Having a runway exclusive — say, for Prada in Milan or Calvin Klein in New York — is fantastic for a rookie’s debut. But when a model is placed on a global exclusive for a label, you know she is going places. Such is the case with Argentinean newcomer Dafne Cejas. After a go-see with Riccardo Tisci, the 17-year-old scored a world exclusive for Givenchy’s fall 2010 show. When she hit the catwalk in March, her couture editorial for Italian Vogue also dropped, shot by Steven Klein. This led to Cejas snagging spreads in V and French Vogue, shot by Sebastian Faena and duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot, respectively. Tisci also proved he’s a man of his word, booking Cejas for the label’s fall prints. Cejas is back in Argentina at the moment, taking a deserved breather and getting ready for the fall — which, by the look of it, is shaping up pretty spectacularly. Click ahead to read a brief Q&A with Cejas, and then visit her new model profile to see loads of on- and off-the-runway pics.
You’ve become a favorite at Givenchy. How did that relationship start?
That relationship, so to speak, began in February when I was introduced to Riccardo Tisci by Paul Rowland. After my second week in New York, I was confirmed to walk exclusively for Givenchy that season in Paris.
What do you remember most about walking that show?
I remember everything! I mean, that was my first show ever; how could I forget? I worked the week beforehand doing fittings and even learning how to walk on the runway. The day of the show I felt excited and nervous, but [when] I walked, I just told myself to enjoy this moment. I’m still so happy for that experience.
You’re on vacation in Argentina right now. Describe a day in the life of Dafne in Argentina.
I usually wake up at 9 or 10 a.m., and have breakfast: coffee and toast with cream cheese, my favorite food. I try to watch or read the news, [but] I love spending as much time in bed as possible! That said, I hate to do the same thing every day. Some days I’ll cook my own lunch, or go for a walk with my boyfriend and dog. Anything that keeps me active and talking.
What do your friends and family make of your newfound career?
[They] are so happy and excited for me, even if they miss me while I’m traveling. It’s funny to think of my father looking on Models.com and reading about me. It’s really surreal!
What are your three favorite pieces from your closet?
(1) Black dresses: They’re classic, sharp, and practical. Every woman needs to have at least one. (2) Shoes: I love heels, even if I only wear them for special events or going out. (3) Handbags: I absolutely love big bags, simply because you can put everything in one place. [There are] a few that I have my eyes on for next season.
If we gave you $100,000 to spend on the clothing of any one designer, who would you pick?
Givenchy! But I also love many different styles, so maybe something from Marc Jacobs or Alexander Wang as well.
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