When we first discovered Swedish model Nina Gull on Instagram, we were immediately struck by her unique and edgy style. Read all about her experience as a model, her style and her plans for the future in this interview she gave for Streetfashion MagZZine!
Nina, please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with. How old are you? Where were you born and where do you live now? What is your profession and do you have other besides modelling? My name is Nina Gull and I go by my model name ‘HeadstrongModel’! I am 31 years old and I have been modeling as a hobby for a few years now and I love it! I was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, and I still live here. I live in a house on the countryside with my boyfriend, and as they say, if you own a house, you are never done with everything you want to do with it. I also enjoy going to the gym a few days a week. I think, anything you do there makes difference in the end and gets you closer to your goals. |
What do you love most about modelling?
Modelling is something I just love doing. Collaborating with photographers I have worked with before and new cool collaborations make it even more fun. I don’t see myself as someone following someone for their style or having a certain style I follow. I am just being me and I am open to trying new things and photographers’ ideas that sometimes are out-of-the-box. During the week, I work in a store full time selling tools, working clothes and helping customers with all kinds of problems. It is fun having customers following my latest posts and photos on Instagram and on Facebook. All in all, this is what I love most about modelling: the collaborations with photographers, the out-of-the-box thinking, the fresh and creative ideas, all resulting in stunning photographs in the end! What’s been the highlight of your career so far? When it comes to highlights, I like to see them in front of me. Right now, I like the feeling of having followers who are interested in what I am doing. |
What really goes on behind the scenes as a model?
Behind the scenes I would say that there is a lot of laughter, a lot of planning and lots of fun when you get to work with people who love what they do. Tell us about some of your recent shoots. One of my latest photo-shoots was at a "photo meet up" event in Sweden called ‘Östkustträffen’ (in English: ‘east coast meeting’) in Nynäshamn, Stockholm. It is a yearly private event that is organized for models, photographers and makeup artists all over Sweden. We also have one in Gothenburg called ‘Västkustträffen’ (in English: ‘west coast meeting’) once a year. Photographers, make-up artists and models are hanging out and booking photo-shoots together for that whole weekend. I was part of arranging the east coast photo meet up this year and that was lots of fun and an honor. On that weekend I got to book three photo-shoots in one day, it was super fun! Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar? When it comes to Vogue & Harper`s Bazaar I can’t really choose, because I don’t really read either of them. |
Which photographers in the industry do you enjoy working with most? When it comes to photographers, I can say that I have enjoyed working with every single one. A lot of the collaborations can easily become more photo shoot bookings and collaborations in the future. It is really fun when the photographer comes up with new ideas that would suit my type of style and they get in touch for collaboration again. Define your personal style. When it comes to my style, I like to think that I have a unique look and am easy to work with for many of the photographers’ ideas because I don't have just one style. I’m colourful, tattooed and I like a bit of Rock ‘n’ Roll, body shape and fitness. Darkness and romance are beautiful, and also street fashion is something I love very much. I like my style because I am open for new ideas and think it is fun to see the results after photo shoot when a photographer is happy to try out their ideas he or she only has had in their mind for some time. |
Who would you say is your 'style muse'?
I do not really have a style muse. I get a lot of inspiration and ideas from other beautiful models, photographers and makeup artists on Instagram. I also use Pinterest for ideas and inspiration - there are so many talented people out there sharing their art. Your favourite designer is...? What I said about style also applies to designers. I like looking at different peoples’ accounts to see what’s fashionable or in right now. But in the end, when it comes to designers, I don’t really have a favorite. I love to see what other people come up with when it comes to matching clothes and styles and how they work with what designers have created. Is there any particular designer piece you are crushing on right now? This question is so hard to answer - let me put it like this: I love leather and denim. I think they never go out of style. So, pants, jackets and everything else in those materials, even mixed with other materials. I also love that they are materials that show up, and help shaping the body in many ways. |
Photo Credits: Peter Eidenberg
What do you hope to be doing in the next 5 years?
In 5 years, I hope to still be modelling as a hobby and hopefully have even more great collaborations with new photographers.
If you could be anywhere else but here, where would you go?
If I could be anywhere else than Sweden, I would love to have a photo shoot in L.A., USA or in a tropical warm country with great nature, interesting city and beautiful locations. That would be really lovely.
A bit of trivia...
I would just like to add that my model name came from a friend who got me in to modelling. When I needed a name, she gave me the idea!
I love a song called 'Headstrong' by Trapt. I even have it tattooed on the inside of my arm. I love what it stands for: strength!
In 5 years, I hope to still be modelling as a hobby and hopefully have even more great collaborations with new photographers.
If you could be anywhere else but here, where would you go?
If I could be anywhere else than Sweden, I would love to have a photo shoot in L.A., USA or in a tropical warm country with great nature, interesting city and beautiful locations. That would be really lovely.
A bit of trivia...
I would just like to add that my model name came from a friend who got me in to modelling. When I needed a name, she gave me the idea!
I love a song called 'Headstrong' by Trapt. I even have it tattooed on the inside of my arm. I love what it stands for: strength!