa and learning to play the cello.

On shoot day