Cordula Reyer. Supermodel. Style icon. International woman of mystery. Cordula is the most famous Austrian export since Mozart. She shot with everyone from Juergen Teller to Steven Meisel and appeared in countless magazines. Rachel Khona, a booker at Q Models, called her up to have a little chat about the modeling biz. Here’s what she had to say. ~ Rachel Khona
Rachel: So Cordula, how did you get your start modeling? Did you ever expect to become a model or did it just happen?
Cordula: It happened by accident. Peter Savic, the hairstylist, that used to live in Vienna, helped me to find an agency in the States. I was already working in Europe - not so much in print but in shows like YSL and Helmut Lang.
Rachel: OMG, that’s great that you had such an amazing industry insider rooting for you. Speaking of which, you’ve had a long standing relationship with Peter Lindbergh. What is he like to work with? What made Peter different than the other photographers?
Cordula: Peter makes you feel so comfortable. It’s like a big sensual feast with lots of laughter and good food. He likes to make you suffer too though. He thought my expression was even more beautiful in a skinny Alaïa dress while we were shooting in winter on a beach in France. But you almost do anything for him. The result is always amazing.
With Frankie Rayer for Another magazine
Rachel: That is way harsh! I can’t even go outside in the cold without my faux fur coat much less a little Alaïa dress. So how has the industry changed since you started as a model?
Cordula: Are you kidding me? No cell phones. Not even faxes! Everything was done by phone. Broken English spoken perfectly by French bookers. Lots of misunderstandings. I had and still have great friendships with some of these bookers. No internet. We were waiting impatiently to see the next Vogue to get another glimpse of a Bruce Weber story with oh so sexy Tatjana [Patitz]. There was much more mystery to the fashion world.
Rachel: I remember those days. No caller ID! And paper charts! When I worked in Paris we had a spinning wheel in the middle of the table with all the models’ charts. I know one booker who came in to work only to find that mice had eaten all the charts. They didn’t know anyone’s schedules! For the younger generation who don’t remember those days, what advice do you have?
Cordula: Keep your head on your shoulders. Don’t get too impressed by everything around you. Just do the job.
Rachel: Good advice. A lot of girls let the glamour of the jobs go to their heads. Now you’re on the other side of the camera interviewing fashion personalities for various magazines. How do you like being on the flip side?
Cordula: I love it. I love to be “tête-à-tête” with another person and learn about what makes them tick. Sometimes it’s tough when they give you the run around. I used to do that as a model.
Rachel: Haha, I bet you did! You clearly have seen it all. Sex, drugs, temper tantrums, parties. Any juicy scandalous stories you want to share with us?
Cordula: Yes, I have seen it all and I would have to write a book.
Rachel: Touché! I guess now I’m the one getting the runaround. Just kidding! You can tell me off the record. Thanks so much for sitting down with me. And next time you come to New York make sure you bring us some of those yummy Austrian chocolates.
