JORDAN-ROSE DECKER TALKS MODELING

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

How did you first get your start as a model?

So I started competing in pageants when I was in eight grade, and it was something my mom saw an ad for in a nail salon and then for the next four years I was winning Miss Congeniality pageants and at that point it was the running joke in the family I had the "congeniality–curse". The year we established that name was the year that I won the Miss Westchester Teen pageant and from there I went on to Miss New York Teen USA where I placed in top fifteen out of over hundred girls which was an insane compliment. And pretty much from there modeling took off and it got my feet wet in an entirely new way. So its been about what, more than ten years I’ve been in this industry. And so you know when it came to modeling my first couple of shoots were so cringe worthy. My hair was boxdyed, I was super skinny, it was just all around super cringe. But at the time I loved it as I just loved being in front of the camera! And from there it pretty much just took off!

Did you look up to any particular models when you started out?

Truthfully, at the time I did not really look up to any particular models, because I was lucky enough to grow up without social media which helped with my self esteem because I wasn’t sitting there and comparing myself to people. I mean I sat and watched 'Americas Next Top Model' with Tyra Banks with my mom and besides it being absolutely scripted I did enjoy watching the show. Nowadays I personally love Bella Hadid I think her walk is unlike any other and she can sport any look whether it is super feminine or completely androgenous. Her modeling is super versatile.

Is it right your mom and dad were both models back in the day?

So my mom was just like me, she always loved talking about her modeling experiences and besides modeling she acted as well in 'Raging Bull' with Robert DeNiro, which was the biggest thing she did. My dad was a shock to me I had no idea he modeled, but they were both extremely good looking, so it makes sense why they did!

Your mothers's passing caused you to take a step back for a bit?

Sadly my mom passed from cancer last year so modeling was put on hold for me for a good while because I had no energy. I was naturally upset and beside myself but, currently, I am getting back into the swing of things because that’s what my mom would’ve wanted!

What are you the most proud of this far?

I have to say that throughout my modeling career, I have been mostly freelance. I book my own shoots but I’ve made it to fashion week, I have done it all and that has been one of my proudest moments to realize that. There are many ups and downs but just being able to do what I love is a huge accomplishment and something I will never forget.

Are there any unusual experiences that have stayed with you?

I'd say one of my first ever video shoots I will never forget. I had to get a wig sewn onto my actual head, change behind a towel in the middle of Tribeca on a hundred degree day, and wear the most outlandish outfit. But it was so cool, again modeling is all about being versatile.

A model wears many hats but not all of which fit, there are gonna be plenty of those days where modeling is not as easy as you make it look?

There have been multiple times shooting where I am in extreme temperatures where I have gotten pneumonia from being out in the cold so long and then heatstroke from being out in the sun, and unfortunately that’s just the job. It is very demanding but seeing the images of you and what you created under these circumstances, it really is just so crazy and inspiring. Sometimes I have to wake up at three in the morning for a shoot to be there at six but again it's just the job!

How would you describe your wardrobe picks?

I would say I am very minimal but European chic. I love canvas pants, neutral colors, linen-shirts. If it's for a shoot it is completely different. I love high fashion clothes for shoots but I also do love to shoot very minimalistic and classic pieces.

How do you practice self-love and self-acceptance, would you say modeling has made you more or less confident on the whole?

I think spending time alone and learning to love yourself is the most important thing you can do. I do not think modeling has made me more confident as I was pretty confident going into modeling as it is. Sadly you can sometimes get the wrong attention as a model so you need to be able to get positive attention from yourself sometimes.

What about creatively. Do you feel it is most rewarding to get to bring someone else's vision to life the way they see it. Or do you like it more when you get to be more involved and come up with your own ideas?

Sometimes I love going to a shoot and everything is laid out, and where I just need to "pose" essentially. However I am also a very creative person. So I also do love planning shoots. And getting clothes together because sometimes you may not like the clothes or the makeup, and you don’t feel confident or sexy in what they put you in. But that is, yeah, just part of the job!

Is there any particular fashion scene that you prefer working in outside of New York?

Paris, a hundred percent, I have been to both Paris and Milan and Milan was just really overrated in my opinion. I am actually doing a solo trip to France next year and experiencing the full country however my goal is to walk in Paris Fashion Week, that would be awesome!

Hey, I know it is cold, but what about Sweden. You are for a fact a bit Swedish?

Yes, I am! My cousin lives in Växjö, however every year we also spent our summers in Karlskrona! I just went last summer, and we were in Gothenburg which I absolutely love, it was my second time being there. Next time I go back I would love to go to Stockholm!