There are various factors that create a model. Though, what occurs when one goes towards the opposite direction of what is expected and turns the fashion world upside down!? Well, luckily Chasseur has the answer for you! We had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the most up-beat and interesting models in the fashion world, Madeline Kragh. Photographed by Derek Kettela, Alex Freund, Chadwick Tyler, Monolo Campion, Billy Kidd, Ellen Von Unwerth and Michael Battista, Errikos Andreou and Maxime Strage just to name a few, what Madeline Kragh does in front of the camera is undeniably magical.
It’s a cliché question, however how did you precisely get into modeling?
I got discovered in a mall in North Carolina at a very young age and the next thing I remember I was visiting agencies in New York! I had a lot of agencies interested, but I made a friend Errikos Andreou (who is like the best photographer ever and taught me everything I know about fashion) I instantly trusted him and he introduced me to Jeni Rose the Director of IMG Models in Europe and she signed me right away. I was with IMG for four years and now happily with APM.
Was modeling your first choice for a career or was there another career path that you have always had in mind?
I had no idea what I wanted to do; I just was a normal teenager! When I got asked to model I thought would be such an adventure and it has been! I’ve always knew that I would find my path if I took the leap at opportunities. I’ve met so many interesting people along the way. So I just now started to think about what I want to do besides modeling. I want to do event management; put on fancy events! But right now I am super busy modeling. My agency has me working a lot.
You have done work for Maison Martin Margiela, Saks Fith Ave, Lee Jeans-Australia and Levi”s. Can you please tell me more about these impressive experiences?
Hmm that’s a very hard question. To name a few, Barbara Bui, Vivienne Westwood and Maison Martin Margiela. I loved working with all of these talented designers while in Paris! Paris, what a beautiful place. They do it real “old school style” there and the fashion is just amazing
Looking at your the work that you have done, it is evident that you are not fearful of pushing the envelope quite a bit. Do you believe that this trait has truly granted you the success that you have?
Yes. Every experience, every shot and pretty much everything that happens once I get in front of that camera is an experience. An experience that’s only comes from my passion of modeling and the ‘fearlessness’ I have in front of the camera.
With your look and exciting manner of modeling, you have labeled as a bit on the rebel side. Is that something that you embrace?
I used to embrace it more. I’m actually not so much of a rebel, I just turn into a fashion rebel in front of the camera. In real life don’t be scared, haha.
Being a bit on the rebellious side, what is one insane tale that truly demonstrates your free ways?
I did a completely nude shoot in the Louvre in Paris (well except a pair of prada heels!) Errikos Andreou was the photographer. It was a night to remember!
What was the biggest sacrifice you have made for your modeling career?
That’s a tough question. I made a lot ‘sacrifices’, but I also gained more than I can ever begin to explain. I lost a boyfriend that I loved very much as the traveling and distance were just too hard while being so young. But it worked out because I have now found the love of my life and I still have all those friends I met while traveling. So really I have gotten everything I’ve ever wanted. It has been hard work. I lived out of a suitcase for four years. I have learned a lot.
In the past you have cut your locks for your career. Is that a decision you may make once again?
Hell yeah! I’ll cut my hair! Pixie cuts looks great on me. I can also rock a killer Mohawk or Pattie Smith style. I’ve been telling my agency for months, now let’s do it!
While watching MTV Jams I spotted you in the new John Legend video for “Who Do We Think We Are”. What was that experience like? Also, please tell me of any interesting stories that took place on set.
It was in a big mansion upstate. I think the mansion used to be owned by the band KISS. It was all marble and FREEEZING. We were there from 5am – 3am the next day. I was in lingerie most of the time. And I got to hold a python which I loved. The snake was scared of everyone and kept tucking its head in my armpit to hide, haha. It was fun I would do it again in a minute.
What is your favorite location that you have visited for work?
Sydney, Australia! I had to fly there for a shoot and I ended up flying back and forth from Paris for about 2 years!
There has to be something you enjoy doing on your free time. What trouble (or hobbies) do you get into off work hours?
I have too many hobbies,! My biggest thing is I am a scrap booker. I have like five books I am constantly writing in. I have my daily diary and my music diary. I send letters and packages all the time. I have a diary of me and my boyfriend. I am constantly decorating my house. I like to go for walks and read and I hang out with my dad a lot. I also like to go to North Carolina and hang with my family for a weekend at a time. And obviously I hang out with my New York crew; my girlfriends, Mila DeWit, Sharan bala, Stef Vanderlann are all models and we have been together for like six years now and my best guy friend Cody Ross who is like a genius wiz kid and amazing art critic and we have so much fun. I go dancing all night at least once a month. But lately I’ve been trying to just do chill things like go to the movies and cook. I live with my wonderful boyfriend Filipe and three roommates who are awesome and all have different hobbies and gifts to bring to the table. It’s a great home and we all have a lot of fun. I love living with my boyfriend we hang out as much as possible. I need to exercise more though!
We see that you have a Blog which is completely stellar! What made you get into blogging?
My blog is called FUGAZIN. Fugazi is a punk band… and also a Vietnamese military slang word for fucked up. So it’s like a word for fucked up fashion and cool inspirations. FUGAZIN in the act of being fucked up and awesome and my blog showcases how it’s done!
While being such a pro at what you do, you happen to embody this eternally youthful zest that truly translates through your work. Is this the product of a certain mindset you live by?
Yes! I am always excited (sometimes too excited says my agent) embrace all the opportunities and appreciate all the people in your life. Most importantly give back. Give back and love! This is not to say my positivity isn’t always as great, when I feel like I spend half my life on a plane. My dad’s words always bring me back!
What is next for Madeline Kragh?
More modeling, blogging, and events are going to be thrown in New York!