CAROLINA BURGIN

“La Plagne’ cashmere balaclava and dress, both by Loro Piana

Carolina Burgin carries the sun in her pocket. Having worked with the biggest and boldest fashion designers and magazines of our time, it is simple pleasures like spending time in nature or building out her life in London that help her stay grounded. By creating a slow-paced routine, she says, Carolina feeds her creative energy, which is then channelled back into her work, which she considers art.

Interview by Maya Avram.

Photographed by Conor Clarke. Styled by Charly Suggett. Makeup by Quelle Bester using Shiseido. Hair by Charles Stanley using CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Hair Perfume. Carolina appears courtesy of PRM Agency.

First things first: How did you get into modelling?

I got into modelling because of my mother. When I was 17, she started an Instagram account for me with hashtags recommended by Google for getting scouted. Years later, when I was home from university for summer holidays and needed a job, she said people were DM’ing her wanting to represent me. I was like, you know what, if I can get money this summer and then go back to school, why not? I had a call with Sean, who is my mother agent, and he set up some meetings for me with agencies in LA and New York. Two weeks later I had an exclusive for Calvin Klein walking the runway.

Edera petal dress by Samantha Virginio. ‘Achillina’ring, ‘Wave Motion’ signet rings, both by DÉVÉ

You’ve walked for brands like Prada and The Row, and were named “Breakout Model” by Vogue in 2019. Did moving into the heart of fashion feel natural to you, or do you feel like you’re still adapting?

The industry is very welcoming, and I’m still excited about the work. I do a lot of editorials, they’re just so fun and creative. There’s not really much money in it, but it feels like you’re creating artwork, in a way. That’s what really got me into modelling and made me enjoy it as a career — seeing it more than as a way to make money or be popular.

Travelling is a big part of the job. When you’re on the go, what helps you stay grounded?

I didn’t realise the toll travelling took on my brain and body until the pandemic hit and we were all forced to take a break. Everything slowed down, including my career, but I was happy to take things more easily. I was able to recharge, get healthy and create a routine for myself. I would wake up at 7:30, do some yoga or a workout, have some breakfast, take a shower, all by 11:00. Then I could play video games or practise art and feel like I was productive.

These days, I live with my boyfriend here in London, so whenever I’m not working and he’s working from home, we love cooking together, playing video games, tend to our little garden. It’s about having little things to look forward to when I’m back home.

“La Plagne’ cashmere balaclava and dress, both by Loro Piana. Black lace up shoes by Charles & Keith

Who inspires you?

My mom. We moved a lot growing up because my dad worked at an embassy in Rome. And she was always like, “We’re good, we’ll figure it out.” She just goes head-on into any situation and is able to notice other people’s successes and passions. It makes me feel like I can do anything, because we’re in it together. That is very inspiring to me.

Do you feel like you take after her in that sense? Thinking about your career, for example.

Yeah, it’s because we’re both Geminis, we very much take on the energy that we’re given. If somebody’s coming with high energy, you come with high energy. If somebody’s coming with a relaxed, quiet demeanour, you match them. Then we can be on the same playing field.

What are some of the highlights in your career so far?

Highlights are anytime I go to a new country for more than a night and actually get to see it and explore. I also get really excited if we’re shooting in nature. I have a job coming up shooting in a forest outside of Munich, which I look forward to. Anytime I get to be in nature is a highlight for me.

Leather trench coat and scarf, both by TOD’S. Black leather boots by GRENSON.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Oh my God, just relax, call your mom, everything turns out okay, chill. Like, you’re already pretty chill, but be chill inwardly as well. And trust the process.

It’s a learning.

A lot of learning. As models, we start so young — you’re still learning how to be an adult just like everyone else, but I feel it’s on a bigger scale.

Who is your dream designer to work with?

I would love to work with Jo Malone London, which makes the perfume I’ve been wearing since I was 15 or 16. My teenage self would be so insanely proud. Then there’s Vivienne Westwood, I loved her.

Why Vivienne Westwood?

When we were living in Italy, my dad had a lot of hookups. One of his coworkers knew the owner of a factory that made scarves for a lot of high-end designers. So my dad bought my mom a really cool poncho with this stunning pattern. I found it in her closet and thought it was gorgeous. I looked at the label and saw it was Vivienne Westwood. So I told my mom I’m keeping it.

How would you describe your personal style?

I like anything that’s very out there: colourful, fun and unique. I love vintage clothes and thrift stores because they’re more sustainable, and you always find better stuff. It forces you to style pieces with things you already own instead of matching a trendy moodboard.

What is your best vintage find?

My mom has it at the moment. It’s this baby blue suede coat by Theory. It was originally like $3,000 or something and I got it for $55. I don’t know who dumped it, but we love her.

“La Plagne’ cashmere balaclava and dress, both by Loro Piana. Black lace up shoes by Charles & Keith