Margot Des Alysés is a creative director and model who works primarily between Milan and Paris. She has worked with Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, L’Officiel, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and some of the most high-profiled fashion magazines.

DISCOVERING the REAL PASSION

Having discovered the arts at a young age through her love of books, singers-songwriters, painting, and poetry, she has a natural tendency to create. This love for art led to her interest in photography and she began posing for photographers in 2013. She knows modeling is only one aspect of the industry she adores and she has the ambition to be involved with all aspects of the process. A fortuitous meeting with an American designer opens her eyes and gives her the necessary courage and motivation.

How did you fall in love with art? Among many aspects of art that you love, why did you choose photography?

I have always been creative. As a child, I used to paint on everything. The other kids thought it was a waste of time, but not me. I wanted to play the piano and write novels, poems, and songs. Music is still a huge creative influence. I think I decided to finally embrace photography because it was a way to travel and meet other creative people. In the beginning, it was not easy.

At that time in fashion, they were mainly looking for sharp and androgynous faces and bodies and I didn’t look that way. Now the industry is more open to all kinds of beauties. Also, I have a certain resemblance to Brigitte Bardot and I can say candidly that I was hired for many jobs because of that. I do share with her a great love for animals and I admire her because she was beyond her time and a free woman. But, of course, I want to be myself. I have my own attitude and personality. I think I have waited for my moment and it finally has come.

What do you have in your daily bag? Which thing you can’t live without?

In my bag, I have my phone, which is essential for my job. And, a few things to re-do my makeup if necessary. I’m a makeup lover, so I don’t leave my home without eyeliner and black kajal. I would say that I can’t live without my laptop.

Which color and style dominate your closet?

For years, it’s been pink. I love it for accessories and home decor. Pink is not only “girly’, but it’s a color that gives off positive vibes. As my personal style, you can see in my closet amazing elegant embroidered dresses, but also some vintage pieces.

What’s the strongest experience of your professional and personal life?

In my professional life I achieved so much, I am working with the best magazines and brands ever! In my personal life, I would say the strongest experience was finally to understand I don’t need people’s help to create my own world and that I am a fully independent person. I understood that only a few years ago and it’s so true. It opened my eyes.

An advice for a fresher in the fashion industry?

My advice for a model is don’t change yourself. Be unique. And, don’t get caught up in thinking that plastic surgery on your body or face is going to make you successful. Your attitude is far more important. Don’t give up if things are not amazing at the beginning. You will fail and many doors might be closed in your face, but this is all part of the learning experience. If you are talented, you will get there, even if it takes some time. For a creative director, always strive to do something unique and timeless. Don’t follow trends too closely. Trends pass away, and true art does not. Always be respectful and comprehensive with clients and use all your empathy to respect the projects you are working on.

Which one do you prefer: to be remembered as a creative director or as a model?

I want to be remembered for both because I think this is one of those things that makes me unique. I usually spend about one month on a project and I basically perform all of the required support tasks, including the creative/art direction/styling and the selection of the shoot location, photographer, and the overall team. In addition, I have to handle all communications with the magazines and designers. Basically, it’s my responsibility to make sure that everything is going according to plan. It’s a huge responsibility, but I love much embracing all these different aspects of the industry.

What’s your favorite fashion brand?

My favorite brand is Dolce&Gabbana. I absolutely adore this brand and I feel totally myself wearing it.

What’s your working inspiration?

I would love to work with Zuhair Murad, Elie Saab, and Giambattista Valli. I am in love with all of those fairytale haute-couture gowns! In addition, it would be great to work with some of the top luxury brands, such as Chanel and Dior. From a designer perspective, I would love to have a chance to work with Olivier Rousteing. He is doing an incredible job at Balmain and I am a total fan of him and his work. I am inspired by elegance, grace, and timeless style. There is a kind of modern sophistication that comes from embracing the old and the new. And, it makes all the difference in the world.

One of the most remarkable trend today is influencer/ KOL’s brand. There will be a Margot Des Alysés fashion od beauty brand in the future?

I would like to create my own fashion or beauty brand, but that type of endeavor requires intense focus. It’s not something you can do as a side project. When the time is right, my own brand will emerge and it will be a reflection of my own personality

Any difference between Margot Des Alysés of the present and in her 18?

After being a child and adolescent that was full of insecurities, I now see Margot as a strong woman. Lots of people are scared of being older, but not me. The great advantage age provides you with is experience – you grow up, face your fears, and develop the strength to be yourself. Your secret to have a balanced and healthy life? In an ideal/ perfect world, a balanced life would include living on a beautiful island where I could really soak up the experience of being close to nature.

And, I love that feeling of being near an endless sea. To be able to accept and plan projects from that location using social media and a network of connections would be the dream. Of course, travel to the shoot locations would be a requirement, but then I would come back to my little oasis and re-charge. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes a decent diet, daily exercise, and overall healthy life choices. I am a morning person, so I am usually up at 5.00 or 6.00 am. It completely changes my mood to be up that early and it just seems to prepare me for the day ahead.

At the end of the day, what do you often think about before going to bed?

? I try to keep my mind occupied all the time. It’s easy to get into a rut and start letting things slide (especially now), but I try to focus on future projects and developing my skills. At the same time, I am aware of the need for some balance between personal life and work. I often listen to 60s/70s French music in the evening before I do my skincare ritual and get ready for bed.