Urbanity Chic , Spotlight Interview

Anne Dechauffour is a French fashion model and actress whom spent much of her earlier years growing up in Kenya but now lives and works in London. After checking out her new short movie we were really keen to offer Anne an interview on Urbanity Chic so that we could share her work and experiences with you. Read on to discover what Anne was doing in 2010, how she prepares for a fashion shoot and how she relaxes by taking photographs of nature.

Anne Dechauffour

Q: How did you get into fashion modeling?

I was 16 years when i did a fashion show ‘ethnic fashion show ‘for a Russian Designer (Natasha C. )in kenya and then i worked with her as a fitting model and begun after that my first shooting with the great fahion Photographer in Kenya (Bobby Pall ) .

Q: How was 2010 for you?

I led and appeared one short movie in Kenya (The White Mzungu Borana )). Then I attended some method acting workshops in London with a great American teacher Also I signed with two modeling and acting agenices in January 2011. agencies of model/Actor on January 11 .

Q: Who inspires you?

Gisele Bündchen

Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?

There are too many but the first three on my list are Karl Lagerfeld , Christian Lacroix and Valentino .

Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?

I prefer the studio of course we can use more artistic quality , effects of denser luminosity and connect with a photographer more intimately. Otherwise, when outside I prefer it when the places are isolated & exotic.

Anne Dechauffour

Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot, or a casting you’d like to share?

I was assigned to complete a fashion shoot in the bush (Meru National Park) with the Boranas, an indiginous tribe. It was a single, authentic place but was very sparse, barren and simple. At the beginning I didn’t want to inconvenience them by our arrival, since their lifestyle is so different to ours and the children were really shy .

But then a young girl came towards me and gave me a cup of tchai (tea); I took it to my lips and I drank it.

“Delicious” she smiled and started to speak with me in English. The atmosphere afterwards became very cordial.

Suddenly, they had really adopted me and they did an exceptional job. They were marvelous.
Then I wanted to work with them for a short movie and in particular now I am working on a documentary project to make people discover the Boranas people with an aim to preserve their roots.

Q: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?

I take the time to sleep and to eat well. To hydrate my skin and prepare the hair. It’s essential to do this before you begin a shoot.

Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?

Well , not only one !!

This is because they are different for how to work and also the artistic work are not the same .

Q: Who is your favourite photographer?

Can I choose two ?

It would be .. Bobby Pall for the exotic and wild pictures and Lee Barker for the Elegant and ‘Haute Couture’ pictures .

Anne Dechauffour

Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with?

Oh yes ; Raya Photographer ; Andrea Klarin ; Shaun Alexander , James Hickey .

Q: What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is important throughout the world. It is here everywhere and has been with us across the centuries. There is a ‘comeback ‘ every time .
As you travel across the world, you discover new designers , it is an amazing art that gives you character when you wear it . It can be elegant, sexy, casual , pretty ..but you know that reflects your personality and that it’s important.

Q: How would you define your personal style?

My personal style is really versatile. When I work, I can adapt to be sophisticated, elegant or glamorous, sexy, even wild. I love to work in different aspects and genres. Also I’ll take on different roles to create the fashion vision of pictures with the photographer .

Q: Where are you based?

Basically,,.. I’m based in London but can travel in the world .

Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?

I hope to work as a full time fashion & editorial model specializing in fine art , beauty and advertising ,..

I hope to be the muse of luxury cosmetic ,

Also, to work with great photographers around the world .. to expand my knowledge and my career in this artistic world .

Q: What do you do to relax?

I play with my dogs & cat .:) I make a wonderful cake or I read , draw or call my friends throughout the world with Skype and Facebook .

Anne Dechauffour

Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?

Two step from the hell

Bruno Mars

Hans Zimmer

Anne Dudley

Bomfunck Mc’s

Lady Gaga , ….

Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?

I love to take pictures of wild landscapes , or to wait in front of tree for several hours, for example, to take a wonderful picture
of a small bird which leaves its nest . You need a lot of patience and spend a lot of time but it’s really stunning when you have an amazing picture .
Also I enjoy going to dancing to practice salsa and tango.

Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new or aspiring models what would it be?

You have to be daring and persevere of what you want .. your dream .. your passion .

Q: What motivates you to do what you do?

Firstly the passion and then my positive spirit. It is a trade which requires spontaneity. You have to believe in yourself.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?

I have lived in Kenya since I was 12 . It was an amazing story and part of my life that has given me an extraordinary, emotive spirit .

I would be really happy to create new, original and wild projects with photographers or film directors.