“The Face” premieres February 12 at 9pm ET/PT on Oxygen.
NAOMI CAMPBELL
How would you describe “The Face”?
As you know, being a model is about more than just having pretty face – you need charisma, passion, talent, drive and smarts to represent a brand. “The Face” is my new reality TV series that searches for the new face of ULTA Beauty. Karolina Kurkova, Coco Rocha and I are searching for an aspiring model who has the beauty and personality to be the spokesmodel for this national brand. During the series, we choose our teams from a group of aspiring models and then guide them through assignments and challenges, including photo shoots, runway shows, and commercials. The models will be exposed to the very best photographers, stylists, and designers in the fashion world and get a feel for what the industry is truly like. In the end, one model will secure a contract as the face of ULTA Beauty.
What were the qualities you were looking for in a model?
I was looking for drive, passion, thick skin, being able to change, and a willingness to follow direction. All of those elements were really important to me.
What is your strongest suit as a leader?
I was definitely Sergeant Major of the group. I was tough on my girls and didn’t sugar coat anything, because that won’t help them in the long run. I pushed them as hard as they’ll be pushed when they’re in the modeling industry, and I think they came out of the competition as stronger models because of this.
What have you learned from your “opponent”?
Karolina, Coco and I all had different leadership styles. It was interesting to see how they coached their girls, and the expertise they brought into the competition.
Whose team will win and why?
Team Naomi will obviously win! I chose the best girls and gave them everything I have to give. You’ll have to watch the show to see which contestant wins!
What is your fave NYC hangout, eatery, shop, neighborhood spot?
My favorites are Nobu (Uptown) and Cipriani (Midtown).
Which NYC Girl are you? The Tribeca’tante, but South London Girl at heart!
KAROLINA KURKOVA
How would you describe “The Face”?
Being “the face” of a brand requires the right look, charisma, and talent — it’s about more than just a pretty face. This show gives aspiring models the opportunity to learn these qualities from three names in the business, but also gain a sense of self and confidence as women, in all aspects of their lives.
What were the qualities you were looking for in a model?
Simply put, I wanted someone who was willing to work hard and was a good person. Uniqueness was important too.
What is your strongest suit as a leader?
I’ve always been interested in becoming a mentor to girls who have just started out in the modeling business. I wish I had this when I was coming up — women in the business to offer advice, guidance, and who could relate to everything you go through.
What have you learned from your “opponent”?
I went into this competition without a strategy. My goal was to get to know these women personally and intuitively figure out their needs and be there to support them. I stuck to this throughout the competition, but I think I learned from my opponents that having a strategy is relevant in certain cases. For example, in the elimination rounds, maybe you don’t send your weakest girl, but you send the girl who you feel confident WON’T get eliminated.
Whose team will win and why?
You’re going to have to tune in and find out!
Which NYC Girl are you?
I’ve been the Tribeca girl for many many years now. That’s my neighborhood! With the family, we go to family friendly places including Bubby’s and Locande Verde. We also love ABC Kitchen. I like Tiny’s for the ambiance, Cafe 1668 for drip coffee or tea, Organic Avenue for healthy juices and Baby Cakes for healthy vegan treats. For shopping, I love Curve boutique (Soho) and Nili Lotan (Tribeca).
COCO ROCHA
How would you describe “The Face”?
“The Face” is more than just an aspiring model show. It’s also about how three established models from different generations work and teach their own team of models how best to become the face of a major brand. The show gives the viewer an inside look at the world of modeling as Naomi, Karolina and myself guide our girls through real life assignments, photo shoots and commercials. As mentors, we do our best to instill the sorts of skills and lessons we think our teams of girls will need to have successful careers.
What are the qualities you’re looking for in a model?
For me, looks were second to attitude. I wanted hard working girls who really view modeling as a profession, not a lifestyle. I didn’t want the bad girls, the party girls, or the ones who just wanted to be TV famous on my team. I wanted girls who had an open mind, were willing to work very hard and trust me as a mentor to train them.
What is your strongest suit as a leader?
I think my strong suit was that I never, ever, played it safe. I can’t stand mediocrity in modeling or in fashion and I wasn’t going to let my girls take the easy route – ever.
What have you learned from your “opponent”?
I’ve always had my own way of modeling but what I saw from my fellow mentors Karolina and Naomi was that there is not just one route to success. We all have our different styles, but I think what we all share is that in order to remain relevant in modeling you have to be a chameleon and be able to embody all sorts of “types”.
Whose team will win and why?
We’ve already filmed the show so I know who wins! It’s an interesting journey getting there, filled with all the twists and turns that make for a great story and competition. You’ll just have to watch to find out!
Which NYC Girl are you?
Most of the fashion events and parties I attend happen closer to Tribeca so I’m tempted to say The Tribeca’tante but actually I’m more of a #5 – Westchester: Homebody Housewife.
