Zurich, Lindenhof – on one of the first stormy days. The wind howls, her hair is perfect. Tourists stream by, pulling out their phones and forming a semicircle of interested glances and comments. Zoë is Swiss with Dutch roots and only 20 years old.
She lives the life many young people dream of. She's a social media star, actress, sits in the front rows of major fashion shows, effortlessly switches her look from evening gown to street style, and is constantly on the go. Zurich is her home. Thanks to Instagram, you can quickly become a part of her life and tend to immediately form an opinion about the girl who shares her exciting life between Mykonos, makeup, and fashion events with 200,000 followers. What no one knows: how much work, commitment, and effort it takes to always be cheerful, presentable, and highly motivated. Zoë is super professional, in a good mood, yet always very charming and modest – a life like hers requires more than just a pretty face and nice photos: It takes dedication and perseverance.
This afternoon, she has exactly 20 minutes before she has to leave for her next shoot – the next photographer and a new outfit await her. Now she stands there in full presence; the moment the camera clicks is her moment – she follows instructions precisely, knows every movement, and understands how to get the most out of bodies and clothes. With the discipline of a former student of the Zurich Dance Academy. But she didn't become a classical ballerina. Even though the big stages of the world were her childhood dream, she's fine with how things turned out. "It's not easy to be criticized, analyzed, and evaluated for every movement as a twelve-year-old – it was a tough but good school. And the perfect preparation for drama school and my life today. It doesn't work without discipline," she says, radiating beyond any trace of effort that the long days and short nights between shoots, airports, and red carpets entail. When she laughs, the sun comes out. Even on a foggy gray day like this.
Her iPhone is rarely more than 10 centimeters away from her body; her eyes appear clear, alert, and razor-sharp. "Yes, exactly – the checkered blazer from the silver suitcase and definitely the wool sweater. Please remember the jewelry – all of that needs to go out today, thanks!" she dictates into the phone while smiling at the tourists – the machine must keep running. Without her team, her mother who raised her alone, and her brother, none of this would be possible. She gives her all. For her community, her followers, her family, her friends, and the clients who send her all over the world to promote their luxury and consumer goods. She has long been selective, doesn't do everything anymore, and questions the state of the world. "For me, a collaboration has to make sense; I have to like the product – I'm a human, not a robot," she says, simultaneously checking the quality of the coat with a targeted glance at the label. Her social commitment to organizations like Pro Juventute, the well-being of children, and the environment: These are the things that are truly close to her heart – she has been vegan for many years and travels as CO2-friendly as possible. "I'm fully aware that I have a major role model function," she adds, then sets about creating her next "story." Zoë Superstar, we look forward to everything that is yet to come. Even beyond Instagram.
Text and image - Studio Norma
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