GILDA JOELLE OSBORN TALKS MODELING

Behind the Coastline

You are reading an independently published interview-series published and carefully curated by Swedish pop-culture journalist Daniel John. Ever since its start in 2015, the core curiosity remains the same, surfing the creative currents of music, film, fashion and everything else on the pop-radar, catching the waves of culture as creative

Culture Coast TalksDaniel John

Is it right your mom used to be a fashion model?

Yes! She is beautiful! She attended John Robert Powers Modeling School in NYC. She still has her notes and class materials, so I loved reading everything, she told me that her most memorable moment was being a part of a fashion show at The Plaza. Besides those experiences, most of her modeling was locally in Alabama. Back then there were more fashion shows in town.

Was it she that inspired you to pursue it, as well?

Definitely. I remember admiring her comp card and portfolio and hoping that I could have one of my own one day. I was often told that I should consider modeling, and having my mom model, set the stage for my interest in it.

What is the model and fashion scene home in Alabama like now, are there one anymore?

Unfortunately, no. There are plenty of clients based in the Southeastern part of the US, but there is no active modeling scene in Alabama.

What's the very best advice you have for anyone who wants to get into working as a model?

Be yourself! And be confident! Your personality is key! You have to put your dreams into actions.

You have a very playful personality, does that side show on a set?

Yep! Making people laugh is a great way to make friends!

Do you feel like you want to be in the know before you say yes to a project, I understand its rarely the case that you get to know a lot beforehand?

I love mood boards, and having a vision for the project! I'm someone who wants to be in the know before I get thrown into a project. There have been too many times that I have not known the full scope of the project until I get to set that day. It makes me look and feel unprepared, especially if other models have received more information. I recently started asking more questions because I want to be as prepared as I can before the day of a photoshoot.

What has been one of your favorite collaborations?

I recently collaborated with one of my favorite clothing retailers, Revolve. I love that I got to style the shoots for this collaboration!

From wardrobe malfunctions to a lack of sleep due to long travel hours, what's other big realities people don’t think of when they imagine a glamorous modeling life?

Long days on your feet, the possibility of not being paid. Or often taking up to three months to get paid. You don’t get to keep the clothes. Sometimes maybe but not typically. Those are the first things that come to mind!

What do you wear when you want to feel your best?

I love to wear all black with a pair of over the knee boots, a very sleek, simple, and flattering look!

Any outfit you’re looking forward to wearing this spring and summer?

I’m a jeans shorts and tank top kinda girl. It’s the easiest seasons to dress for!

If you could live in any other era in terms of style, when would that be?

The 1960’s for sure.

Do you have a happy place?

I love Union Square. Especially when the Green Market or Holiday Market is taking place! It’s my favorite place in New York City.

New York is a kind of art and fashion capital. Now being repped there, as well as Miami, and travelling abroad for work, what’s your favorite fashion-scene?

New York is definitely my favorite fashion scene. It’s my favorite place in the world for so many reasons. I feel like anything goes in New York! You don’t have to feel like you need to fit into a certain mold there!

What’s the furthest modeling has taken you in the world so far?

So far, the farthest I’ve travelled for modeling is Colombia. I’m looking forward to more international travel, once it is safe to do so. I loved it. The people, the food, and the beauty of Medellín were incredible! Medellín and also outside of Bogotá in Colombia are the most beautiful places I ever shot at.

Are you back home now while things are as they are?

Yes. I am glad I was able to leave NYC before things got crazy!

I think that we're all at the risk of coming out in the world again looking like a mugshot. Have you been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Most days I’m able to keep myself motivated and in a healthy state of mind. Some days are better than others, as I am sure most can relate. I love to cook and eat healthy, so I’ve been spending a lot of my extra time in the kitchen making new recipes! And I really appreciate fitness instructors offering free or low cost workouts via Instagram Live or Zoom. I’ve also enjoyed jump rope and running hills to get some fresh air, it's a complete change of routine as I’ve never been an at home workout person. My favorite way to start the day prior to this change in routine was going to my favorite fitness studios in NYC for an hour.

Is there any place you’d like to shoot at, when we can go out again?

Anywhere tropical!

A person you would love to work with?

Bruce Weber.

Is there anything that you hope to inspire, through your modeling?

I hope to set a good example for younger girls.