Karlie Kloss is the epitome of a multitasker, and one with arguably more purpose than many other It girls these days. While the multi-hyphenate supermodel keeps busy with high-profile campaigns (her latest being Swarovski) and designer catwalks, she possesses a deeper sense of thoughtfulness, choosing to focus on the ways her platform allows her to inspire and give back. Here, we chat with the 24-year-old on her career, style and, most importantly, her philanthropic endeavors.
On Career
LL: Do you have a role model or mentor? How have they helped or guided you?
KK: Christy Turlington has been a role model to me in many ways throughout my career. She balances her family, her modeling career and her philanthropic endeavors so gracefully. The way she's used her platform to bring awareness and change to the lives of mothers and communities around the world through her organization Every Mother Counts is empowering. Her beauty, elegance and intelligence has inspired me on many levels, and I feel grateful to count this super-mom, supermodel and super-human as my role model.
LL: What's the best career advice you've ever received?
KK: Persistence and commitment are the key to a life and career of longevity.
LL: If you had to pick one thing, what would you say has been the key to your success?
KK: I'm so grateful for all the opportunities I've been given, and I have an immense amount of respect for those who have mentored me along the way. I cherish my intimate community of friends and colleagues, who over the years have turned into family. Their support has been a huge foundation for my career.
LL: How do you maintain work-life balance?
KK: I'm very grateful for technology. Since I'm constantly traveling for work, I'm always FaceTiming and Skyping with my friends and family. In an ideal world, we would all live in the same city, but right now my sisters are all living in different cities for school and/or work. With the time differences on top of my hectic travel schedule, it can be challenging. But I make sure to set aside time every day to talk to my family. Their support keeps me grounded.
LL: The modeling industry has greatly evolved since your career began. What changes do you think have made the industry a more impactful space, and how do you feel about a more universal push toward girl bosses?
KK: Since I began my modeling career, fashion has fully embraced technology. Not only are collections becoming see-now-buy-now, watching shows and the backstage chaos leading up to them has become accessible to almost everyone around the world via social media. The industry is communicating in so many innovative ways with its consumers. Fashion brands are listening more and more to what consumers want to see and hear and are creating platforms that fit these desires. Everybody's a girl boss in her own right. It's such a privilege for me to work with so many like-minded women who inspire me with their hard work and dedication.
On Style And Beauty
LL: Whose style inspires you most?
KK: Grace Kelly's tailored and elegant look is something I always draw inspiration from.
LL: What is your go-to outfit formula for days off?
KK: I love a tailored but slightly edgy look: oversized blazer with fitted jeans or a fitted blazer with fuller trousers. Proportion is key.
LL: What is your favorite Swarovski piece to help you look effortlessly glam?
KK: The Crystaldust bracelet is the perfect statement piece to add some shine to my outfit.
LL: What's your go-to accessory?
KK: I love adding personal, dainty jewelry like Swarovski's Crystal Wishes pendants, or a great handbag, to make my outfit pop.
LL: What are your four beauty and skincare essentials?
KK: My Clarisonic, L'Oréal Skin Perfector serum and moisturizer, a jade roller and coconut oil for hydrating my skin.
On Lifestyle
LL: What are three things most people don’t know about you?
KK: I'm a pescetarian, I can do a headstand and I'm a student at NYU.
LL: What is a typical day in your life like?
KK: I'm always on the move. It's a blessing and also a curse that each day is always different from the next. No matter where I am, I always try to start my day with a workout and meditation. I think it's important to keep this routine, no matter where the rest of the day takes me.
LL: What milestone moment in your career are you most proud of?
KK: Over the years there have been amazing places I've traveled to and people I’ve met. However, the experience I'm most proud of that my career has enabled me to do is create Kode With Klossy. It's been a privilege to use my platform to create opportunities for young women around the country to access computer science education. There's so much more I hope to do to help others, but I'm so excited that Kode With Klossy continues to provide access to computer science education through its programs and summer camps. There's nothing more rewarding than sharing the opportunity to learn and grow with so many incredible women around the country.
