Meet Madeleine.... a runway model from the 80's

This interview was taken by me last year in November. Thought this deserves a place in my current blog.

"A coincidental form of inspiration" 

Everyone has one of those days when they do not want to think about work or studying and just don't want to do anything but sit back lazy all day and when night comes, jump into their pyjamas and watch a movie with a cup of coffee and later cuddle with their snuggie.

Well, it was a simliar night for me but thank God I didn't end up doing any of the above. If I had, I would never have had the chance to meet Madeleine Rusche.

A runway model from the 1980's now a mother of two- a stroke of good luck for me! I was forced to attend a wedding- something I generally prefer to stray clear of... The thought of walking around and giving people fake smiles makes me sick. But to my surprise, this particular wedding turned out to be happening and interesting!

As I was having dinner with a few friends, a special guest was brought over. Before I knew it, a tall, well mannered, beautiful woman, elegant and in perfect shape( must be in her early 40's I was thinking) was seated by my side.

As a fashion lover, I'm  always in search of someone who stands in a crowd and sure as I'll ever be, this woman was one of them!

We were eventually introduced and I immediately started inquiring about her background. I'm not exactly sure how, but we got into a conversation about Paris and Milan. This is when I told her I blog  and my curiosity was put to rest.

Madeleine: Oh so you are a fashion blogger? I was a runway model.

Me: OMG! Really?

Madeleine: Yes

The next day I went to meet her again so I could interview her for my blog and she is one of the most humble women I have ever met.

(So, when did you start your modelling career and how long did it last?)

Madeleine: I started modelling in 1982 in Austria and Germany. I was a model for 20 years. My career lasted until 2002 when my second child was born.

(Where are you from?)

Madeleine: I am Austrian. I am from Salzburg.

(How do you think fashion and fashion industry has changed since the 80's?)

Madeleine: Back then, we had a lot of boutiques and every small boutique had a fashion show. The fashion business was much easier then as there was less competition and getting rich was easy. Fashionable clothes were extremely expensive- unlike today, where we have ready-to-wear brands that sell affordable stylish clothes like H&M, Zara, Mango, etc.

(Are there any specific things that have changed a lot since then?)

Madeleine: In the 80's, we had a trend of wide sweaters and extended shoulders. We did not have a lot of accessories. We just had rings- lion rings by Cartier, for example. We kept our hair big and had curls to match.

(In the celebrity world, who do you think is the ultimate trend setter?)

Madeleine: Without a doubt....Madonna!

(Your all time favourite runway model?)

Madeleine: Linda Evangelist, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell.

(How different was walking on the runway then as compared to now?)

Madeleine: We had a lot of actual choreography involved. Walking the ramp was not just walking to the top of the stage and walking back. It involved actual dancing. For example, if the chosen song was Thriller by Michael Jackson, then we were taught to dance like shown in the video. Our shoes did not have heels as high as we have now.

(As a wife and a mother, how important is fashion for you now?)

Madeleine: Fashion is still an important part of my life. It helps me to express myself. I like the fact that nowadays, we can mix and match and create our own style and this makes me feel good. I still buy fashionable clothes, I exercises and keep myself fit. Fashion is more fun now, it is totally international with mixed cultures. I like the fact that today, even men are into fashion.

Thank You Madeleine.

I complemented Madeleine on her Yves Saint Laurent watch, felt her fabulous Louis Vuitton handbag and ended my interview.