Paloma, dobro došli na Harper’s Bazaar Srbija, recite nam nešto više o svom radu u modelingu i  kako ste dospeli tamo?

Hvala vam na toploj dobrodošlici! Veoma sam zahvalna na prilici da budem deo modne zajednice. Uživam u radu kao model jer mi to daje mogućnost da se izrazim i prenesem poruku brenda/dizajnera. Prvi put sam dobila ideju da postanem model kada sam bila sa porodicom na odmoru u Palm Springsu gde se pojavio jedan poznati američki fotograf koji je video moj potencijal za modeling.  Bio je to period kada sam završila post diplomske studije ma Harvardu i želela da pokušam nešto novo. Preuzimanje rizika je nešto što sam odlučila da prihvatim i divim se posvećenoj kreativnisti Harper’s Bazaara.

Opišite kako je izgledalo vaše snimanje za Harper’s Bazaar, kako ste sarađivali sa timom i kako je koncept nastao ?

Veoma sam ponosna na ovo snimanje i zahvalna na divnom timu. S obzirom da se praznici bliže, odlučili smo da slikanje bude u kući koja prati tu estetiku. Inspiracija je bila stari modni praznični glamur koji stavlja akcenat na Gucci, Balmain i Valentino. Paleta boja za odevne kombinacije je bila zlatna,bela, crvena i zelena.

Šta za vas znače praznici?

Poštujem sve religije i cenim praznike jer su šansa da se ujedinimo kao zajednica, okupimo se i proslavimo. Odgajana sam u katoličkom domaćinstvu i moj omiljeni praznik je Božić. Jedna od omiljenih tradicija koju sledim je pečenje poslastica sa majkom i bakom.

Koji su za vas omiljene organizacije u SADu ?

Podržavam Organizaciju Crvenog krsta i UNICEF i želela bih da nastavim svoje učešće u obe. Smatram da treba uvek pružiti pomoć onima kojima je to najpotrebnije i želim da što više doprinesem svojoj zajednici kao i čitavom svetu

Trenutno živite na relaciji Njujork-Čikago, šta svaki od njih znači za vas?

Pronalazim ravnotežu između posla i privatnog života i  zaista izuzetno cenim oba grada. Voli, energiju koju Njujork ima u sebi, živahan je i nepredvidiv. Često sam tamo zbog zbog mode, bilo da se radi o slikanjima ili različitim događajima na kojima prisustvujem. Takođe volim i Čikago gde je moja porodica jer mi pruža osećaj udobnosti i uživam u svakoj poseti ovom gradu.

Kako biste opisali tipičan život popularne manekenke u Njujorku?

Jako je važno imati dobru rutinu, kao što je odlazak u krevet pre ponoći, rano buđenje i obavljanje svih obaveza za taj dan. Fleksibilnost je izuzetno važna jer se uvek mogu dogoditi nepredviđene okolnosti kao što je  iznenadni kasting ili poziv za neki događaj. Kod popularnosti uvek postoje usponi i padovi, najvažnije je da ste okuženi pozitivnim ljudima.

Svaki grad prati određeni modni stil, kako biste opisali stil u Njojorku?

Stil u Njujorku se može opisati kao pedeset nijansi crne. Šalu na stranu većina ljudi gravitira ka tamnijim tonivima odeće. Kad god se vratim u Njujork ponesem crnu kožnu jaknu, tamni teksas i otkačene mokasine.

Koje je vaše omiljeno mesto za putovanje ?

Moje omiljeno mesto je definitivno Pariz. Zaljubljena sam u njega, svaki put kada odem tamo otkrijem novi kafić, novu umetničku galeriju, upoznam nekog novog. Gravitiram prema gradovima koji imaju bogatu istoriju i umetnost. Pariz je takođe poznat i po ukusnoj hrani čiji sam veliki ljubitelj i ne smata mi ni najmanje što je upravo on svetska prestonica najukusnijih peciva.

Koje projekte želite da realizujete u narednoj godini?

Nadam se da ću u narednoj godini uspeti da obezbedim kampanju za lepotu. Veoma sam uzbuđena jer mnoge kompanija postaju mnogo inkluzivnije i definitivno bih želela da budem uključena u tako nešto jer smatram da je svaki ton kože jednako važan.

Nova 2023 dolazi. Podelite sa nama, koji su vaši planovi, snovi i ciljevi?

Veoma sam uzbuđena zbog nove 2023, ali prosto nisam tip osobe koja voli da se ograničava motom “ Nova godina, nova ja”. Moja najveća želja za 2023 je da pronađemo lek za COVID i osećamo manje tenzije.

English here:

Paloma Cruz: Gracious beauty 

Spirit of the holidays on our new digital cover comes from a girl whose love for fashion is limitless. She lives beetween New York and Chicago, and besides modeling she is big humanitarian. Meet Paloma, main character from our glamorus cover.

Paloma, Welcome to Harper’s Bazaar Serbia, Tell us about your work in modeling, how did you get there?

Thank you for the warm welcome! I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the fashion community. I enjoy working as a model because it allows me to express myself and convey the message of the brand/designer. The initial spark to model arose when I was on vacation with my family in Palm Springs. There was a famous American photographer who said I had potential for the industry. It was the time period when I had just finished my graduate studies at Harvard and I felt empowered to try something new. Taking risks is something that I have learned to embrace and I admire Harper’s Bazaar for its commitment to creativity.

How was your shoot for Harper’s Bazaar, how did you work with the team and how did the concept come about?

I am very proud of this shoot and thankful to my wonderful team. Since, this is a holiday cover we decided to shoot inside a house, a home for the holidays aesthetic. The inspiration was old fashion holiday glamour with a spotlight on Gucci, Balmain, and Valentino. The color palette for the clothing was gold, red, white, and green.

What do the holidays mean to you?

I have a respect for all religions, and appreciate the holidays because they are a chance to unite as a community, come together, and celebrate. I was raised in a Catholic household and my favorite holiday is Christmas. One of the traditions that I follow is baking with my mother and grandmother.

Tell us about the most interesting projects in the USA for you?

I support the Red Cross Organization and I would like to further my participation in both the Red Cross and UNICEF. I believe in helping people and would like to make more of a contribution in my community and the world.

You currently live between NYC and Chicago what does each city mean for you?

I am finding a work life balance and really appreciate both cities. I love the energy in NYC it is always vibrant and unpredictable. I am often in NYC for fashion whether is photo shoots or events. I also love Chicago because it gives me a sense of comfort. I have family in Chicago and enjoy visiting.

How would you describe the typical life of a popular model in NYC?

While it is important to have a good routine such as going to bed before midnight, waking up early, and carrying out what you have to accomplish for the day; it is also important to be flexible. One never knows when there could be a casting call or an impromptu event. Popularity, rises and falls and at the end of the day what is most important is to surround yourself with positive people.

Each city has its own fashion style. In terms of clothing style in NYC what is it like?

NYC style can be described as fifty shades of black. All jokes aside, most people tend to gravitate towards dark colored clothing. Whenever I am going back to NYC, I always bring my black leather jacket, dark denim, and distressed loafers.

What is your favorite place to travel?

My favorite place to travel is still Paris. I am in love with Paris. Every time I go I discover a new café, a new art gallery, and meet new people. I tend to gravitate towards cities rich in history and art. I also love flavorful food and it doesn’t hurt that Paris is the pastry capital of the world.

What projects do you want to realize in the next year?

In the coming year I hope to be able to secure a beauty campaign. I am very excited that across the board, many cosmetic companies are expanding their line and aiming for tone inclusivity. I would like to be involved in this and the message that every skin tone is important. 

New Year 2023 is coming. Please Share plans, dreams and your goals.

I am very excited for 2023. I am not one that makes a personal New Year’s Resolution. I am all for setting goals and making improvements, but is not my style to limit myself to the motto “New Year, New Me.” My wish for 2023 is that we find a cure for COVID and we have less tension.

Team credits:

Photographer: Igor Malakhov @igor__malakhov

Model: Paloma Cruz @palomaqcruz

Hair and Make-up: Daria Mariunina @daria_matiunina_muah