First Impression: "This is weird! I never thought about becoming a model..."

After opening the Jil Sander show last season, its Gucci's turn to have this young Berliner, by the name of Julian Feitsma on the catwalk. In fact, he opened the show, as with Jil Sander, exactly one season before. It seems we have in our midst another star in the making, this time a young Berliner, ready to compete with the world's best!

Discovered in a Berlin market, the young German charmer is ably represented by Seeds, and one of Europe's top agents Pascal Kluttig.

With Conrad Matschke as his friend and fellow model, it’s the Germans turn to hug the limelight and lead the way!

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Karen: It was reported that you got discovered in a Berlin market, how did this happen and tell us about how you got approached by a model agent? Did it surprise you? How did you feel?

Julian: Well, it felt strange! My agent Pascal asked me about becoming a model, I think about 1 and a half year ago on a market where I am working, by the way. I was selling fruits and vegetables and even now every Saturday. So he came up to ask me that one question: “Would you like to become a model?” I guess that my first impression was really “ This is weird!” I never thought about becoming a model...

MINDSPEAK: As far as I’m concerned: don’t feel pretty much a German, I am from Berlin, which is different from Germany, therefore I am really proud.

Karen: Opening the Jil Sander show must have been a great experience, tell us about it! How did it took place, what happened backstage?

Julian: It happened in Milan, about a year ago. I was very impressed with the whole show.

I have to say, it was my first trip abroad and it has to do with being in the fashion biz!

Of course, I’ve been very proud during those days. The people on the show have been very nice to me, so, I warmed up to them too! During the event, though I was nervous- major! But that’s understandable, don’t you think? (laughs)

Karen: In becoming a model, was it easy or difficult for you to be convinced to become one?

Julian: Oh, actually I had the perfect start, to be honest! It’s been very easy right from the beginning and all of my expectations have been met!

Jed: Tell us about some of the modeling stints you have done that really made you feel good being a model, perhaps you could list down some of your favorite modeling assignments so far?

Julian: On the runways, I did some great shows, Jil Sander, Gucci, YSL, Givenchy, Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo, Louis Vuitton. I did also some editorials for Arena Hommes Plus and 10mag. I have to say that my favorite designer is Givenchy! I love D Squared ! For photographers, Willy van der Peer and Alex Caley.

Jed: If given the choice between Milan, Paris, London, LA or New York, what fashion capital do you wish to be known as a top model?

Julian: Well, I would go for the Big Apple!

Jed: Pascal told us that you and Conrad Matschke, another of Seed’s stars are friends, who are some of your model friends?

ON THE SPOTLIGHT: Julian Feitsma opens the Jil Sander show (s/s 2005). Photo taken from firstview.com

Julian: Of course I see Conrad very often, cause we are from the same city, and we appear almost at the same time in all the major markets, he’s cool, a very smart guy... Beside that fact: some of the chaps I like in the business are Michael Hope, Jean Baptiste, Scotty Portlock, Javier de Miguel and Misha Sarajinski, he’s as well with Seeds.

Karen: Tell us, what’s its like for models to spend a day together, before, during and after a show or a photoshoot?

Julian: Hmmm, during productions we do all kind of things that usually young people in our age like to do- gambling all around the place! Making jokes about Dick, Paul and Harry- like to talk a lot of bullshit all day long, just for fun, nothing very deep, just small talk, actually. Do you really want to know? (laughs)

Jed: Tell us what would be your dream modeling assignment? Any particular designer or photographer or models working alongside you?

Julian: Ooops, ahem, ah, the perfect production: me, Conrad and Tony Ward shot by Terry Richardson in my room at home, that would be stunning!!!

Karen: In terms of nudity, how far will you go for the sake of modeling? In case there is a prestigious designer that would require a model to have some nudity, for a new product that would create quite a stir in the fashion industry, will you be willing to accept such an assignment?

Julian: I wouldn’t care which designer, as long as Helmut Newton is along, but that dream is over now.