From her childhood in Northern France to the catwalks of the greatest names in fashion, Constance Jablonski has managed, in just a few years, to become one of the most famous models of her generation. Her shining personality, charming humility and her affinity for art have captured our attention and naturally we want to uncover more about her influences. Are you ready to discover the journey and inspirations of this architecture enthusiast, fan of JR and lover of Naoshima island?

1. Gucci, Diane von Furstenberg, Elie Saab, Dolce & Gabbana, Estée Lauder, Victoria's Secret… Constance, at 28 years old, you've already modelled for the biggest names out there! Could you tell us a little bit about your journey? Today, what emotions come up when you think back on your career?

It's always a challenge for me to sum it up in a few words. My story has been so intense that when I tell it, a few chapters often go missing! It all started in the North of France, when I was 16 years old and my older brother, passionate about fashion, signed me up for the Elite Model Look pageant. A mix of curiosity, a need to discover myself, perhaps a pinch of narcissism and admiration for my brother compelled me to take part… but I didn't make it to the international finale podium.

Two years later, with my high school diploma in hand and having already enrolled in medical school, I left for NY with my mother for the summer holidays. Whilst there, I was scouted by the Marilyn agency, and was offered to stay and participate in Fashion Week that was to start 10 days later. Captivated by the New York atmosphere, and unsure of the future I wanted for myself, I decided to stay for the adventure. Not only did I stay, but I never left! Now, when I look back on this journey, I am surprised and astonished by all the chances and opportunities that I have had along the way: I grew up in a family of doctors, I did not know anything about the world of fashion or photography, or the art world, before being caught in the whirlwind that is Manhattan. 

I learned everything through discovery, and travel… without ever truly realising the importance of what was happening to me - or the extraordinary opportunity of being the first French girl chosen, at only 19 years old, to be the muse and face of Estée Lauder, or to walk for the world's greatest designers. I was lucky to meet the right people, who believed in me!

2. You have also had the chance to pose under the expert gaze of photographers such as Mario Testino and Victor Demarchelier. Can you tell us about a particularly memorable shoot? Which photographer's artistic repertoire are you particularly fond of?

I have experienced many unforgettable photoshoots, especially the ones that took place in the most unusual locations. I really enjoy architecture, and I love to shoot in real homes. I love discovering how people live, their world, what interests them, what they read, the way they choose to decorate their spaces… I always find enormous inspiration from these places. It can be in modern urban apartments, or houses of authentic architecture in foreign countries. I recently did a shoot for Etam in the famous Gaudet house - one of the bubble houses by the architect Antti Lovag. I love working with completely different photographers who each have their own unique approach. It allows me to transform, and change character for each of them in front of their cameras.

3. Which contemporary artists, famous or emerging, are a source of inspiration to you?

Oh la la there are so many… I find inspiration everywhere - in music, cinema, literature, fashion… JR, for example, is an inspiration to me through being so open to the world, societies, and cultures. He completely embodies the multiculturalism of today. Frida Kahlo's story has also really struck a chord with me: she teaches us all dedication and the will to never give up. The last exhibition on her life at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London, was sublime.

4. You also play the piano and we recently saw a beautiful video in which you play while your partner carries out choreography on his BMX. What is your general relationship with art? How do you think different disciplines (sport, music...) can interact with each other?

Art is a big part of my life. My artistic culture is full of gaps and I'm far from being an expert on the brown questions of Trivial Pursuit but indeed music, sport, design and cinema are essential to me. All these disciplines interact with each other, they all address emotions, senses, beauty, intuition... They allow us to travel, to express ourselves, to learn, to understand, to bring people together, to move forward... All disciplines look to each other for inspiration. A sportsman trains to the soundtrack of his favourite music, a model can be inspired by cinema to recreate characters, a designer can ask a painter to collaborate on sets... there is nothing more beautiful than the meeting of artists from different spheres.

5. What is the last exhibition that had an impact on you and why?

Maybe Charlotte Perriand's last exhibition at the LVMH foundation. I knew the work of Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier and even Jean Prouvé, but I had never heard of this incredible woman before. She inspired the world's greatest furniture designs, and was forever in the shadow of the great architects. As one of the pioneers in the creation of functional spaces, to me, she is an innovator of modern life. 

6. What is your favourite museum in France? And in the world?

There are so many! Out of love for the North of France I would say the Musée de la Piscine in Roubaix, a former Art Deco swimming pool from the 1930s, transformed into the Musée d'Art et d'Industries, and the Jean Cocteau Museum in Menton, the place where I spent every summer of my childhood. And in the world, I would choose the whole island of Naoshima in Japan with the Benesse House museum where you can sleep, the impressive architecture of Tadao Ando, and the small houses in the east of the island that offer dozens of immersive experiences, 'The Art House Project'.

7. We can imagine that you spend a lot of time travelling. Which countries have a special energy for you, a culture that speaks to you or challenges you?

Indeed I do spend my life travelling and I love it. For me, nothing comes close to Africa. Whether it's its nature, animals, music or tribes, for me, Africa is the most magical and re-energising place in the world. I had the chance to discover Tanzania on a trip with a magazine a few years ago and I've been back there several times since, to really discover it, notably to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I love Kenya, Samburu in the north is magnificent, South Africa of course, Namibia, and I did Mozambique two years ago as well.

8. And finally, during this period of isolation, we of course want to know: what attention do you pay to your interior design? In which room of your house do you feel the best?

I've been confined to my apartment in New York for a month now and I've never spent so many days in a row here... I'm very lucky with my light, that's why I chose this apartment 6 years ago. I spend my days in the West facing living room, it's my favourite room, all day long I can't keep my eyes off the water of the Hudson River and every evening I admire the magical colours of the sunset. I take a lot of care in decorating my interior and I've been able to make a whole list of things to go hunting for after lockdown, including a small desk.