MEET THE MODEL: ROSE BERTRAM - Hunger TV

Fashion & Beauty

MEET THE MODEL: ROSE BERTRAM

Published on 04 February 2015

words Alice Casely-Hayford

At just 5 ft 7 Rose Bertram may not have the stature of most models but one look at her unique features affirms why she has fronted numerous campaigns (most recently for H&M Sport) as well as featuring in publications ranging from Oyster mag to i-D. In fact, so captivating are her looks that Tyler the Creator posted a picture of the Belgian beauty on Twitter a few years ago asking his followers “Who is this girl?” and after hunting her down, the duo have become firm friends. Constantly on the go travelling between Paris, Belgium and New York, the FM model paused for a moment to discuss her career, modelling advice, and weird sleeping habits.

If you weren't a model would you still have an interest in fashion? What would you be doing otherwise?

Yes, I love fashion! I love being up to date with the new designer collections and models. It’s a very interesting world and different from all the rest. If I wasn’t in fashion as a model, I would probably do a lot of different things. I don’t think I’m the kind of person that could sit behind a desk from 9 to 5 everyday! I would try to find the best thing to do for me, something fun that I won’t get bored of, like acting, nutritionist, personal shopper?

You are constantly on the go and travelling for campaigns and shoots. Where's the most impressive place you've visited recently?

Yes, I went to St John (US-virgin Islands) recently. It was simply amazing, clear blue water sea, white sand, palm trees. Felt like working in paradise! Sometimes I wish I could take someone with me and show them all the beautifull places I go to.

What's the first thing you do when you return home?

First thing I do is jump into my boyfriend’s [footballer Gregory van der Wiel] arms! Besides that the regular things, grocery shopping because I like to cook at home and stay home; when I’m away for a long time you appreciate your own place. Ain’t no place like home they say!

Then I go to the gym and visit my agency in Paris. Also when I have a day off I try to go visit my family in Belgium that’s about 2h30min from Paris.

What would be your advice to your younger self or a nervous new face?

I mean everyone has been through the same, modelling is somethimes harder then it seems. It’s really about taking care of yourself, believing in yourself and being at your best (shape, hair, skin)!

No matter what people tell you to do if you don’t feel comfortable with it you shouldnt do it.

I believe that everything happens for a reason so if it doesnt work out it will next time. Also when you pose it’s not about the poses you see on magazines and billboards etc, a picture is made out of the moment itself! Be playful with the camera, have fun and give them movements that they’ve never seen before. Nobody wants you to be copying someone else, the more originial you are the better!

So no stress because you are always better then you think and you can always push yourself further than you think.

Shot by Tyler, The Creator and Brick Stowell

Do you have a particular career aspirations?

My dream was to become a Victoria’s Secret model. That dream is what has pushed me to be where I am today and what I already have achieved. I am very thankful for what I have been able to do already in my carreer because I’ve come a long way.

Everyone’s path is different. I’m at a point in my life where I know everything will turn out in a positive way even if it doesnt happen to be Victoria’s Secret, it will be something else. Maybe something better!

You have a strong sense of personal style. How would you describe the way you dress and who are some of your favourite designers?

Hmm, my style is different every day. I can be boyish somethimes or girly, it’s really more about how I feel that day and what I’m going to do. I usually wear Balmain jeans and Chanel sneakers with a Zara top and leather jacket.

For the basics I Like Zara, its always nice to combine a little cheaper with a little expensive. I love it, not everything has to be designer.

You have a legion of loyal fans on Instagram. Do you feel any pressure as a (role) model with hundreds of thousands of followers?

I sure do, there’s a lot more people that look up to me than I think. I like to entertain my fans and to show them what I do daily, the more I post about myself and show them my personality the more they like it and the more people are interested. Nowadays you can already tell how a person is just by looking into their social media!

What are you listening to at the moment?

Now I’m listening to Aaliyah ‘Try Again’.

Can you tell us a secret?

I kinda have a weird way of sleeping. I always sleep with my arms behind my head and my legs in the air. Not really, really in the air but half way, with my feet flat on the bed and my legs look like the form of a triangle. I don’t know how to explain to be honest haha!

Follow Rose on Instagram @ Rose_Bertram