A Candid Conversation with Belgian Model Laura van Londerzele
we recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the insightful and experienced Belgian model, Laura van Londerzele. Currently working in New York, Laura offered a candid look into the diverse, challenging, and rewarding world of international modeling. From navigating different markets to embracing a dramatic hair change, her journey is a testament to adaptability and professionalism.
A Serendipitous Start and Global Ambitions
Laura's modeling journey began at 17, when a friend suggested she had "a good face" and introduced her to an agency. This initial step quickly expanded into an international career, seeing her work across Belgium, Milan, and New York. For Laura, staying in one place was never the goal; she actively seeks opportunities in various markets, embracing the risks that come with it.
Navigating Diverse Markets: Pay, Style, and Opportunity
The modeling landscape varies significantly across different regions, something Laura knows intimately:
• Belgium: Characterized as a "very commercial" market, Belgium lacks the "really big brands" and "big money jobs" found elsewhere. It's more conservative in style, with clean makeup and a tendency to recreate trends from major fashion cities like New York, Milan, or Paris rather than pioneering new looks. Despite this, she finds work in the bridal market and e-commerce, aiming for one to two weeks of modeling work a month.
• New York: Stands out as the highest-paying market for Laura. It's known for being bolder and more creative, with agencies daring to "create stuff". Payment in New York is typically net 30, meaning she receives her money quickly.
• Milan: Surprisingly, Milan offered the "worst" pay, with Laura recalling being paid as little as €150 a day for showroom work. She also highlighted significant issues with payment delays, sometimes waiting months for her earnings.
The Realities of International Travel and Finances
Working internationally comes with its own set of logistical challenges:
• Uncertainty: Laura often travels to countries like New York or Milan on her own dime, with no guarantee of booking jobs. A trip can "definitely" be a complete wash, which can be frustrating.
• Payment Delays: While New York offers quick payments, Milan has proven problematic, with Laura having to wait months for money from jobs.
• Taxes: She handles taxes in both America and Belgium. For work in Milan, her Belgian and Milan agencies communicate, and she pays her taxes in Belgium.
• Accommodation: In New York, she pays for her own flight and stays with a friend. While Milan agencies initially provided model apartments, Laura quickly opted for Airbnb due to negative experiences and "bad stories" about model apartments.
A Dramatic Transformation and Language Hurdles
One of the most striking aspects of Laura's career is her signature red hair. She revealed that she is naturally blonde, but her agency, seeing her "too dull and boring" at 18, asked her to become a redhead, believing it would suit her pale skin tone better. Although initially hesitant, she agreed due to her contract and now, nine years later, loves her red hair, crediting it for more jobs and less competition.
Working across different countries, Laura speaks Flemish, French, and English. However, language barriers can still pose challenges, especially with slang or humor. She recounted a tricky shoot in Milan with a photographer who spoke no English, relying solely on gestures. In such situations, mood boards and reference images become crucial tools for communication, helping to convey the desired vision.
From Rookie Mistakes to Professional Poise
Laura openly admits she wasn't always the consummate professional. In her early career, she was "chaotic," often late, and struggled with agency communication. The pivotal "click" moment came in 2019 when she was dropped by her New York agency and experienced a breakup on the same day. This dual blow made her realize she needed to "get [her] shit together" and take her career more seriously.
She hones her craft by watching Instagram for inspiration and learning from photographers' feedback.
A Model's Perspective on Creative Collaboration
Laura's approach to working with photographers is unique:
• Inspired Connection: She prefers photographers to be genuinely "inspired" by her and reach out to her, rather than her actively seeking them out. She believes this genuine interest leads to better work.
• Trusting the Vision: While some models bring their own creative visions, Laura "always trusts the photographer". She sees the photographer as the "creative mind" and herself as the one "executing it," believing she's not in a position to dictate the vision.
• Team vs. Casual Shoots: She appreciates both high-production shoots with a full team and more casual sessions. While a full team makes her feel "fully glammed up" and "in the role of model," she values the "no pressure" and casual beauty of shoots without a large crew.
Advice for Aspiring Models
For those just starting out, Laura offers valuable advice:
• Be confident and don't take things too seriously.
• Take care of your body through regular exercise like HIIT, Pilates, and running.
• Travel and try different markets; don't stick to just one.
• Be professional: Understand your responsibility to clients and agencies, show up on time, and communicate effectively.
Looking Ahead: The Joy of Continued Work
As for her future, Laura is currently focusing on New York and has bridal market commitments in Europe. While considering January Fashion Week, she's wary of the extreme pressure to be "extremely skinny" at 27, noting it was easier when she was 19. Having worked with "very big names" earlier in her career, she no longer chases specific dream clients. Her primary goal now is simply to "keep working".
Laura van Londerzele's journey reminds us that the world of modeling, much like a chameleon, requires constant adaptation. From a simple suggestion to a global career, her story is a vibrant tapestry of professional growth and an enduring passion for her craft.