Gizem Barlak, Model

How does your work effect your daily life?

It takes me from one place to the other and allows for new people to enter my life. It requires to be camera-ready at all times, and always healthy and well kept.

Do you have any rituals before walking the catwalk?

I call my mother before each show. Besides that I don’t go into a crazy camp.

How does the place you live in effect your career?

Istanbul is very convenient for fashion but is a city that offers both difficulty and many career opportunities. Istanbul provides an amazing background with it’s geography and culture.

A model who inspires you?

The 1881 born, Luisa Marchesa Casati, whom the world learned the term icon from. It’s still as though the world is following her footsteps. Lauren Wasser, who continues modeling steadily after losing her leg recently, and Chantelle Winnie Harlow, a vitiligo patient whom I had the pleasure to work with, are my muses.

How do you start your day?

I first place my matt and do yoga on most mornings. If I’m in a hurry, a little strecthing and some exercises. Then I turn on the radio and start my day.

Your biggest dream you can’t wait for to happen?

Currently in my agenda is possibly coming together with a brand that I really want to work with. This let’s me dream new things everyday. Another one is of course meeting and working with Karl Lagerfeld, who follows only one Turkish model on Instagram, me!