“I had a different physique, with chest, more shapes”

The first shootings (1988)

“I took so many photos on the beach that I lost count: I was considered more of a summer girl, less of a winter girl. I was hired for shoots in the sun with a tan, hair blowing in the wind, the sea. And then, I was chosen to pose in Sports Illustratedthe holy grail for a model. Jule Campbell, the editor-in-chief, was very demanding in her castings. So when she chose you, it was amazing. The photos were so sexy, but also pretty.

I particularly remember a photo among the elephants. More than the French girlI was there Normandy girl, because all Americans know the landing region. It was my business card. At the time, there was roughly one representative per country. Elle Macpherson for Australia; Linda Evangelista for Canada; Claudia Schiffer for Germany… Of course, there was Ines de la Fressange, but she was very associated with Chanel. I had a different physique, with chest, more shapes. In any case, there was no war between us. We were a small troop. The ones I was closest to? Christy Turlington and Tatjana Patitz, whose passing two years ago affected me deeply.”

Angel's Campaign by Thierry Mugler (1992)

“This perfume really revolutionized the codes, with this recognizable smell. So, even today, when I meet someone wearing it, I want to kiss them. I think that’s really the power of a perfume. As for the advertising campaign, I have a very specific memory of this photo taken in New York by Thierry himself. We were at the top of a building, on the edge of the void.

I felt dizzy and I said to myself: “But wait, I can’t go back any further than that.” Today, it would be rigged with AI, but at the time, there was no room for error. There was no morphing or Photoshop, we couldn't add the decor in post-production, modify the length of the legs… Besides, as models, we really had to take care of ourselves, because we couldn't not cheat. Hence the importance of healthy living which was a matter of professionalism. The alterations were difficult and expensive!”

The clip Too Funky by George Michael (1992)

«Thierry Mugler (who directed the clip, Editor’s note) had chosen his “favorite” models, but knowing that George Michael had also validated this choice was already incredible. The filming was crazy in every sense of the word. It lasted 24 hours non-stop. The two of them argued a lot. And meanwhile, we were waiting, with our hair and makeup on, wondering what we were doing there. I was in a tight vinyl outfit that wasn't the most comfortable, but the worst part was my hairstyle.

I don't know how many kilos of extras I was carrying on my head, but it was very heavy! Conversely, I also remember these moments of filming with the singer, where I was able to discover a very respectful person. He really wanted to highlight us. It’s an experience that’s truly etched in my memory. Especially when I see the influence that this clip still enjoys, cult for an entire generation.

The Bride for Dior (1995)

“I have been cast as the bride several times. For Dior when Gianfranco Ferré was in charge, but also for Thierry Mugler. An important role, because she had to close the show by then going to find the designer so that he could say hello. Looking back, it was a time when everyone could really show their personality on the catwalk. Today, we ask models to be more neutral.

I really liked showing for Thierry (Mugler), Jean Paul (Gaultier), Azzedine (Alaïa), because we could smile, strike a pose… There wasacting. Now, I think we don't have much fun at shows anymore, and that's why I prefer shoots that allow more freedom. I think that to get back on the podium, a designer friend would have to ask me. When Jean Paul Gaultier said goodbye, I immediately said yes. But unfortunately, not many of them are still alive.”

Parade while pregnant for Jean Paul Gaultier (1995)

“This creator has always had the habit of taking a step aside, of inviting atypical profiles. That's what was extraordinary about him. And who made his parades so spectacular. When I was pregnant, he chose the theme Mad Max for his collection, so I had very particular makeup, feathers in my hair… When he wanted to highlight my stomach, I immediately accepted. It was completely assumed, whereas the same year, for other parades, we had hidden it a little.

The photo was published everywhere, and I was very proud of it. Anyway, I had that “powerful” side that you can feel when you're expecting a baby: at that moment, I was above everything. No matter what people thought, I felt good and was comfortable with my body. So, it's a wonderful memory, for my daughter Ilona too. And it’s very funny because a few years ago, she, in turn, paraded for him.”