Leedna Bo is an editorial and fashion model, originally based in Paris but is currently working and living in London to pursue her fashion career. Despite her incredibly hectic schedule we were honoured that Leedna completed a full in-depth interview for us. Read on to find out how Leedna got in to fashion modelling, how she prepares for a fashion shoot and how she would define her personal style.
Leedna Bo
Q: How did you get into fashion modeling?
I have always been attracted by the fashion world. I started modeling when I was 16 with a freelance photograph in Lyon. I moved to Paris five years later in order to continue modeling and have more career opportunities. However, when I arrived, I didn’t have that many opportunities and was obliged to work as a saleswoman. Yet, I went to many auditions until I obtained, last year, my first leading role.
Q: How was 2010 for you?
2010 is the best year I ever had! I received many propositions from photographs and for movies. It was when my career, somehow, took off.
Q: Who inspires you?
I was inspired by many models such as Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, Jordan Dunn…
Leedna Bo
Leedna Bo
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
I find many designers really great nowadays. My favorites are Vivienne Westwood, Jean-Paul Gaulthier, Jimmy Choo, Stella McCartney…
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
I prefer shooting on location as the landscape can be really wonderful and there can be many surprises such as the weather… The shooting in the studio is sometimes monotonous with too many rules and limits!
Q: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
Before a fashion shoot or show, I go to bed early in order to be fresh and be mentally and physically ready. I take care of my hair and face the night before and I try to be as natural as possible.
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
My favourite photographs are the ones in which I am natural and simple. There are so many of them that it’s hard to choose just one. I particularly loved the one I did with a german photograph, Nicole Braun.
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
I have too many favourite photographers. One of them is Stephanie Matthews. I really love her work.
Leedna Bo
Leedna Bo
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with?
I would like to work with professional designers, photographs and magazines as means of propelling my career!
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
I think that fashion is just a style! It reflects a certain personality and that’s why things can’t be out-of-date! There are always people who get back to old-fashion.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
I don’t have a particular style. I am comfortable with any of them (class, casual, rock n’roll)except for the street wear.
Q: Where are you based?
Now, I am currently in London but I am based in Paris. I hope to go in New York, a city that I like a lot.
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
I am from Congo, a country I left when I was young and was raised in France, in a very small town called Condrieu. We were the only black family living there so it was hard to be confident as they were always dragging me down. However, I always tried to go forward and that’s why I am where I am and who I am! Those experiences made me strong and I am very proud of who I am becoming!
Leedna Bo
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
I have many highlights in my career such as my first fashion show! It was the first time that I felt important and that I accomplished something in my career, something of my own.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
I am hoping to integrate a great agency and continue working with designers, photographs and magazines.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I love reading and going out with my friends. I mostly prefer relaxing in the parks and sun-bathing.
Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
I don’t like a particular kind of music but I hate the hard rock and metal!
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
In my spare time, I like to baby-sit! I love children and it’s fun to take care of them.
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new or aspiring models what would it be?
To be a model, you have to be patient and passionnate! If you don’t like what you are doing, you won’t succeed. There are pro’s and con’s as in every other job, so don’t always listen to what people are saying. Be confident and believe in your talent.
However, you also have to be aware of the dangers of trusting the first to come. Everybody isn’t a well-known designer or photograph. There are many swindlers in the fashion industry.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
As I already said, i’ve always been attracted by the fashion industry!
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
My advice to the readers is to believe in their dreams! I realised mine even if it wasn’t that easy. Realising your dreams is within the reach of anybody so don’t give up!
Editor’s Note: Leedna brings her vibrant and vivacious personality into every photograph to give each one a subtle dynamic which few other people can replicate.
If you’d like to contact or see more of Leedna Bo’s work just follow the links below:
Site: www.leedna-bo.book.fr
Facebook: www.leednabo.facebook.fr
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