AMALIA STRAND

Chilean-British model and actor Amalia Strand began modelling after her sister was scouted in a mall in Santiago, and from there it became a family affair. Both siblings were signed and cast in commercials and other photo shoots, which gave her a solid foundation and an income throughout school.

Interview by Leigh Maynard.

Amalia Strand wears CHANEL Le Lift Flash Eye Patches. Photographed by Max Ragan. Styled by Alton Hetariki. Makeup by Ninni Nummela using CHANEL Beauty. Hair by Masaki Kameda. Amalia appears courtesy of NEVS Models.

Credits throughout: Trench jacket by Self Portrait. Knit turtleneck by Weekday. Denim jeans by Levi's. Shoes and socks, both Amalia's own

Though she was born in South America, the family relocated to England but she often returned for holidays and her time in Chile leaves her with cherished memories, that means she infuses her heritage in all that she does. “I have many memories - especially from high school, with my best friends, trips to the beach or the mountains, and summers at my grandparents’ home by a beautiful river with all my cousins (there’s a lot of us!). I believe my heritage constantly plays a role in my work, mainly because it has shaped the way I look and given me the opportunity to work as a model. I’m always grateful for that and I also feel a sense of honour towards the two countries that opened this world to me - being scouted in Chile and later working professionally in England.”

Once Amalia moved to London, her desire to pursue modelling became more focused. She’s also intrigued by acting, with a love of being both behind and in front of the lens, a love that stems from childhood, when she would secretly film herself with a little camera. Today, she works on short films and other campaigns.“The dream of acting had always been there, but the moment it started to feel real was the first time I was on set as a background artist. It may have been small for everyone else, but for someone who grew up in Chile, being on set for something as big as Bohemian Rhapsody and other productions felt surreal. I was then kindly encouraged by Ishtar Currie-Wilson (actor/director) in London to take acting classes, and slowly, things began to unfold. I’ve done a couple of short films, but the one I’m most proud of was directed by Rachel Armesto. I played a Chilean nun who arrives at a convent in Spain, begins questioning her faith. I will always be grateful to Rachel for that opportunity. Another meaningful step was being a body double for an actress in the 20th-century production The First Omen. I spent nine weeks on set in Rome, absorbing everything and making friends with the cast.” Looking ahead, Amalia is committed to her craft, to continuous improvement, and to advocating for petite models like herself. “I do hope that every time I work with a client, they see that petite models can do the job just as well, and maybe that opens the door for others who aren’t super tall like me. I think it’s been a huge accomplishment to be able to work internationally as a 5’4 model. Even this interview for 5ELEVEN Magazine with CHANEL is a highlight of my career. Spotting my face on the streets, in airports, and online, etc., is a reminder to myself that it is possible if you set your mind to it.”