Photo Model Sibel KARA: Best Model of the Month Interview

Her discovery story and memories from the set

If we go right back to the beginning… Would you share the story of how you were discovered?

It started when I was chatting with a friend on social media and she told me there was a show. Through her I met Mr Tarkan. Then I took part in the show, and that’s how my modelling career began ..

Have you had any surprises during your modelling career?

Not surprises exactly, but we have a lot of fun on outdoor shoots .. For example, on catalogue shoots people think we’re a real bride and groom and congratulate us. At first we explain, of course, but then we let it go and just say thank you. Those moments are funny 🙂

What is the strangest moment of your modelling career?

With every costume we wear, we become something else. For instance, being a bride in modest wear felt challenging and strange. They wrapped so many things around our heads 🙂

How would you describe yourself as a model in 3 words?

Hmm, warm-hearted, trustworthy, but sometimes aggressive.

Above everything else, what is the most unforgettable moment of your career?

I think it was a mirrored wedding dress weighing 65 kg that I wore (it took 4 people to carry it 🙂) — it really pushed me.

Who is your favourite photographer, and why?

Vakkas AYGÜL, because we do really enjoyable shoots together.

What are the hardest photo shoots for you, and why?

Well, I always end up wearing heavy things. Apart from that, there’s nothing that really challenges me. Unless, of course, you count standing for hours in high heels ..

Types of shoots and personal style

What is the difference in posing between advertising shoots and cover shoots?

I think cover shoots are harder, because there you’re expected to be yourself, choose the poses you want and so on. So catching the angles feels harder to me .. But in advertising you generally take on a role, which is easier ..

Has anyone in the modelling industry wanted to change your look, or have you changed it — on which shoot or by whom, and what did you do?

No, it hasn’t happened, and even if it had, I don’t think I’d have cared much ..

How would you describe your personal style?

I don’t really have a set style; I usually dress according to my mood .. But I’m hard to please, even with myself 🙂

What are your tips and recommendations for models just starting out?

They need to be careful about this: some agencies and production companies use it as a money trap, because of contracts and so on. In other words, you shouldn’t sign anything before doing a few jobs ..

Tips for new models and her view of the profession

Did anyone give you tips?

Yes, I had doubts at first, but after meeting Tarkan and working on a few projects, I consulted him on everything ..

Have you had a negative experience with modelling agencies or production companies?

No, actually, because I didn’t trust them very much it didn’t happen ..

What are the 3 most important things, in your view?

In short, I think the most important thing is to treat every job you do as if it were your most important one, and to respect it accordingly ..

Would you share some of your future goals with us?

Actually I wanted to act more than model, and I still do ..

Do you have a motto in life, or a word or thought that has given you wisdom?

Yes .. TURN PAIN INTO POWER ..

What should the relationship between an agency and a model be like, and how should it look?

Well, I can’t really speak for others, but between us there is a lovely friendship outside of work. And when it comes to work, everyone does their part anyway ..

The models who inspire her and her approach to fashion

Who is your favourite model of all time?

As a Turkish model, Tülin ŞAHİN ..

Are there models who inspire you?

Yes, I find Tülin Şahin and Çagla Şikeli especially successful ..

What kind of fashion talent do you have?

You can’t really say I follow fashion. Because I choose whatever suits me. I think that’s better than being a fashion victim 🙂

Is there a view, idea or movement you would like to see in world fashion?

In my opinion, we should start our own fashion movement now. Because I’m bored of European things; let them take some inspiration from us for a change ..

What do you like to do when you’re not working (in your free time)?

I love watching films, but they have to be horror or thrillers or something like that; I don’t like romantic stuff ..

Fashion taste and beauty habits

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Cengiz Abazoglu and Hakan Akkaya.

Do you have a favourite pair of jeans? Which ones? Which brand?

Yes, Koton ..

What are the things in your wardrobe you could never give up?

Definitely anything red ..

Which period of your life or career would you like to go back to?

Do you have a style icon? If so, who?

Özge Ulusoy ..

Your favourite store?

Koton and Zara, but I usually shop online ..

Do you have any secret beauty tips? What are they?

I don’t spend a lot of money on silly things. For example, I keep my skin moisturised all the time and I never sleep in make-up. Especially on the days after heavy make-up, I always cleanse with soda and apply apple cider vinegar .. Apart from that, I drink a lot of water ..

How much meditation / exercise do you do to stay in shape, or is this your natural body?

I generally walk, and I also enjoy yoga ..

What makes you feel sexy?

High heels and my red lipstick 🙂

What is your favourite part of your body?

I think I’m the type who’s always looking for flaws in herself; I probably like my curves the most ..

Daily life and personal questions

Your favourite dish or food?

Eating junk food in front of the TV is great fun 🙂

When you say “model”, healthy eating and dieting come to mind — why do you think that is, and what does it mean for them?

Well, honestly, I can’t be very careful; I eat everything, I just pay attention to the portions ..

Superpower?

I’d love to read minds, to be honest — I’m a curious person 🙂

If you could choose just one thing, what would you like to change in or about yourself?

I’d definitely like to change my stubbornness. Sometimes I dig my heels in over pointless things and regret it afterwards, but by then it’s too late ..

What are your favourite things to do in your free time?

Shopping, hands down 🙂

Have people treated you differently, or how have they treated you, since you became a model?

Not many people have treated me differently, because I haven’t changed; I’ve always stayed the same person ..

Your favourite type of music, favourite TV series or film?

I listen to all kinds of music depending on my mood. I listen to R&B in particular, because it lifts my mood ..

Favourite Quote:

What is your favourite fashion magazine? Why?

Fresh models magazin, because I find everything I’m looking for here; it has really rich content ..

Do you enjoy meeting new people?

Yes, I already have a wide circle because of work, but beyond that I love meeting new people ..

What does happiness mean to you?

For me, it’s definitely being able to be grateful for every day we wake up healthy, to appreciate what we have and to be able to consider even yesterday as the past ..

If you had the chance to change something in past years, what would it be?

I don’t have any regrets that I can remember ..

Do people ever say you look like someone?

Yes, most people I meet react as if they already know me ..