Anja Rubik may have cheekbones that can cut glass and an incredible presence in front of the camera, but the game-changer from Rzeszów is an icon not just because of her countless covers and numerous campaigns: Anja is a perfect representative of the new breed of model. As anyone will tell you, the industry has changed, and where 20 years ago it would have sufficed to have a stunning face and incredible posing skills, today it takes more. Beauties are a dime a dozen, and the women who ascend to the highest levels of success go beyond the call of duty. Blessed with an unforgettable look and a tireless work ethic, Anja has distinguished herself across a variety of platforms, pushing her namesake brand into the pop cultural sphere. When you have Kanye West name-dropping you alongside Anna Wintour, and Karl Lagerfeld listing you among his favorites of all time, you’re in a class by yourself.
Styling by Keegan Singh (Los Angeles: Streeters Los Angeles, New York: Streeters New York)
Makeup Lisa Houghton
Hair by Esther Langham
Manicurist Dawn Sterling
Music Tristan Bechet / Cadence
Director of photography Santiago Gonzalez
Executive producer Neil Cooper / Cadence
Producer Mark Day / Cadence
Post-production Modern Post NY
Color and beauty – IC Motion
Models.com’s ICONS
Creative direction Stephan Moskovic
Text by Janelle Okwodu
With a special thanks to Leigh Crystal at Next NY
Leather top by Azzedine Alaia, Jewelry by Linn Lomo
The variety and breadth of Anja’s various outside projects has earned her a reputation for being one of the most enterprising faces around. In addition to modeling, she’s editor-and-chief of the boundary pushing publication 25 and is on occasion a designer herself. “Anja is an iconic woman, top model, and muse of many of the most important fashion houses,” says her friend and collaborator Giuseppe Zanotti.
“Anja Rubik, is the ultimate model. She is one of the few models who manages to straddle the commercial and avant-garde with ease. She is a supermodel in the true sense. She has a beauty which can transform any character or tell any story. Anja has found her way through the fashion industry in a way which very few models can achieve, she is always leading by example. She has beauty, a vision and a brain for business.” – Edward Enninful
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What has being a model AND an editor allowed you to explore?
AR: Being both a model and editor has really given me an amazing outlet to channel my creative energy, and set a stage for me to make all of my ideas come alive. Being on the other side of the camera to direct a shoot has been a way for me to employ my experience in the industry to create beautiful images within 25’s spirit and vision. It’s been amazing to meet our rotating cast of contributors and work together on all editorial activities.
25 is all about creating beautiful, irreverent, inspiring images…the magazine represents and supports strong, intelligent, beautiful women who are comfortable in their sensuality. In general I think the approach to sexuality nowadays is either quite vulgar or prude. I didn’t want to play it safe. There is a ’70s feeling to 25 – an era where people were more open and free with their sensuality. The images from that decade are natural and women were happy and comfortable in their skin…it was a celebration of their sexuality! The images are super strong and incredibly iconic. When a woman is in control, self-aware, and comfortable in her skin, it is a really powerful and positive beautiful thing and I hope this comes across in 25. Women need to support women and speak their minds. I am pushing the boundaries of what a female fashion magazine can be… with this has come some backlash from people that weren’t completely comfortable with the subject. This was unexpected and made me realize that our generation is more conservative than that of our parents. Don’t fear the nipple.
Dress by Alexander Wang, Jewelry by Linn Lomo
AR: When I started to work with the best people in the industry.
Who are your icons?
AR: David Bowie, Debbie Harry, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington…and my amazing mother.
You’re one of fashion’s real multi-taskers – can you tell us a little about your many projects?
AR: 25 is really special to me. It’s a beautiful book full of inspiring images with an erotic twist. The spirit and vision of 25 represents the strength of a beautiful, intelligent woman. There is a lot of me in the project; I’ve collaborated with friends and icons of mine to make wild ideas come alive. We have been able to create something that I believe in and felt was missing in the industry. It’s been received incredibly and I’m really excited to continue pushing the boundaries with it…
I have also designed a special capsule collection of shoes and bags with my good friend Giuseppe Zanotti. The process was very organic and came to life from my ideas and sketches along with Giuseppe’s extensive technical guidance. The shoes are an extension of my aura: an erotic spirit with a chic punk twist. There is a sexy grunge feeling expressed in the details, like unique corseted-lacing and piercings. It’s a cool mix of refined chicness and a tough edge. This is something I have always wanted to do and I’m really pleased with how the collection turned out.
Dress by Alexander Wang, Jewelry by Linn Lomo
“I first met Anja in her very early modelling days when Inez and Vinoodh shot her for V. That story remains one of my favorite ever and I felt like she was a star from the first moment I met her! She is also a gifted artist and is very visual. All that, plus her personality has led to her becoming as big as she is today.” – Stephen Gan
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Leather top and skirt by Azzedine Alaia, belt by Balmain, Jewelry by Linn Lomo
“She’s amazing, she’s an incredible model, she’s super beautiful. She really enjoys what she does, so it’s an absolute pleasure working with her.”- Mario Sorrenti
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What does being iconic mean to you?
AR: It’s humbling and exciting to be able to inspire people; I am lucky to be in a position to put my time and heart into causes as well as projects that I really believe in – like 25.
How do you think your generation of models differs from the generations that have preceded it?
AR: By using our years of experience working with the top people in fashion, some of us have moved into the business side of the industry, expanding our brands into projects that are special to us.
What’s next for you?
AR: I am working on issue 03 of 25…and I have a few other tricks up my sleeve, stay tuned!
“I’ve been working with Anja for many years now and she never ceases to impress me with her professional and determined attitude towards her job. She is always focused, positive and of course, absolutely stunning.”
Frida Giannini, Gucci Creative Director
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Leather top and skirt by Azzedine Alaia, belt by Balmain, Jewelry by Linn Lomo
“It was always my dream and desire to work with Anja Rubik, I remember the first time I met Anja she captured my heart and imagination, Anja tried a dress and of course there were no need for alterations. I now can’t draw a collection without thinking of her. Anja’s cool, beautiful and warm presence inspires me; Anja has that quality, that something special that makes a difference, she is truly an Icon” – Anthony Vaccarello
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I loved. She is perfect.
LOVE HER <3
Holy mother of heavens, that video is EVERYTHING. Jawdroppingly amazing. Well done Barnaby Roper!
She’s beautiful..gets better as she ages
the best polish model
shes queen of poses. love her <3
Very impressive Interview & Video. Love the comments, too!
she is gorgeous model. love her so much!
True true true true. All I can tell. True all the things she is. She deserves every single best she gets in her life.
Thanks for the tribute. Next I guess it’ll be Miss Fontana. Poly, Rubik, Fontana, the fantastic 3. The prides of this industy.
This whole article gave me goosebumps. AND OMG CRYING OVER THE VIDEO.
it’s the first time she is named an artist, interesting
My favorite model ever! I first became aware of her a few years ago when I was walking to work and happened to see her posing in a Christmas advertisement for GAP with her then boyfriend, Sasha. For that whole day all I was able to think about was the striking image of the girl in the GAP ad; wondering who she was.
When I got home I immediately started researching and eventually found out who she was. From that day I knew she was going to be huge!
Amazing model! The best there is.
She is a true national pride for me (I come from Polnad). I’m really proud of what she has achieved. And she can do much moore… I respect her and admire her common sense. Thank You all for possitive comments for her. Anja if You read this I send You greetings from Pszczyna :).
AMAZINGGGG
@ royy4
Most women do; models are no exception.
JW
brilliant.
love her:) awesome behind the scenes video shoot of her for french vogue too:)
Anja is just fantastic! She really was born to follow this path! She was blessed by God who created her to shine into the fashion world!
Her picture is something that enchants us as an Arabian tale!
Good Lord.. The images are breathing perfection!!!
http://blessthemodels.wordpress.com/
STUNNER 🙂
http://haideeandco.blogspot.com/
Nasza Anja <3333
Anja Rubik truly is a queen. I fell in love with this girl from the earliest I saw her. Leader of her generation of models, a super somewhat for today.
That video gave me chills!!! MAJESTIC in every sense.
Out of the other Icons I would love see featured next are, Daria Werbowy, Raquel Zimmermann, Caroline, or Mariacarla.
Absolutely STUNNING! You are the IT Girl, wow…I am not worthy!
It is very inspiring to work!
Interesting personality and a great model …
Who may I ask filmed this video that continuously shatters? Is it Nick Night?
The first time I met her I fell in love with her, i think that was a i-D video… god! What a perfect women!!!