Interview With Lexis Du Bois, Chic & Elegant Fashion Model

Model Lexis du Bois

In the midst of your mad rush for the last Christmas presents, I would like to spoil you with this interview with an international model.
Let me introduce you to the fabulous Lexis Du Bois.

Lexis is an established runway model whose career has spanned two decades modelling for top fashion houses around the world.  Having successfully walked the fraught tightrope between high fashion modelling and the commercial arena, Lexis continues to promote and showcase couture with her own elegant and glamorous style. I asked Lexis a few questions about her modelling career and what led her to that modeling path.

 So Lexis, now that we know a little bit about you, please tell us what got you into modelling?

Luck played a major factor.  Often with modelling, it’s being in the right place at the right time which can then propel you into a new career and take you on a most unexpected journey!  My career started when I was innocently browsing through some fabulous couture garments in an independent, very chic boutique, when I was approached and asked if I would be interested in taking part in a runway show. On the day of the show, I was then approached again by a completely different outlet, then at their show, more approaches… and so the domino effect developed. Within a very short space of time I had signed up with a modelling agency and the rest is history!

Wow, being 'spotted' must be every woman's dream. How exciting. Who has had the most influence on you?

I have been greatly influenced by my mother.  Sadly she died earlier this year but her legacy has been her gracious sense of elegance which I replicate throughout my life.  Her style and inherent skill of being able to formulate a wardrobe which reflected sophistication was much to be admired.

I am sorry to hear that your mother passed away recently. Mothers are such an influence on all our lives. What was your greatest challenge and how did you meet it?

I guess my biggest challenge has been to compete in a very competitive arena where styles and marketing imagery are cyclical.  There are times where perhaps youth may seem to dominate both in front of and behind the camera or catwalk, but patience, elegance, calmness and a professional and clear focused mind will always win through!

It is particularly poignant for me to hear that elegance plays a part in helping you cope. It is a vital part of my approach to life and my blog. What motivates you?

My motivation is my desire to do a good job, whatever the situation.  Second best is not good enough for me and no matter what level the job is, whether it be on a voluntary basis or a grander scale with top fashion houses, I always perform to the best of my ability.

It's easy to see how your attitude has spurred your success. What was your last project and what are you working on now?

My last project was a wedding runway showcasing a couture house in England, deep in the heart of exquisite countryside at a stately home… a fabulous setting.  My next project is on a larger scale, returning to Monaco with some winter fashion shoots in and around the locality with several fashion and jewellery houses.

From English stately home to Monaco, how exciting! With the ever changing styles in the fashion world, what is your best style tip?

Never follow rigidly to a style trend.  Some seasons, the trends work favourably with our shapes, proportions, personality, image, etc, but always seek out a look which works well for you and adjust as the trends evolve.

I couldn't agree more about not being a slave to trends. So let us know, Lexis, what is your best grooming tip?

Well ask any male to comment on their favourite (non-sexual) part of a woman’s body and they’ll probably say ‘eyes’… your eyes are the window on your soul, and careful grooming can make them speak without words.  Bold or light, your eye make-up must be immaculate and appropriate for the occasion.

Your time table must be pretty hectic and time must be very precious, what is your best time-saving tip?

I indulge in self-stick nails when time is limited and a visit to a manicurist is out of the question.  There are a few brands on the market whose products are immaculate and have saved me from some very awkward situations when my nails were not looking as good as they should be.

Oh a little indulgence is okay I am sure! Changing track a little, who would you most like to meet and why?

I shall re-phrase to ‘most liked to have met’… and that would be Coco Chanel.  Her original designs were sublime and it would have been wonderful to sit with her in her apartment and listen to her thoughts on fashion and elegance.

Coco is one of my icons too. We'll have to flip a coin for her! You must meet lots of designers, do you have the inside scoop on which designers are hot right now?

The Proenza Shouler Collection is fabulous and will make a ‘splash’ in 2013 with some very vivid photographic images printed on the garments to reflect a cool and watery spring trend.

Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney ‘s collections are right on trend and will certainly cause a stir next season too.

Okay, we'll keep an eye out for them. Now to put you on the prediction spot, what do you see as the next hot trend?

The next hot trend will probably be clothes of cropped proportions, cropped jackets and trousers which will then add an extra dimension when bold pieces are worn underneath or accessorised with.

I am very inspired by women who make it in tough professions. It really doesn't come any tougher than the modelling industry. I am sure my readers would like to know as a woman, what do you consider your greatest strength to be?

I consider my greatest strength is the ability to adapt to ever-changing situations.  Our world is changing, our industry is changing and evolving and the strength to blend in and adapt will always hold one in good stead.

Adapting to ever changing circumstances can be difficult to do. That, interspersed with having to travel so much, must put an enormous strain on you. With the stress of travelling, how do you keep looking glamorous?

Travelling can be extremely stressful, especially when tight deadlines are to be met and the thought of letting down a client is out of the question.  But sometimes connecting flights go awry, hold-ups of every conceivable and inconceivable type occur, the trick is to stay calm and hydrated.  Dehydration can alter your perspective and certainly your inner composure, so a pocket full of patience and a bottle-full of still mineral water! Any woman who can maintain her dignity in a difficult situation will exude glamour!

You certainly exude glamour! Readers only have to look at the photos of you on this blog to see that. Finally, I couldn't let you leave without asking you and I am sure we are all eager to now, what is it like to live in Monaco?

Monaco is both a haven of tranquillity and the centre of chaos (especially when we host the F1 entourage!) but above all it is the most spectacular place to live.  Our seasons and backdrops merge with the exuberance of the people who live in and visit Monaco.  At this time of year, Christmas, Monaco is exciting and the air is heady with celebrations, colour, glamour and friendship, a glorious place to live!

Lexis, my readers and I thank you for being so generous with your time and allowing us a glimpse into the glamorous life of a fashion model.

We wish you a sensational Christmas in Monaco!

Marie-Anne x

This post was originally published on 12/12/12