FASHION & BEAUTY

Model MARIQUE SCHIMMEL

PhotoS KEVIN SINCLAIR

Eleven years ago, Marique Schimmel participated in her first Fashion Week, walking for Alexander McQueen and Costume National. Now, at age 30, she’s an industry veteran who has posed for every top magazine as well as being the face of Missoni and Chloé. When the show season ends, Marique heads home to Brooklyn, New York. Talk about a real pro!

A CONVERSATION WITH MARIQUE SCHIMMEL

Interview by Kevin Sinclair

Kevin Sinclair __ Hi Marique. Thanks for taking time out to meet with me. I am really impressed with your background in the medical field but I’ll get to that later. What was your first job?

Marique Schimmel __ I was delivering magazines for my first job funny enough.

Kevin Sinclair __ That is really interesting. You were delivering magazines and then later you were on the cover of magazines! Some people would call that ironic. Did you always want to be a model?

Marique Schimmel __ Not at first. I got scouted while shopping in Amsterdam when I was about 15 but I was way too young and my education was very important to me during that period and I wanted to finish my studies first. At 20, I reached out to the same person that scouted me and we decided to give it a go.

Kevin Sinclair __ What is the biggest lesson learned while modeling?

Marique Schimmel __ I think I would have to say traveling by myself. This made me very independent.

Kevin Sinclair __ I can imagine. I have to say I totally relate. I was really able to see the world which also allowed me to experience so many positives and negatives. I can tell you a list of things I have experienced but that would be you interviewing me. [Laugh] What are some of your goals?

Marique Schimmel __ Big question! I feel like I am still growing in the industry and I am very grateful for that. Something I have been working on besides modeling. Over the past few years, I have been studying the therapeutic properties of sound to gain a deeper understanding of how sound can be used to affect human consciousness. Something that always have been close to my heart with my nursing background. Going from studying medical/nursing to traveling the world was a big change for me.

Kevin Sinclair __ Tell me more about it.

Marique Schimmel __ Studying nursing I learned a lot. I am very grateful for that, but I also wanted to travel the world and see different things. So, I decided to take a year off of school and give modeling a shot and look am me now, Kevin! I am still here 11 years later, ha!

Kevin Sinclair __ Well you certainly have it in the bag. It is not a surprise the industry continues to use you. Your look is quite unique. What era of fashion are you influenced by?

Marique Schimmel __ I don’t really have an era for fashion, only for music! [Laugh] The 80’s is my jam.

“Studying nursing I learned a lot. I am very grateful for that, but I also wanted to travel the world and see different things.”

Kevin Sinclair __ I always turn to the 80’s for my music as well. I think that was a good era when it came to music for sure and the big hair and shoulder pads [laughs]. Let's talk about your new venture. You started a lotion and cream line. Tell us more about it.

Marique Schimmel __ Actually not a line but I came on this idea during our shoot thanks to the makeup artist Manami on our shoot for Vestal. For now, I am making lotions for myself and friends but hopefully in the near future I can start producing larger quantities.

Kevin Sinclair __ How are you handling the pandemic?

Marique Schimmel __ It’s hard not to be able to travel and see my family back home. My brother got a baby last August and I cannot wait to meet him! But, I am hanging in there and I have a great partner that is very supportive who keeps me grounded.

Kevin Sinclair __ What are some of your favorite shoots you’ve been part of?

Marique Schimmel __ This one we did together is one of my favorites. You kept me very natural which I loved. Another favorite I did was for Another Magazine shot by Alasdair McLellan and styled by Jane How. It was really special.

Kevin Sinclair __ Who are some of the most memorable creatives you worked with?

Marique Schimmel __ I’m so lucky to have worked with many great artists in the industry. Mert & Marcus, Patrick Demachelier, Marie-Amelie Sauve, and Pat McGrath to name a few.

Kevin Sinclair __ M.A.S is such a talented stylist. I met her 19 years ago in Paris and I am really impressed with how she has made such a huge name for herself in the industry. What do you think about the state of fashion today?

Marique Schimmel __ There is too much mass production. I am more for ethical sustainable clothing.

Kevin Sinclair __ How do you think social media has changed the industry?

Marique Schimmel __ This is a very good question. I think social media at first kind of destroyed the industry. Many clients wanted models with a large followings. Now, I start to notice that clients are searching for models that also have something to say, models that have a voice and are doing something besides modeling. I think that’s great! So there is a bright side to it.

Kevin Sinclair __ How do you use social media to your advantage?

Marique Schimmel __ Social media could be a great tool to show your true self and not a fabricated self for the rest of the world to see. It’s something I have been working on as I’m not the best social media user!

Kevin Sinclair __ One last final question. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in modeling today?

Marique Schimmel __ Don’t be beautiful for the industry, be beautiful for yourself.

Kevin Sinclair __ Well said! It was such a pleasure to work with you and especially to interview you!

Marique Schimmel __ Thank you Kevin, and likewise.

Photography & Interview Kevin Sinclair Makeup Manami Ishikawa (using Manami Labo & Chanel Cosmetics) Model Marique Schimmel @Fusion