The Fashion Law
Model Mondays: Interview with Wojtek Czerski
Poland-based Wojtek (pronounced: Voy-teck) Czerski signed with AMQ Models in Warsaw and made his international debut in January 2012 for Dolce & Gabbana’s F/W 2012 runway show. He has gone on to sign with Soul Artist Management and Bananas and to walk for Raf Simons, Dior (quite consistently for the past several seasons), Phillip Lim, and Thom Browne, among others. He has graced the pages of Masses, Indie, Simon(e), and Spray magazines. Fresh from the Dior Spring/Summer 2014 runway last week in Paris, Czerski talks to us about Dior, the downsides of modeling, who he’s obsessed with right now, and more …
The Fashion Law – How old are you and what’s your nationality?
Wojtek Czerski – I’m 21 and I’m from Poland.
The Fashion Law – Business today is so much about branding; do you feel like models are brands?
Wojtek Czerski – Yes, in my opinion every model works and travels a lot to be recognizable. If we have enough luck and work a lot, it makes us well known in the modeling industry. At the same time, the value of our appearance increases much like that of a brand.
The Fashion Law – How do you think you are different from other models?
Wojtek Czerski – A lot of people say that models all look the same. Maybe at first look, because models have to have the right measurements, good bodies and look fresh. However, there are a lot of small things that make each guy so different. I have some friends and everybody in general tends to see all models as being very similar but, in fact, we are all so different.
The Fashion Law – What did you think of modeling before you got started?
Wojtek Czerski – I thought the same things as I do now, I guess. That modeling is for lucky guys who have the chance to work for the biggest brands. It gives really nice opportunities to travel, meet new people, and develop yourself.
The Fashion Law – What has been the highlight of modeling for you so far? Is there a specific job you loved?
Wojtek Czerski – I just love to work as much as I can, to shoot campaigns, walk in shows, travel a lot. I really love shows. There’s so much positive energy, lights on the stage, important people. It makes me feel like I am part of a really big event. It takes 30 seconds to walk on the catwalk but it is so amazing for me.
The Fashion Law – Do you think there are any downsides to modeling?
Wojtek Czerski – Yes, there are. There are a lot of pros but as with everything, there are cons. The main one is the fact that we can’t really manage our time as we want. We have to be ready all the time for new adventures. So, it is quite hard to be in relationships. The other thing is that most of the time we are traveling alone. I can say that all the time “we are sitting on luggage.”
The Fashion Law – Is there a particular designer or design house that you absolutely want to work with?
Wojtek Czerski – I really like Dior. I've had the opportunity to work for them. I love the suits, the perfectly fitted jackets. It makes me feel like a real gentleman. There are also other brands with classically designed clothes like Armani or Dolce & Gabbana. Those brands always make something remarkable but still classic.
The Fashion Law – What do you like to do when you’re not traveling/working?
Wojtek Czerski – I really like spending time with my friends in Warsaw. I do love also sports and mountains. They give me power to work and travel.
The Fashion Law – Where do you see yourself in the next several years?
Wojtek Czerski – If everything works out ok, I’ll try to work in the fashion industry because it gives me a lot of happiness. At the same time, I will continue with my studies and open my own small business.
The Fashion Law – What are you obsessed with right now?
Wojtek Czerski – I don’t have any obsessions, I think. I’m a rather calm and balanced guy. Ok, maybe my girlfriend.
-published July 1, 2013