VIRGINIA ADAUGO

Silk jacket, linen and silk tank, and mini-skirt, all by DIOR

Virginia Adaugo has built a career from being in the right place at the right time. Since getting scouted while cheering on her sister backstage during her audition for the German version of America’s Got Talent, Virginia has made her stride working for some of the biggest names in fashion, from Dior to Sunnei and Rains. And while the 20-year-old model dreams of leaving her mark on the industry, she remains astoundingly level-headed, counting her blessings, investing in her education and enjoying the road to success.

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. Virginia Adaugo appears courtesy of The Hive Management.

Navy cashmere belted robe coat by Akris. Black a-Line mini dress by DKNY

Where am I catching you today?

I just came back from work, I was shooting with French Connection in London.

How did you get into modelling?

It’s actually a funny story. You could say I got discovered because of my sister. She auditioned for a talent show back in Germany, and I was backstage, cheering her on. After it aired, she got an email from agencies asking if I was interested in modelling. At the time, I was still 13 so I didn’t do anything about it, but the agent approached me again last year, and I signed with them. The past year has been crazy.

Was your sister happy for you when you got scouted?

She was very happy for me, she urged me to take the chance.

Even though it’s only been a year, you’ve worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, like Dior and Sunnei. How did you acclimatise in the industry?

It was a process. I first started working locally near my high school, dipping my toe in the water. Then this past year, I have been working more outside of Germany, in Paris and Milan, these huge cities you hear about as a model. So I had to get used to how people work there, what the tone is like and the culture. But now I’m very much adapted.

Seamless cashmere cardigan, leather slit trousers and ‘LV Lagoon’ sneakers, all by Louis Vuitton Travels With Grace Coddington

What’s it like to work across the different fashion capitals?

In general, they are pretty similar in terms of how they want you to behave on set and what they expect from models. But there are some cultural differences as well. French and Italian people, you cannot throw them in the same pot with the British. Each place has its own way to approach things.

Who inspires you?

My number one inspiration would be Naomi Campbell because she’s legendary. She opened the door to models of colour, and I have looked up to her since I was little. Having grown up in Germany as the only Black person in my school was hard, and Naomi was like a role model for me because she could do anything regardless of where she came from and her skin tone.

Then there’s Anok Yai. I love the way she acts, walks, and how cool she is. She’s a goddess.

They’re both so confident, I can see why they would be your idols.

Yes, I want to follow in their footsteps and build upon what they did, adding my own spice to it, of course.

How did growing up in a predominantly white environment shape the trajectory of your career?

It sounds very sad, but when I was growing up, I never knew how unique I was. I have a lot of moles in my face, almond-shaped eyes, big lips, curls. I didn’t realise how special that was until I was on set and the make-up artists and hair stylists were pointing it out. I was getting celebrated for the way I looked, which was new to me — I had never experienced it before. I realised then that I should feel good about the way I look. I got these features from my parents, and I should celebrate them.

Travelling is a big part of your job. How do you stay grounded on the go?

I always have something from home with me that reminds me to be grateful. This job can be exhausting, but then when I look at that piece of home, I realise how much of a blessing it is that I even get to do this. I get booked and visit different countries, meet new people, learn about new cultures. So I try to stay grounded by reminding myself I’m living the dream.

Is there a certain place you feel more connected to than others?

London, because that’s where my parents got married, and they lived here for quite a long time. So when I came here for the first time, I was exploring the city with their photo album, looking up places they went to — like where they had their first date — so I feel closer to them. It’s like time travel.

Left: Navy cashmere belted robe coat by Akris. Black mini dress by DKNY. Heeled leather boots by TOD’S. Right: Silk jacket, linen and silk tank and mini-skirt, all by DIOR

What about you might surprise people?

I am a very big nerd. I’m studying psychology at university and I love it. I value education, it’s been instilled in me by my dad early on.

Does your education help you with modelling?

Yeah, definitely. It helps me communicate better with people, to have more empathy and to be able to put myself in other people’s shoes.

What are the highlights and pinch-me moments from your career so far?

A highlight was when I walked my first Dior show. I still can’t believe it, because there are so many beautiful girls out there, and sometimes casting is not about the model but about whether you fit the collection or the vision of the designer. Then there was when I saw myself in the Rains store for the first time — I took a selfie with the campaign shots.

What are some of the challenges?

Staying positive. To continue doing what you’re doing, even if you’re hearing ‘No’.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Keep dreaming, because dreams do come true.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m very much inspired by street style. I love a good nineties hip-hop-inspired outfit. But I also don’t like to box myself in. I can have a little dress moment, but I’ll make it cool.

Has your style evolved since you started modelling?

That’s why I love modelling and working in fashion, because you get to discover so many versions of yourself. If you go alone to the store, you just pick what you know. But when you are modelling, it’s your job to put things on and then you realise, “Oh, wow, I actually like that.” 

It’s an evolution because I’m only 20, how am I supposed to know my style? I’m building it through my life phases, things that inspire me and my fashion idols.

What’s your dream modelling job?

I would really love to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel, because the way they walk and their energy are amazing.

Silk jacket, linen and silk tank, mini-skirt, derby black shoes and socks with bows, all by DIOR