Today we have the honor of having a chat with a guest of a certain caliber: the Lombard model Renata Zanchi. Originally from Brianza, she was hired as a model at the age of 14 in the Milanese fashion sector and her versatility was immediately evident in front of the spotlight. Despite the start of her career in school age, she manages to reconcile the study and the catwalk in an optimal way, so as to be able to graduate cum Laude in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation at the Statale University of Milan. She can claim the knowledge of 7 languages: Italian, English, French, German, Catalan, Spanish and Russian. Renata Zanchi next year will celebrate 25 years of career and can boast first pages and articles on Vogue Man, Marie Claire, Vogue Italia, Grazia, Glamor, Elle Paris and many others. Beyond national borders, she was also able to work as a presenter on Spanish national television. For some years Renata has managed to become an influencer on Instagram and her profile boasts over 200 thousand followers.
Can you tell us about the feelings a newly adolescent girl feels the first time she is in the spotlight?
I was very excited, it felt like being in a movie. I must say that I dissolved almost immediately. I liked taking pictures, parading and turning into different characters every time, it was fun.
Between high schools and university, have there been periods of crisis in which you thought of leaving your studies to concentrate solely on your career? Why didn’t you do it?
Never. I knew that studying was my duty, along with work. I’ve always been very disciplined, I don’t like to leave things halfway, I always complete what I start.
Nowadays they talk a lot about young people laziness. However some of them out of passion or necessity join themselves between study and work; What advice do you have on organizing time to get the most out of both experiences?
Wanting is power. I always thought that if the day had not been enough for me to finish the study, I would have had in front of me all night. And often it was so, especially during the years of the High school.
When did you realize that this was your job?
Once the High school have finished, when the commitments and journeys have begun to intensify exponentially. I worked more and more and in quality projects, I could not take advantage of this work to the fullest.
Nowadays we try to show physical and non-physical perfection. What sacrifices must be accepted to stand out in the world of appearance?
Be careful at what you eat, do a lot of sport, sleep well for at least 8 hours. There are no secrets.
Which of the 7 languages you studied is the one you like best? Why? (Not the mother tongue)
German. For the cases, the declinations, it gave me so much satisfaction to study it.
What prompted you to become an influencer? Was it a coincidence or was it your ultimate goal?
Never tried, never been my goal. Instagram and social networks are a bit of a natural evolution of my modeling job. I love and respect my community, their support is never taken for granted. However, I think that being a true referent in something, a model and an example to follow, an influencer, in fact, must always be associated with something else. Influencer is the consequence, not the origin.
Some social media users think that, given the popularity of the influencer figure, they can also be heavily criticized as if they were political figures of the opposite faction. What do you think of the rule “You’re famous so you have to suffer all my frustration”?
Fortunately, I met very few haters. Given this, they don’t touch me. It’s also a bit part of the game, you can’t please everyone, and then take it for comments almost always left by anonymous profiles and without any kind of credibility would be absurd. We will get to their same level.
What are your favorite activities to do in the little free time you have?
Sport, music – we always sing -, dance, and play with my little Giulio (her’s Chihuahua, ed).
What do you think of the body shaming?
Reflection of a society that is losing values, that no longer knows what is really important, prey to superficiality. It must be fought in all its forms.
Is the thin model still essential in the fashion world?
Complex question. The world of fashion has changed a lot, it has become “democraticized” and open to other canons and profiles, such as the influencer figures. In general, the model as we have always understood it, from the catwalk, yes, it must still be thin, there are canons and sizes that still make reference.
Have you ever had trouble to like yourself?
Sure. We all have and have had our insecurities. In my case in the past I struggled to accept my curves, my Mediterranean body, especially working closely with very thin women, considered the prototype of beauty. I hid under oversize sweatshirts and baggy jeans. The years have given me maturity, security and today I look at my curves with affection and with pride. Accepting oneself and what we consider to be imperfections is the key to true beauty.
How are your days organized during fashion week?
Very intense. It runs from another part of the city, including fashion shows, events, changes, make-up changes and looks. Living the Fashion Week “on the other side” is a huge satisfaction, watching the front row as a special guest of designers for whom 20 years ago I opened the fashion shows is a unique emotion.
What are the brands that participate in fashion week and on what are they decided?
The Calendar of fashion shows changes every year, between established designers and young promises. Designers choose VIP guests for their shows for different reasons, celebrities and media personalities, influencers, sector referents, etc.
What is the difference between fashion weeks in various places like Milan, Paris or New York?
Not only does the location, the “setting” of the fashion week, change. It changes the “mood”, the style. Made in Italy has for years enjoyed its superiority over influences from abroad, Haute Couture is less tied to traditions, always ready to provoke more. London perhaps the most alternative. NY is the historical one, not everyone knows that it is the oldest. Perhaps among all Paris is the one with more charm, glamour… but I say maybe. It’s a nice challenge.
What could your future projects be?
I feel constantly evolving. I always feel inside me that the best is yet to come. At the moment I have two main projects: to concentrate on the growth of Renata Zanchi Collection, my fashion brand that I launched recently, and in my television career. I am in love with it, it fascinates me and I enjoy it.
What advice do you feel giving to the people?
To be patient and roll up your sleeves. We are all impatient. We want things for yesterday, it doesn’t work that way. Things never come when one wants, but when times are ripe and almost always after long periods of work, mess, mistakes and sacrifices.
