Cruise Control: Manuela Frey Keeps A Level Head After Eml Success

EML • Dec 1
Since she finished in the Top 3 at the EML World Final in 2012, Manuela Frey has shot for Vogue, Elle and Interview magazines, and walked in the couture shows for Versace, Armani Prive and Dolce & Gabbana. A bright spark, judges noticed her endless optimism as soon as she entered the competition, and her professional attitude has helped her build a stellar career since. She sat down with us to talk about jetting to New York straight after competing in Shanghai, landing a Calvin Klein exclusive and staying grounded after EML.

When you participated in EML in 2012, what it was like?

I always wanted to be a model, and I took part in EML in Switzerland. I went to Shanghai, and it was crazy, we were there for three weeks. All the scouts from all the countries were there, and all the beautiful girls. I remember thinking, “I have no chance!” The first interviews I gave in English were so hard because I couldn’t explain things! I never thought that I could be in this sort of place, but then I won and I was very happy. Marilhea, the Overall Winner, and me, we were always talking. I didn’t know she was going to win, but we are still very good friends. 

Was it scary to compete in the EML World Final?

I always wanted to be a model, and I took part in EML in Switzerland. I went to Shanghai, and it was crazy, we were there for three weeks. All the scouts from all the countries were there, and all the beautiful girls. I remember thinking, “I have no chance!” The first interviews I gave in English were so hard because I couldn’t explain things! I never thought that I could be in this sort of place, but then I won and I was very happy. Marilhea, the Overall Winner, and me, we were always talking. I didn’t know she was going to win, but we are still very good friends.

Photo © Interview Magazine

What did you do next?

I went to New York, and my mom wanted to come with me, but I said no. It was very important to me that I did it by myself. I remember going around with a map, because I didn’t want to spend money on a SIM card! [laughs] I was going back and forth, I had five castings in one day. I was so proud when I got the job! It was for Interview Magazine. It was amazing. I love New York and The Society Management (the New York agency of Elite World), I have a very good booker called Cheri. I’m in London til Christmas, but I live in New York, in Chelsea. 

Photo © Calvin Klein

What was your first big catwalk show?

It was Calvin Klein exclusive in New York. I had been going to lots of castings, and my agent called me, and told me, “Manuela, can you come to the office? The clients are not happy with you!” I was so worried, I came to the agency and they said “no one wants to book you, we have to send you home…” I was so shocked, I said, “but, I was always smiling, always happy!” Then they said, “no! Only joking! You’re exclusive for Calvin Klein! You don’t need to do castings any more!” [laughs] At first, I wanted to finish the castings, I had two more, but they said, “no, just chill! You’re exclusive now! It means you just walk this show” [laughs] Then I went to London, Milan, Paris, it was amazing! 

Photo © Vogue

What has been your favourite season so far?

My favourite season so far was when I made the record - 63 shows in one season, in September 2013. I always did a lot of shows, always 50, but when you do so many, you know that everyone likes you, and you want more! [laughs] I was very happy. 

Photo © Dazed Magazine

Do you feel that taking part in EML helped you?

Of course! I wouldn’t be a model without it. I always wanted to be a model, and I had entered a contest before in Switzerland but I didn’t make it. My parents supported me from the beginning and came to the EML casting with me, but they didn’t want me to get too disappointed if it doesn’t work out. Then I won the Swiss Final! My agent found out that I left school in a magazine. She was calling me, saying, “you might have won EML Switzerland, but it’s not sure that you will win the World Final!” But it really made her realise I wanted to model seriously, and she really pushed me after that. She called Paris, and told them about me, and it really helped. I knew I wanted to do it. 

What’s the most important thing you have ever learned as a model?

You need to learn that criticism isn’t personal, and you are working with adults. Perhaps a young model might be sad if they get bad feedback, or not understand the way options work, that it doesn’t mean you have got a job. I needed to learn very fast, but my parents keep me grounded. Also, at the EML contest, I got a diary, and ever since, I have written in it every day. I write everything down. If I met someone, if I had a casting, if I feel a bit sad, and I find I feel better. 

How important are your family to you?

We are very close! I did Facetime with my parents every single day when I was starting out, and it helped me a lot. My brother has always been there for me too, he’s 18 and his office is full of my pictures! At Dolce and Gabbana, they know my mom by name. She comes inside, because you’re not allowed to watch the show, unless your daughter is under 18. I have been doing the Dolce show since I was before 18, so they know her. Then there are other moms, whose daughter is in the show, and they don’t know where to go, and the casting director pointed to my mom and said, “follow her!” and my mom is there saying to all the moms, “come on! We need to take this elevator and that one!” It’s very funny!

What’s your advice to young models?

Be yourself! If you really want something, then you can do it. Never give up, and even if you don’t win EML, you can still be a supermodel! Don’t get too arrogant after your first job. Look after yourself, be healthy. Don’t go out too much! There are club promoters who know where the model apartments are and before the agents can say, “don’t go out with these guys”, they come and introduce themselves, they pay for everything, it seems cool. But it’s not a good image, especially if clients see you. The most important thing is that you love what you do. I have always wanted to be a model, and I still love it. I have days when people are very rude to me, but I have more people who are nice to me. Everyone at Elite and The Society Management, they’ve always supported me, I think they are very fair. I’ve never had a fight with anyone!