An Interview with Model Erika Stasiuleviciute
I have worked with Erika Stasiuleviciute for a number of years. She's been cast in many of my shows and she's always so much fun to work with and over the years we have become good friends. Erika took some time out of her hectic schedule to answer a few questions about her model life.
How did you become a model?
I never planned to be a model. I was planning to be a lawyer. My journalist friend Mark took me for a casting to Baltic models and they chose me. I remember it like it was yesterday: Friday afternoon the owner of the agency, Massimo Parissi asked me if I can fly to Elite agency in Milan on Monday. I could. And I did.
Was modeling what you thought it would be?
I always thought modeling was going to be much worse than it is. Yes it is very competitive, but you get to travel the world, visit the most incredible places, meet exciting people, and you get a lot of free time to read books. I live in the galleries and museums when I'm away. I improved and learned new languages. I had a chance to compare different mentalities, cultural differences, so I am much more open minded. I have friends all over the world. This job gave me the opportunity to see a much bigger world. I'm still enjoying the ride!
How many fashion shows have you done?
Oh, I have done so many shows. I opened the show for Gareth Pugh once and did few other shows for him, Armani, Balenciaga, Matthew Williamson, Agnes B, Ashish, Manish Arora, Prada, Desigual, Swarovski, Steffanel, La Perla and many others.
What's your earliest call time for a job?
I worked in many countries and sometimes for the location jobs you get 3:30 - 4:30am call times!
Do you enjoy fashion week?
Before fashion week it always gets crazy. That's my favourite time - running around like a lunatic, meeting all your friends from all over the world, working with the same people that you haven't seen in 6 months. I love that buzz...watching designers stressed out and worried to death.. .It's so nice to whisper: it's gonna be amazing and see their face brighten up... I love fashion weeks!
How tall are you?
I'm 1.80 - 5'11
What's else are you working on?
I have a law degree. I'm presently working on a huge project - I can't talk too much about it, but I'm trying to give something back to the fashion industry - ask me the same question in a few months and you will be very excited as well. I act (had my TV show). I write articles for different magazines and newspapers. I'm going to start teaching at St. Patrick College from March. My hands are full!
Erika is at Profile Models in London.