We'd like to introduce you to Dani!
Welcome to our first ever 'Meet the Model' Interview! We're so excited to be kicking this new project off with Dani from our FW16 Lookbook shoot, we're pretty sure you're going to love her as much as we do!
Name/Age/Agency
: Dani Klupsch / 21 / Morgan Model Management and Peggi Lepage
Tell us a bit about yourself
: I am a model, college student, MMA coach, Brazilian jiu jitsu competitor, and an avid baker. (Laughs) I know, it's quite the interesting combination!
How did you get into modelling?
: My first shoot was when I was 15 years old and I was on a family vacation in the Dominican Republic. My sister and I were taking photos of each other and we were approached by a photographer from the UK who was also on vacation. He asked if I wanted to shoot the following day so I agreed! It was a very fun shoot, especially with my dad watching the photographer's every move (laughs). He was a great photographer though and helped me to realize that I had a knack for modelling.
Describe your personal style in 5 words
: Sporty yet refined and feminine.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
: The behind the scenes! Its crazy to see how much work goes behind just one photo, and being the model in the shoot walks you through all that work. From the hair and makeup team, to the set team, the photography, the lighting... It gives you a great perspective of what really goes on behind that one photo you see as the result. Plus I think we are hilarious, you'd be surprised how non-stereotypical the entire crew is off the set.
Whats your favourite restaurant?
: There is this amazing place in Markham called Beiruti Grand Café that I love to go either on my way back from a shoot or from training. The food is a fusion of Mediterranean and French, and no matter what you choose on the menu, you will be happy. My favourite right now is their ham brie and roasted apple sandwich on a warm pretzel bun, served with an aioli dipping sauce and garden salad. And try their fresh orange juice!
Whats your favourite movie?
: I am a fan of both DC and Marvel, but my favourite movie has to be Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. I love the humour and sarcasm mixed in with a Superhero / Group of Misfits movie, and I love the 70s and 80s cultural references!
Describe your ideal Saturday
: My ideal Saturday is going out with my team mates! We have all decided that we are not too old to go on field trips, so we will always find different things to do. From axe throwing lessons to trampoline parks... This month, we are planning on going to a comic convention to cosplay and even LARP, also to an indoor parkour place, rock climbing, camping, cliff diving... the list just keeps getting longer!
What are you most likely to be doing when you’re not modelling?:
Other than modelling, I also work as an MMA coach at Rumble Martial Arts, teaching Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Women's Self Defence, and Youth classes. I also compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so I have to train quite often.
I am also in school right now for cake design, so if I am not in class I am baking a bunch of stuff and decorating. You know that cupcake scene from Bridesmaids? That has my name all over it.
What items are always in your purse?
: Well, I try to have my keys and wallet in there but I am very forgetful of important things (laughs). The only beauty supplies I always have on me is my hairbrush and foundation. My friends are going to laugh at me when they read this, but I also keep my mouth guard in my purse, so I can always remember where it is when I am training.
If you were an emoji which one would you be?
: (Looks through phone) I want to say the Happy Sun emoji. I will always say "Good Morning Sunshine!" to my friend and they will call me Sunshine back, and the name has kind of stuck now.
If we asked 10yr old you what you would be when you grew up what would you have told us?:
I'm pretty certain at that time I wanted to be a firefighter. I think I have always liked the idea of being a hero, or at least helping others. I feel like I help others quite a bit when I am teaching self defence. I have had students come up to me and tell me how they had someone try to hurt them and they were able to successfully defend themselves, or tell me about the success that they are having with their fitness or even confidence and assertiveness. Hearing that is extremely rewarding, and I think my 10-year old self would be very proud of what I am up now.
Were we right? Are you in love now? We sure were after spending a full day shooting this lovely, ball-busting ray of sunshine! If you liked getting this peak behind the scenes be sure to follow us on instagram for loads of behind the scenes photos of our photo shoots and much more!
p.s. In case you didn't notice this pic is a behind the scenes of something you haven't seen yet! We've snuck in a little peak at our Holiday Collection that we can't wait to share with you! If you want more sneak peeks sign up for our Mailing List and hear about everything first!
