FMD Model of the Month - July 2014 - Gintare Sudziute

http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/modelofthemonth/gintare-sudziute/2014-july/

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The Lithuanian beauty Gintare Sudziute is FMD’s pick for model of the month July. Scouted at her tender 15 in a chocolate shop, Gintare modeling career began and developed quickly after she moved to the US soon after her highschool graduation. Success was knocking at her footstep when she soon became the face for Dior, Ann Taylor, Raugh Lauren, Net-A-Porter.
The beauty believes that a personality is the key to a successful modeling career.

Did you always wanted to be a model, or did you stumble upon it, get discovered etc.? Who or what inspired you to become a model? How did you get started in the modeling business?

II never imagined that I could be a model. It wasn’t my childhood dream. My parents were against it after I said I was scouted by Lithuanian agency. So I went to meet my agency after long talks with my family and checking out the industry. After I got my first cover, I was really into in the modeling career.

What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model? What do you like least? Have you encountered any surprises along the way? What has been your most awkward moment (of your modeling career)?

Modeling is not just about taking pretty pictures as people see it. They just see the result and of course all girls looks outstanding and even beyond reality gorgeous but to achieve this results you have to go through long hours of shootings. So, the disadvantage of modeling that I can point out is WAITING. It’s all about that waiting for castings, clients, photographers, pictures, even money. However, modeling gives me the opportunity to travel, meet interesting people, and discover new cultures and nations.

What’s the funniest thing that happened to you on a photo shoot or fashion show?

Once I had a shoot in the beautiful Aspen. The makeup artist didn’t show up. At the end I had to be a model and my own makeup artist and hair stylist, it was really funny experience for me when my client asked me to do make up by myself. So I was all in one, I did all 3 at same time.

How would you describe yourself as model in three words?

Chameleon, artistic, professional.

Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable?

NYC, I never forget how lost I was during the first days and how after that I just wanted to cry and leave for couple weeks of vacations.

Who is your favorite photographer? Why?

DAVID BENOLIEL, he is my God father, I met him 2 years ago. Our first shoot was a ghost story for FLAUNT magazine and after that everything started. I always agree with his ideas of the shoot and trust him 100% because I know the result will be outstanding. He is one of the best in Miami and pretty sure will be soon in all over. I have to say HUGE thank you to him for who I am right now he changed my book and my attitude at the shoot 360’.

What was the hardest photo shoot for you, and why?

The hardest photoshoot I had it was in NYC for UK Grazia. We were shooting a night story during mid-November. It was really cold and of course I was wearing dresses and skirts so nothing warm. After hours of exposing my body, my hands and legs were blue. I still had to keep my mood and put a smile on my face.

Is there a difference in posing when you are doing a cover and an editorial?

YES, cover requires to sell so you look has to be approachable and catching. For editorial it is about the concept so you need to focus and try to deliver the feeling that is required.

Is there an artistic or general difference in doing editorials/covers in Europe opposed to USA?

Honestly, I don’t see the difference. All editorial can be different but it depends on team and magazine not on the country.

Did anyone in the industry ask you to change your look, name, etc… If so, what did you do?

All markets requires different look so you always have to think what you want to approach. So, I have been asked ones by an agency to look more commercial and others require to keep the high fashion look. You can change with your outfits and attitude but most importantly, I always keep my balance. I don't go too far into one or the other side.

What tips and advice do you have for aspiring models just starting out, something you wish someone would have told you?

Critic is good but don’t take it too personally. Listen to people and learning out of it, this will push you forward.

Have you had any negative experiences with model agencies, talent scouts? What are top 3 warning signs to look out for?

I had one with one agency in Milan I won’t tell the name, it won’t be nice to say it loud. I had problems with them about my payments and I had to hire a lawyer. So, always be aware about your statement, fight for your rights and don’t be afraid to ask if you have doubts.

Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?

My goals is to take as much as I can from modeling and after that I will still stay in fashion industry but behind camera.

What should a relationship between an agent and model look like?

You have to be partners and friend. Relationship has to be based on trust and understanding.

Do other models inspire you?

Sasha Luss, Edita Vilkeviciute

Who is your favorite all-time model?

Kate Moss

Is the fashion world what you expected it to be?

It’s not the same as what I was thinking On the outside it looks so beautiful, shining and marvelous. But behind that it's a crazy and hard industry and you always have to put a lot of strength into this job.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

Fashion industry can make you crazy so I like to get out of it and be with my friends who don’t care how I look, what I wear, who made my bag. Friends are the no.1 choice for my free time.

Who are your favorite fashion designers?

MPrada, Dior, Givenchy

Best Jean?

Rag&bone. All saints

What things in your wardrobe would you never throw away?

Jackets and shoes are my addiction.

What era would you like to bring back?

The 80’s.

Who is your style icon?

Blake Lively and Kate Moss

Your favorite store?

All Saints

What are your best beauty secrets?

Lots of laugh and CHOCOLATE (keeps me happy and happy people are beautiful)

Do you have any beauty / skin care tips or tricks to look fresh and rested for early morning photo shoots?

Green tea ice cubes its taking away all the tireblack eyes and keeps your glowing.

Do you believe in homemade recipes? Do you have one to share with us?

Yes, I’m sure natural products are better than synthetic ones, I got a tip for a beautiful and soft hair from my good friend and I try it out and it works. Hair mask : avocado plus olive oil, keep it 1h on hair after wash it and your hair will be really soft and shining.

How much attention do you pay to meditation & exercise, or is it all natural? How do you stay in shape?

I do exercise regularly. I have my personal trainer who is kicking my fat ass and bringing to gym. , but it’s hard to train with him all the time because of my trips for so I keep following his program created for me.

What makes you feel sexy?

Sexy underwear after no matter what you wearing sweat pants, dress or jeans under my favorite Agent Provocateur makes me feel sexy

What is your favorite part about your body?

MY belly i am happy because no matter what I eat or do it keeps in shape

Favorite kind of food:

Sushi, deserts, Italian cuisine

When models say they eat healthy, what do they mean by that?

I had really bad eating habits but my trainer showed me that being healthy doesn’t mean you can’t eat sweets and keep on diet. You have to keep everything in a balance.

How would you describe yourself as a human being in three words?

Shy, loyal, gentle.

What’s controversial or unique about you?

I’m a really shy person. But put make up on me and push me in front of the camera, I can be sexy provocative. After the shoot I coming back to my grounds, it really shocks people. It's easy for me to feel the character and live in it for a bit.

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?

Stop time !!! I like to be young forever

What would you like to change about yourself if you can choose only one thing?

I need CONFIDENCE

What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

Movies, friends, and spending time in nature.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? What could be your next career?

I see myself having nice a family and still working in the fashion industry but behind the camera

Do people act different around you since you’ve become a model?

Yes, I got lots of replies about my work, some people support and say its amazing opportunity, other said I am selling myself for fashion and it makes me not value.

Do you have any model friend that you would suggest for the next model of the month on FMD?

Renata Zanchi, she is the best person I meet in this industry

Favorite kind of music? Favorite television series or movie?

I listen to all type of music. TV this is hard to begin but 3 of my favorites: 1- Breaking bad. 2 - Game of thrones 3- White Collar

Favorite quote:

Live your life not others!!!

What’s your favorite fashion magazine? Why?

French Vogue, always can find interesting and amazing editorials

Happiness is …

Everywhere, just open your eyes.

People have said I look like …

Sasha Luss

How would you describe FMD in one phrase? Your quote about FMD?:

The best source of inspiration for models,photographers and ect!!!

Thank you Gintare for this great interview!
note: all answers are original and unaltered - Editor: Iva Mirach & Mimi Nguyen