Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Charlotte talks to Swide about her modelling career, her blogging present and her promising future.

 

Charlotte Collard could be the European modern version of Wonder woman; she has the body, the talent and the power. When we first met she was modelling in NY and this was in … 2003. She was already a very driven and enthusiastic young woman. Still young and determined, her passions and various interests have taken her far. Since we worked together on a fashion show she has managed to become a name out there as a model but also as a woman of all fashion trades.

Her recently relaunched blog (charlottecollard.com) has proven to be a success setting her as a recognized fashion consultant. She shares her knowledge with magazines, stores, and websites all related to style of course! As she said, she is interested by anything that is creative so you might find her name behind some photographs or even behind some works related to fine jewellery. She is not at all pretending, when she is passionate about something, she studies, she practices and when she feels ready she shouts about it. She does not try to run before knowing how to walk… She has shared her thoughts about modelling, blogging and working in the fashion industry with Swide and she seems now almost ready for a great marathon; she surely has a bright fashionable future ahead of her and we wish her good luck!

 

 

 

1.  Did you become a model by chance or did you aspire to become one?

CC: I became a model because my mum used to be a model and used to tell me about her catwalk experiences. At school all the girls wanted to become a model and I remember that during the breaks we used to talk about top models such as Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford. Back then, some people suggested me to try modelling so one day my mum took me to a model agency in Brussels and everything started from there, it has been an amazing experience.

 

 

 

2.  In what way will your modelling experience help you in the future?

CC: What I have learned from being a model has already helped me a lot. It has definitely played a role in my career evolution and has partly conditioned the person I am today.
During those years I had the chance to travel and live in so many different cities! It gave me the opportunity to learn various languages: Spanish, Italian, English, French and a bit of German.
I also had the chance to work with great photographers and would always take a look at the Polaroids and pictures that would come out of the camera. I learned how to evaluate frames, lightings by listening to photographers’ advices.
I have always had a deep interest and passion for photography, in fact when I was a child I used to picture myself as a photographer for Magnum.
On the fashion side of things, I learned so much from working with renowned stylists and designers whom have surely influenced my style and have inspired me to create my blog.

 

 

 

3.  Where is home?

CC: If you would have asked me this question a few years ago I would have never been able to answer! The first time of my life I felt home was in Zurich with my husband 3 years ago but now we split our time between Brussels and Zurich and I have to say that I spend more time in Brussels than in Zurich.

 

4.  Why did you study gemmology and did not specialise in this field?

CC: I studied gemmology because I was always attracted by stones and also because if I wanted to grow up in this fashion world I had to know something more than just fashion! Every designer is starting a jewellery line nowadays,  I wanted to have some professional knowledge about fine jewellery.

 

5.  You brand yourself as being a fashion consultant, what kind of services and expertise do you offer?

CC: As a fashion consultant I offer any service related to fashion. I work for stores, by helping them to find new designers and new brands as well as helping them to set up their selection and complete their window display.
I have some styling opportunities within fashion magazines; I am also working on branded campaigns. Last but not least, I do offer personal styling advices and should develop this more in the future with a Skype platform, called “Style me on Skype” to launch soon.

 

6.  Is your blog (www.charlottecollard.com) a hobby or your working platform?

CC: Both! I started it as a hobby and really got into it. I enjoy sharing tips, news, stories and trends. Step by step I have been asked to work and represent big fashion stores and online fashion websites.  I also got many emails from my readers asking me where to get the looks.

 

7.  Do you see yourself as a blogger?

CC: I don’t know if I really consider myself as a blogger, I do write on a blog and I do share my ideas but because it is becoming something more and more professional I see myself as a fashion consultant.

 

8.  Who to you are the most promising young designers?

CC: There are many designers that I like but the one that is currently catching my attention is Sjaak Hullekes.

 

9.  Is photography meant to remain a hobby or would you like to do some professional work?

CC: Photography is certainly my first passion after fashion and I have already been asked to do it professionally. I think I need a bit more practice before putting myself out there.

 

10.  Are you a jack of many trades?

CC: Photography, cooking, decorating, styling… Everything that has to do with style, colours, materials, designs and food is of my interest!

 

11.  What is your fashion tips for this summer?

CC: To wear bright colours and to be healthy.

 

12. Where should we be seen in August?

CC: August is not really my favourite month to travel, I usually hide in unknown locations, somewhere calm and not crowded.

 

13. What are your morning beauty tips?

CC: I am pretty simple with my skin, I never use special cream, I use natural and healthy products and clean my face with gentle cleansers. I also scrub my face to get rid of dead cells.

 

12.  What are your beauty rescue tips?

CC: For spots, I put toothpaste before I go to bed and let it dry the whole night and for sunburns I use Aloe Vera gel.

 

13.  What is in your handbag?

CC: My camera, my wallet with my cards (I never have cash on me and it drives me crazy) , my business cards, my sunglasses, and my hand cream “jeunesse des mains” from Clarins

 

 

Swide’s 5Q/A

 

1.  Fashionable or fashionista?

CC: Fashion consultant.

2.   Black or white for a diamond?

CC: Blue, sorry!

3.   Day or night for inspiration?

CC: Day. I am a morning person!

4.   Black or white?

CC: Black and white.

5.   In front or behind the camera?

CC: A few years ago I would have said “ In front” but today I would say “behind”.

 

Sources: Charlotte Collard, www.charlottecollard.com

 

Text by Delphine Hervieu. 

TAGS: dolce&gabbana dolce & gabbana d&g d & g charlotte collard fashion blogger http://www.charlottecollard.com/ model belgian model gemmology photography fashion styling fashion consulting Sjaak Hullekes luxury online magasine stylish blogger fashion blogs brussels zurich 10-10-10 10-10-10 interview