Stacey Cooper: The Good Life

Stacey Cooper je ime koje u modnom svetu traje više od 40 godina. Njena karijera počela je još u tinejdžerskim danima na plažama Majamija, a vrlo brzo nastavila u srcu Pariza – prestonici mode. Sa neiscrpnom strašću prema fotografiji i modnoj industriji, Stacey je svedok kako se modeling menjao tokom decenija, ali i dokaz da prava posvećenost i ljubav prema poslu donose dugovečnost.

U intervjuu za Harper’s Bazaar otkriva svoje početke, najlepše uspomene, kako se industrija promenila i koje savete daje mladim manekenkama koje tek ulaze u ovaj magični svet.

Kako ste ušli u svet modelinga? Koliko ste godina imali?

Otkivena sam sa 15 godina na Majami Biču, a već sa 16 sam živela u Parizu naredne dve godine školovanja i radila kao manekenka.

Sećate li se svog prvog snimanja? Kako ste se tada osećali?

Moje prvo snimanje bilo je odmah po dolasku u Pariz iz Majamija, kako bih imala fotografije za svoj portfolio i pokazala ih klijentima. Bila sam pomalo zbunjena i nisam znala šta radim, ali fotograf i agencija su bili vrlo profesionalni i pomogli mi da dobijem sjajne fotografije za rad.

Koliko godina već radite kao manekenka? Koje snimanje vam je ostalo u najlepšem sećanju?

Radim profesionalno kao model više od 40 godina, i na to sam jako ponosna. Sigurna sam da sam rođena za ovaj posao jer svaki put kada stanem ispred kamere, nešto posebno se dogodi. Veza je toliko stvarna, a magija se uvek desi. Divan je osećaj raditi posao za koji znate da ste rođeni – prirodno mi dolazi.

Da li se nešto promenilo u svetu modelinga otkad ste počeli? Koje promene smatrate pozitivnim, a koje negativnim?

Tolike su se stvari promenile. Prvo, nije bilo retuširanja (osim ručnog), nije bilo kompjutera niti mnogo pregovaranja oko honorara. Kada sam počinjala, to je bilo Zlatno doba modelinga – imali smo ključ svake prestonice. Nismo imali ograničenja budžeta za putovanja na snimanja. Bio je to najbolji posao na svetu! U Parizu nismo imali Google Maps, već papirnu mapu i metro – a ostatak ste morali sami da otkrijete. Znalo se da se prepešače kilometri kako bi se stiglo do klijenta. Na početku je to bio ogroman trud, ali vredelo je. Posle, kada bi vas klijenti upoznali, mogli su direktno tražiti vas preko agencije. Za mene u tome nije bilo ničeg negativnog. Uživala sam u svakom danu posla, kroz uspone i padove, i ponosna sam na sve divne i talentovane ljude koje sam upoznala tokom ovih 40 godina. Svet modelinga je jedna velika porodica.

Danas se sve fotografije retuširaju. Kako je bilo kada ste počinjali? Da li su se fotografije tada uređivale?

Nije bilo retuširanja osim ako nije urađeno ručno, a to je bilo vrlo skupo i čekalo se danima. U Njujorku je postojao jedan studio – Duggal studio – koji je radio retuširanje. Fotograf bi koristio Polaroid kameru da testira kadar, i kada bi svi odlučili da je sve dobro, snimalo se na film i nadalo najboljem. Radili smo kao tim i uvek davali maksimum da napravimo najbolje fotografije. Postojalo je mnogo poštovanja, timskog duha i ljubavi prema poslu.

Zamislite da možete dati samo jedan savet devojci koja tek počinje da se bavi modelingom. Šta biste joj rekli?

Nikada ne pravite kompromise, radite naporno i znajte koji su vaši ciljevi. Uvek budite profesionalni – ovo jeste posao, i morate uvek težiti da budete najbolji. To je ono što će vas prodati.

Kada ste model, uvek morate izgledati sjajno. Da li imate neka pravila lepote kojih se nikada ne odričete?

Lepota dolazi iznutra. Zdrav život i zdrava ishrana su ključ dugovečnosti u modelingu. Ja sam živi dokaz da, ako se brinete o svojoj koži, zdravlju i radite vredno, karijera može trajati ceo život. Zahvalna sam što i dalje snimam naslovne strane, editorijale i kampanje. Uvek govorim mladim manekenkama – krema sa zaštitnim faktorom, voda i san su tri pravila koja se nikada ne smeju prekršiti. Volim da budem mentor mladim ženama; imam četiri ćerke i zahvalna sam što i dalje imam uspešnu karijeru. Takođe, zahvalna sam Harper’s Bazaar magazinu na prilici da krasim naslovnu digitalnu stranu.

English here:

Stacey Cooper is a name that has stood the test of time in the fashion world for over 40 years. Her career began in her teenage years on the beaches of Miami and quickly continued in the heart of Paris – the fashion capital. With an inexhaustible passion for photography and the fashion industry, Stacey has witnessed how modeling has evolved over the decades, and she is proof that true dedication and love for the craft bring longevity.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she shares her beginnings, her most cherished memories, how the industry has changed, and the advice she gives to young models just stepping into this magical world.

How did you get into the modeling business? How old were you?

I was discovered at the age of 15 in Miami Beach and by 16 I was living in Paris for the next two years of school and working as a model.

Do you remember your first photo shoot? How were you feeling?

My first photo shoot was immediately after the flight to Paris from Miami to get photos for my portfolio to show clients. I was a bit dazed and really didn’t know what I was doing but the photographer and agency were very professional and helped me to get great photos to use for work.

How many years have you been working as a model? Which photo shoot was the most memorable?

I have been working as a professional model for more than 40 years, I’m very proud to say. I’m sure I was born to do this job because every time I step in front of the camera, something happens inside of me. The connection is so real, and magic always happens. It’s a great feeling to work in an industry that you know you were meant to be in, it’s natural.

Has anything changed in modeling since you started? What changes do you consider positive and negative?

So many things have changed in the modeling world since I started. Firstly, there was no retouching (except by hand), no computers, and not much negotiating rates. When I started it was the Golden Age of modeling, we had the key to every city. Basically, we had no budget limitations for photo shoot trips. It was the best job ever!! When I started working in Paris, we didn’t have google maps, we had a paper map and the metro – you had to figure the rest out. We would walk miles to see a client. It was worth all the effort in the beginning, and it was giant effort! But after a lot of clients knew you then they could just call the agency and request you. There was no negative in my eyes. I have enjoyed every day of my business, all the ups and downs, and all the wonderful and talented people I have collected over 40 years. The modeling world is a big family.

Now all pictures are retouched. Any flaws can always be removed in post-production. How was it when you started? Were the pictures edited in any way?

We had no retouching unless it was done by hand and that was very expensive. You had to wait days for it. There was one studio in New York – Duggal studio – that did all of the retouching. We had a Polaroid camera that the photographer would use to test a set up and when everyone decided it was all good, they went straight to film and hoped for the best. We all worked hard as a team to produce the best pictures every time. There was a huge sense of camaraderie and respect sprinkled with a lot of love and passion.

Imagine that you can give only one piece of advice to a budding model. What would you tell her?

Never compromise, work hard and know what your goals are. Always be professional, it is a job, and you should always strive to be your best – that’s what will sell you.

When you are a model, you must always look great. Do you have any specific beauty rules that you never break?

Beauty comes from the inside out. So clean living and clean eating are a must for longevity in the modeling world. I am living proof that if you take good care of your skin, your health and work hard, your career can last a lifetime. I’m so grateful to continue to shoot magazine covers, editorial spreads, campaigns, etc. I always tell the young models – sunscreen, water and sleep are three rules to never break. I love mentoring young women; I have four daughters of my own. I’m grateful for my continued career and am grateful to Harper’s Bazaar for this opportunity to grace the cover of your magazine.

Team:

Model – Stacey Cooper  @staceycooperofficial
Photographer – ALIKHAN @alikhan_photography
Art Director – Radik Ayzharikov @radik_aijarikov
Stylist  – Anna Khitrina @anna_khitrina
Make Up – Anastasia Eisenberg @makeupbyanastasia
Hair – Sergey Lozin @suppersmaize
Photographer Assistant – Nicole Balboa 
Stylist Assistant – Jessica Ahialey
Location – Paolini-Rota Residence (Architect Richard Neutra 1960)