interview

Name:
Merel Zoet

Agency:
Viva Paris ()
DNA Models (New York)
Why Not Model Management (Milan)
Wilma Wakker (Amsterdam – mother agency)

Age:
19

Height:
181cm (5’11.5″)

Instagram:
@merelzoet

Place of Origin:
Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands

Ethnic Origin:
Dutch

Birthsign:
Pisces

How discovered:
I got told about my agency “Wilma Wakker Models” by a random girl in a store. Funny enough two girls (twins) from the tiny village I live in were signed with Wilma Wakker as well, that’s how I got in contact with them!

What was your first modeling job?
My first job was the Louis Vuitton show. I didn’t know much about fashion at all when I started and I think LV was one of the two brands I knew at that time so I felt super lucky!

Favorite things:
I love dancing (at a party or just anywhere else), cooking and long dinners with friends.

What are you listening to at the moment?
Today I listened to “What’s the Use” by Mac Miller, I think 20 times.

Favorite movie, tv show:
My favorite tv shows are all shows meant for old people. It’s mostly about camping trips or baking, exciting! I do realize I could also put in this answer at the question about the uncool things that I love anyways.

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
Favorite designer must be the verryyy young but super creative boy who I babysat for a long time. His name is Boaz, since the day I met him he is crazy about fashion!

What were you doing before modeling?
I was going to high school. I graduated last June. I cycled there every day which took me two hours so that was almost everything I had the time for! In the weekends I spent my time at my theater school where I got into acting; went there by bike of course.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
I think if I wasn’t modeling I would have gone to university, I really enjoy journalism and would love to one day do my own researches and make documentaries. On the other hand, acting is something I really love and I would like to start combining modeling with some acting.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
The fact that my friend Roos (van Elk) and I missed studying a little bit so we started our own project. We both have to do some kind of research about something we find interesting and make a report about it. The first deadline is next Tuesday, hahaha.

Favorite modeling experience so far?
I think last fashion weeks, it felt like going on a school trip with a lot of my friends. It’s a lot of hard work and not nearly enough sleep of course, but in between, I’ve had a lot of fun with all my friends who were doing the shows as well. Somehow it makes it really fun to all be tired together.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
I love the lakes around my hometown! In summer for swimming and in winter for ice skating, if we are lucky!

Which brand would you really love to model for?
I am happy with everything I’ve done so far and will just enjoy everything that comes along! I learned that it’s better to not get your expectations up too high so I will just work hard and enjoy what I’m doing. We will see what that brings!

Place you would love to visit:
I am going to Sri Lanka with a friend this summer so that’s the first thing I’m really looking forward to now!

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
Coriander, always thought it tasted like soap but all of a sudden it’s my favorite thing. Same with bananas actually, I’m growing up.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Strangers aren’t scary. A friend told me this once and since I’m traveling by myself so much it made me meet so many nice people. I learn a lot from all the new people I talk to at work, at airports or on the street, people I wouldn’t have come across if I wasn’t doing this job!