IN CONVERSATION WITH MEGHAN ROCHE

Interview by Jana Letonja

Numéro Netherlands Digital proudly features model Meghan Roche as today’s cover star. Starting her career at 15, Meghan quickly gained prominence in the fashion industry. Her Givenchy debut and Steven Meisel campaign marked milestones, and in 2018, models.com recognized her as a ‘Top Newcomer.’ Enjoy Meghan’s elegance in this stunning editorial by Lea Winkler.

Meghan, how did your career in modeling begin?

My career began when I was scouted by my hairdresser back home. I was waiting inside his spa and boutique to get my eyebrows waxed when he sought me out and told me that I had to meet an agent he knew to take me to New York.

Has modeling been something you have wanted a career in since a young age?

Modeling was never something I considered, it was something that just came into my life at the right time. I was a tomboy who played sports growing up, so fashion seemed like a whole other world to me.

You made your debut with Givenchy, which included a campaign shot by Steven Meisel. How do you look back onto this big moment in your career?

To be honest, I don’t think I realized how fortunate I was at the time. It was my first shoot and I was working with some of the most iconic people in my industry for a prestigious fashion house, and I had no idea back then how big of a deal that was. I knew so little about fashion or the people in it before I started, but I realize now that I was given a really unique opportunity that ended up changing my life and I’m so grateful for everyone involved who gave me that.

You very quickly made a name for yourself in the fashion industry. What contributed the most to your quick rise as one of the most sought after models?

A lot of luck and support.

What do you love the most about the fashion industry and what do you find the most challenging?

I love to create and work with creatives, it’s always been my favorite part. You can become a character and the most fun thing is that every day before you go to work, you never know who you are going to be or what role you’re going to play on set.

I think the most challenging part for me has been the uncertainty and the lack of routine. Fashion is a really spontaneous industry and you never know when your next job is going to be or when you are going to get a last second call to hop on a plane somewhere.

Having worked with many top brands, which moment in your career so far has been your favorite?

Until this day, my favorite moment was shooting in Jamaica with Peter Lindbergh for a David Yurman campaign. It was one of the most special experiences of my life, working with such a wonderful team in which became one of my favorite places in the world. It was one of the only times that work didn’t really feel like work at all and I could be completely myself.

Paris, Milan, New York and London are the fashion capitals that host fashion weeks. Which of them holds the most special place in your life, and why?

It’s so hard to say because I love all for different reasons. New York has been my home since I was 16, but London holds a special place in my heart. My favorite week of fashion month has always been Milan since most of my favorite shows to walk are held there, and then Paris is where I get to come together with most of my friends.

Before becoming a model, you played for the best soccer club in the country and also for a top volleyball club. What made you stop pursuing a career in sports?

I didn’t really choose to stop pursuing a career in sports, I had to quit after getting too many concussions. It was devastating for me at the time because I thought soccer was my whole life, but now I know that everything happens for a reason. 

What are some of the things you enjoy the most in life?

I enjoy the simple things most in life. I enjoy spending quality time with the people I love, being in nature, taking care of my mind and body, and baking my clean ingredient recipes for people. I’m always happiest in the little moments you can’t really describe.

What are you most excited for in 2024? Do you have any special projects lining up that you can share with us about?

I’m working on a little something delicious, but you’ll just have to wait and see, or taste.

talent MEGHAN ROCHE @ DNA Models @meghanroche @dnamodels
photographer LEA WINKLER @leabwinkler
stylist ANATOLLI SMITH @ Home Agency @anatolli @homeagency
makeup ROMMY NAJOR @ Forward Artists @rommynajor @forwardartists
hair LEDORA @ CLM @ledora @clmagency
nails JAZZ STYLE @ See MGMT @jazzstyle @seemanagement
production FOX & LEOPARD @fox.and.leopard
executive producer MEAGAN JUDKINS @sweetbabyjudkins
producer SAMANTHA SILVERS @spindycrawford
retoucher HUE RETOUCHING @hue.retouch
editor TIMI LETONJA @timiletonja
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA @janaletonja
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN @arthurroeloffzen