After being discovered at a young age, Dutch model Mila van Eeten was already exclusively walking Versace back in 2015 before taking a break from modeling. Now she’s jumped back onto the scene with a new black bob and a formidable client roster to cement her new modeling era. This past Spring Couture season was a momentous week for Eeten, as she experienced many firsts; opening her first-ever show for Schiaparelli’s Couture Spring ‘22 show and walking for Jean Paul Gaultier for the first time at his anticipated show designed by Glenn Martens. Last December, Eeten made it to our Hot List rankings and got her first two solo covers for M Le magazine du Monde shot by Carlijn Jacobs and Document Journal shot by Indigo Lewin. Now fresh off her Fendi walk, Models.com spoke to the rising model about the importance of finding balance, recently working with the Alaïa team, and her dream photographers to work with.
Photo by Carlijn Jacobs | Image courtesy of Viva Paris
Did you always want to be a model? Tell us about how you were discovered.
I was scouted on the streets of Amsterdam when I was 14. I was with my aunt and sister, fully focused on what’s on the mind of a 14-year-old: shopping! Then suddenly someone stopped me and asked if I’d ever thought about modeling. I started laughing and said, “Haha! Me? A model?” I never thought of being a model because it never came to mind that it was an option for me. I did some modeling when I was younger but I was really way too young. I stopped for a few years and got scouted again 2 years ago! It feels like a brand-new start and I’m super grateful for all of it.
What is one thing you have to do before you start a workday and why?
Everybody close to me knows the real answer to this question. I am going to be very honest, I am really not a morning person haha. But my “grumpy” morning mood immediately disappears when I drink a cup of coffee. So, I just need one cup of coffee in the morning to wake up and I am totally ready to rumble.
You opened the Schiaparelli Couture Spring ‘22 Show, how was that for you seeing as this was the first show you ever opened?
Thinking back to the show gives me goosebumps! It was an amazing experience. To be honest, I was really nervous. I had never opened a show before, but everyone was so incredibly nice and respectful. It was a joy to see such craftsmanship. Being part of that made me feel incredibly proud.
Schiaparelli Spring Couture Show | Image courtesy of Viva Paris
You made it to the Hot List rankings last December. What drives you in your career?
I am a perfectionist and I am competitive by nature! Even though the rejections are still hard, I’m really learning to embrace that it’s not personal in the end. I love fashion, but I also have a life outside this incredible bubble. I guess finding the balance is a huge drive and a gift.
What has been your most memorable moment on set so far?
So far, there were two I can’t decide from, Pieter Müller’s first show for Alaïa and the Fendace show. Alaïa for its craftsmanship and legacy, the clothes, the people who work there, the show, the girls, the music – It was really super exciting to be a part of it. As for Fendace, being part of a collaboration between the two biggest Italian fashion brands was a dream! Walking between the most iconic models in the world, pinch me!
You also had your first solo cover last year for Document Journal. How was it working alongside makeup artist Lucia Pieroni on that strong, abstract look?
Lucia Pieroni is so kind and so gentle, and such an incredible professional. I loved working with her and being part of the creative process. It still amazes me to see how someone like Lucia uses your face as a canvas!
Photo by Indigo Lewin | Image courtesy of Viva Paris
What other passions do you have aside from modeling?
Before modeling, I worked at a daycare for elderly people suffering from dementia/Alzheimer’s. It’s a home where they can spend their day away from their private house. We walked, cooked, took care of the animals, painted, drew, made music, and played games to have a great day together and give their partners a possibility to have a breather and have some time for themselves. Now that I’m working as a full-time model, I don’t have enough time anymore to work there. But when I’m back home and I have some free days, I always go there as a volunteer to help around.
Where would you like to take your modeling career? Who are your dream brands or collaborators?
I am so grateful that I can work with the most talented and creative people in the world; that’s what I really love! I hope to be part of this incredible and large fashion family as long as I can. So far it’s been an incredible journey, and of course, I dream of working with more legends of the industry like Steven Meisel, Inez & Vinoodh, Jüergen Teller, and Karim Sadli! Let’s see what the future brings.
Photo by Camille Vivier | Image courtesy of Viva Paris
