From Nelson To Paris: Catching Up With Top Model Lucy Rosiek

Some of the world's leading models working right now hail from New Zealand, several of whom have graced the cover of Viva.

Models such as Georgia Fowler, Zippora Seven, Ashleigh Good, Lili Sumner, Isabella Moore, Manahou Mackay, Holly-Rose Emery, Georgia Pratt, Anmari Botha and Jordan Daniels have all gone on to find success overseas, and have made their mark on the runways, walking for some of the world's best fashion houses, and appearing in numerous campaigns and fashion editorials.

One new model making waves is Nelson-born Lucy Rosiek, represented by 62 Models. Appearing on the runway as a Prada exclusive in 2021 has propelled the 18-year-old further, recently walking the runways during the fall 2022 runway shows for the likes of Valentino, Bottega Veneta and doing the honours of opening the Acne show.

Her recent editorial work is equally impressive, featuring in the pages of Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire and The Australian Financial Review Magazine.

During a recent return home to Aotearoa over the summer, Lucy worked with Viva's contributing fashion editor Chloe Hill and photographer Mara Sommer on an exclusive editorial for Viva Magazine – Volume Seven, guest-edited by Lorde.

As her star continues to ascend, we touched base with the model in London, where she continues to make attract the attention of some of the fashion industry's biggest players.

Hi Lucy, congratulations on all your success so far. What was it like coming back home for the summer after a busy 2021?

It was quite lovely being back home and getting to properly recharge. 2021 was a very busy year for me between work, travelling and trying to navigate the impacts of Covid, so I very much loved having the chance to just chill in the sun all day and do absolutely nothing.

Where are you currently?

I’m currently in London as I'm writing this. London is my base for the time being and I really love this city, but I still bounce around Milan and Paris a fair amount for work.

Walking for Prada's spring/summer 2022 show as an exclusive is a significant moment for you. What was that feeling like?

To be completely honest, it felt like a dream and I still struggle to believe that it even happened. Since I was 13, all I wanted to do was work for amazing brands like Prada, so I was quite nervous but very excited throughout the whole shoot being able to work with the talented and lovely Prada team.

READ: The Road To Home With Opera Singer & Model Isabella Moore

Where would you recommend someone to go eat when they are in your hometown of Nelson?

I'm a major foodie and I made it a point to my family that I had to visit all my favourite foodie spots in Nelson before I headed back to Europe. In particular, Ikko sushi for a mean-as Donburi, Mapua's Alberta's cafe for the best coffee I've ever had, and Lambretta's Cafe Bar which is the home of my favourite food, the roast veggie and halloumi panini.

What is a handbag essential when you're working?

It’s not that glamorous but it’s essential for me to always have snacks on me. Modelling is very much a last-minute/always-on-the-go job, so it’s important for me to always have protein bars or crackers on me to give me a good energy boost on sometimes very long days.

What do you miss the most when you're away from New Zealand?

I miss my family and friends the most when I’m travelling, however, I’m always texting and Facetiming with them all whenever we get the chance. Being able to do this has helped me feel a lot less lonely when travelling as it makes me feel like they’re right there with me.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

The best piece of advice someone has given me is from my granddad, Wi-Fa. He would always tell my mum (his daughter) and she told me when I was growing up: “Do whatever makes you happy (as long as you ain’t hurting anyone)."

This piece of advice has influenced my life by encouraging me to always continue pursuing the career that I love even when big roadblocks arise, or it doesn’t seem realistic and achievable, because at the end of the day modelling is what makes me happiest.

READ: Zippora Seven's Personal Uniform Is As Easy-Going As She Is

In Viva Magazine – Volume Seven, we look at the creatives who are helping us shape our perspectives when it comes to designing a better future. What does designing a better future mean to you?

I personally believe that we all need to take time to learn of ways we can easily implement changes into our day-to-day lives that positively impact our communities and our planet. Whether it’s big or small, like taking the time to learn about and signing petitions that support the protection and the rights of all different communities, or by supporting businesses that operate in sustainable ways and create environmentally friendly products.

What are you currently listening to?

K-pop is pretty much the only thing I listen to as it always hypes me up. Lately, the K-pop songs I've been playing on repeat have been Enhypen's Blessed-Cursed, Twice's The Feels, and Everglow's Pirate.

What are you currently watching?

I don't watch a lot of TV however, I do watch a lot of YouTube… I tend to watch a lot of lifestyle YouTubers like Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz who document their day-to-day lives. Their videos are very relaxing and chill, so I always watch them whenever I need some good, happy and calm vibes.