“In a project, the actual product is a mystery, and that’s always intriguing and exciting.” This quote from model Fatima, represented by PARS Models, perfectly summarizes the essence of our latest photo series. Captured and styled by the talented Verena Vötter in two different settings in Munich, this series takes us on a journey of casual classic elegance, blending unexpected details with a calm and sensual vibe. Jewelry by Saskia Diez, assisted by Willy Wallner and retouched by Nora Redman. Fatima is represented by PARS Models.
Fatima, what do you love most about modeling?
I really love meeting creative people. I have a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication, and I’m generally a creative person, so it’s fun to meet people with similar interests to mine but with such different approaches and styles of creating.
I also love that I go into a project without knowing how it will turn out to look. Yes, there is most of the time a moodboard, concept, or reference idea, but the actual product is a mystery, and that’s always intriguing and exciting for me.
What sparks your curiosity outside of modeling? What are you learning or exploring right now?
I love all sorts of creative outputs. I do music production, watercolor painting, drawing, photography, singing, and writing. I love moving my body through dance and yoga. Nature also sparks my curiosity and calms my mind.
Right now, I’m learning more about tarot and magic practices. I’ve always been interested in magic, but only until recently decided to physically bring it into my life, bring back that child in me that believed in it, and join it with the experience and “little” wisdom I’ve gained since.
Your Instagram profile suggests a quiet and introspective nature. Does this match your personality?
I think in some way it does, I say in “some way” since I do love to chat, so I’m not always so quiet. I’m a very talkative and friendly person, but I really need my quiet time. I love being by myself and just think, so in that way, you can tell I am indeed introspective. I believe I’ve had a lot of time to sit with myself and get to know who I am, and I will still keep on observing how I grow and change.
“I’ve learned to not let my light get dimmed. I want to be the source of beauty not only physically but in soul, to counteract all the sadness and pain.”
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I’ve never really wanted to have superpowers, but if I would have to choose, I would actually like to be able to talk to animals.
Sometimes I think it could ruin my perception of animals as innocent and pure, but I’m actually curious to know what some of them think or how they view life and how they feel us humans treat other animals and nature.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned about yourself – through modeling, but also through life?
Through modeling, I’ve learned about self-confidence. I believe that in order to genuinely express yourself in front of a camera, you have to give into lots of feelings of self-doubt and insecurity and let them all go.
Also, to not take myself too seriously, but at the same time, always try to express my thoughts, feelings, and needs upfront and respectfully.
Through life, I’ve learned too much to fit into some paragraphs, but in the most recent months, I would say I’ve learned to not let my light get dimmed. I want to be the source of beauty not only physically but in soul. To be able to counteract all the sadness and pain we carry sometimes too much on our faces. I don’t mean to be oblivious of difficulties and not let pain work in me when it has to but to always try and find a way to make peace from my front.
“I’m learning more about tarot and magic practices, bringing back that child in me that believed in magic, and joining it with the experience and ‘little’ wisdom I’ve gained since.”
What does “success” look like to you, beyond the traditional measures of fame and fortune?
Being able to sustain my own and my family’s needs and have the time to enjoy simple but beautiful things, places, or moments. Being able to decide how, when, and where to do the things you love the most with little time or economic barriers.
Having the means and resources to help those I feel the urge to.
What does “inner peace” mean to you?
Knowing where I stand and how I feel in the present moment, having a calm mind and conscience. Knowing I’ve lived a day as fully as I was able to “that specific day.” Even when life is stressful, I feel so tired, and I think I could’ve done more… I gave everything I could’ve given THAT DAY.
Photographer Verena Vötter – www.verenavoetter.com – @verenavoetter
Model Fatima | PARS Models, insta @ojos.obsidiana
Jewelry Saskia Diez insta @ diezsaskia | Cloth: H&M and Fatimas own
Assistent Willy Wallner | insta @willy_wallner
Retouch Nora Redman
