Interview with Ali Michael

How did you started modeling?
I won a model search held by an agency in Texas in 2005.

What has been the greatest experience you have had as a model?
I loved working with Paolo Roversi and Jacob Kaye. They are both such warm people and make sure that you are taken care of. I also love working for Teen Vogue because everyone there is so genuine. Also, I have a lot of gratitude towards Alber Elbaz and Lanvin for letting me open the show in February.

Who's your favorite model?
It's kind of strange to say because I know many of them but the one that really made me want to start modeling was Natalia.

How would you describe your style?
I have never been too concerned with clothes- even when I was little. I just wear what I like. I tend to go for dark colors and I wear lots of jeans.

If you weren't modeling, what would you be doing?
For a while I was homeschooling after my first season (but really not doing any work), but recently I decided that it is too important to put off to the side. Now I'm going to my old high school when I'm in town and doing a special program at my own pace. I'm nearly finished, but if I wasn't modeling I would be in school until May, taking lots of SATS, and stressing over college applications.

After modeling, what would you like to do?
I think that I would like to go to a university after modeling, although I don't know what I want to study. I really don't know. I'm using the time I have to travel and figure it out.

What's your favorite thing about modeling?
I like seeing the end result of everyone's hard work in a photograph or in a show. I have also met a lot of really amazing people and gone to more places than most other seventeen year olds.

How do you stay in shape? Any beauty secrets?
I've recently made a decision to get healthier, so I am working with a nutritionist to have a really healthy and balanced diet that is right for me. I stay away from junk foods but I love eating fruits, vegetables, yogurt, fish, and tofu-chicken. I also love Japanese food- seaweed salad, miso soup, and sushi are my favorites. When I'm at home I work out every day or every other day at the gym. The only beauty secret I could think of would be to drink lots of water.

Do you have a boyfriend?
I do. His name is David Broderick and we have been together for over three years. We met in gym class in seventh grade. He's going to college back in Texas now and works on his own music. He's my best friend in the world.

What kind of music do you like?
I can pretty much enjoy any kind of music but I have a few favorites that I always say- Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Modest Mouse..

Who's your platonic love?
Grapes.

Your favorite actor and actress?
I don't really have favorites.

Who are your model friends?
Everyone tends to be friends with eachother because we're spending so much time together. Two of my favorite girls are Danielle Hamm and Erin Heatherton. I also did a shoot with Chanel and Karlie on the beach recently and we had a ton of fun.

What would you like to tell to all the girls out there who's wish is to become a model?
I think that if you really want to do it, you should absolutely go for it. However, you have stay conscious of the fact that sometimes people can be hurtful and that it can be hard not to take things personally. You've got to stay strong, not let the negativity take a hold of you and realize that sometimes people are not thinking about you as a person. You should work hard to be the best model that you can be, but only within HEALTHY reason. With that, you should model as long as you enjoy it and make it a great career.

Tell me something we didn't know about you
When I was thirteen I broke my nose, knocked out my front teeth, knocked my jaw out of place, and split my bottom lip in half in a horseback riding accident.