Polish model Sara Kondal, who has enjoyed her fair share of success on catwalks in Paris and Milan, is a living example of beauty with brains. Not only does she have attractive features but the model is also an accomplished fashion events producer, translator, entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is also a brand ambassador for several companies, including haute couture fashion designer Eva Minge.
Earlier last month, the 30-year-old successfully spearheaded the "KOI Roberto Cavalli Tribute Fashion Gala", which attracted a sizeable local and international celebrity crowd, stamping her mark on high fashion events in Thailand.
During an afternoon tête-à-tête with B. Magazine, she spoke about her numerous passions in life, and what makes her more than just a pretty face on the catwalk.
Sara Kondal and Katreeya English. Meng
If first impressions are anything to go by, Kondal, a modern literature/linguistics major at university, is both humble and harbours a genuine love for people, which is reflected in how she interacts with them.
While surely much of her success to date has been due to dedication and perseverance, it is her enthusiasm that keeps her at the top of her game.
"Passion! Each work I have done until today is due to a passion. Modelling came about due to my love for it since a child. I come from a business-oriented family so they encouraged me to not just follow one passion but several," she said.
"Each of the jobs I have done so far surfaced at different times in my life. I never set out to do what I eventually ended up doing. The driving force behind all I have done and continue to pursue has been the zeal I have for it, and not the money and fame even though that might sound lame. Of course, I needed to make enough to live well but the major decisions I had to make for my work were never driven by money."
Instead, Kondal, who worked at the UN in Paris as a translator five years ago, has always followed her heart. While she has pursued a slew of different interests throughout her young life, it is modelling, which she took up at age 15 after winning a local modelling contest, that makes her happiest.
"My core passions have always been modelling and languages, which led me to become a career translator, because it was never my desire to become a teacher. I pursued this career path because I am a people person and thrive best in this scenario. It drives me to become creative. Making people feel awesome by creating special moments for them, be it as a model or producing a fashion event, is high on my list of priorities as well.
"High end fashion is art for me, and getting to share that with others is what keeps me passionate about what I do. For me, it's not just about having an audience come watch a fashion show, it's about creating memories to set this experience apart from others they may have had. Scenography plays a huge role in my fashion events, and so to get this right, I read all there is to know about the designer I am working with.
"Modelling is an art, so models picked for events need to be smart, they need to have strong personalities and be able to slip into the role of the character the clothes they are wearing portray."
Kondal is a staunch believer in creating one's own luck: "Things come to people who are ready for it. Ten years ago, I was ready for different things than I am ready for right now. Even my production house [SK ART OF EVENTS], it started from modelling. I began to help with the production of fashion shows, and one thing lead to another. Being hyperactive in a way has helped me pursue the many areas I am passionate about."
Kondal's success has also been largely because she does not limit herself. She is game for anything that she believes has potential to grow and offers her an adrenalin boost.
This mindset has worked in her favour, making her a self-made woman with a positive attitude towards life, work and herself.
Kondal says about how she finds work: "While I search for opportunities I am not on the lookout for people who will serve my cause. I have found that people like being around company that is passionate about what they do, maybe even sort of obsessed about what they do. These are the types of people that approach me for work I am passionate about."
Being constantly on the go can easily burn her out, so she is cautious to slow down and recharge her batteries when the need arises. Enjoying the simple things in life, Kondal chills out by staying at home in her pyjamas and cooking with her fiancé. At the end of the day, what really matters to her are the people who love her unconditionally. Fostering closely knit relationships with her loved ones is how she stays focused in life.
Knowing well that glam and fame are often fleeting, she opts to rather focus on the experiences and the emotions that come with it.
Describing her approach towards modelling, and how producing high end fashion events tie in perfectly with it, she said: "Each modelling assignment varies in its approach and preparation. For example [British fashion label] Alexander McQueen works very differently than Versace or other brands.
"For me, it's a game. Believe me when I say I don't see the audience. For me, I put on the outfit and I become that person. I know the audience is watching the dress and the woman. Their reference point is not Sara but a personality that is behind the attire.
"Fifteen years of modelling experience have helped me to determine which type of clothes suit which model. I love beauty and through the years have cultivated a good knowledge of how to place a model's beauty and character in the dress she wears."
Kondal also had kind words to say about Thai models, describing them as being some of the most beautiful, with an attitude, grace and joy of life that made them stand out from the rest. Sharing her opinion on what it takes to embark on a modelling career, the lanky, 181cm tall veteran said it starts from understanding that modelling agencies have different requirements. One size doesn't fit all.
Fifteen years ago, she said, models that appeared at the Milan Fashion Week were required to be an exceptionally skinny and very blonde.
"Models have to know that every country has a different market, so they should not feel discouraged. When I was starting my career, I was not always picked for the job because I was never very skinny, and because I play sports, I have muscles, which sometimes became the reason why I did not land a job.
"My attitude from the start was to never throw in the towel. I agreed to work with agencies that were happy with what I had. I would never starve myself to fit their requirements. The most I would do is go on a diet prior to a fashion week event. Starving is never the solution because your skin looks bad. You need to sleep early and go off alcohol. It is important to treat your body with respect."
On the evolution of fashion, Kondal said it is wonderful to see how plus-size models and people with disabilities have a greater presence in the fashion industry today.
However, "while this trend has been going for two years, big name designers still opt for super, super skinny models", added Kondal with some regret. "Whatever the case, I would like to suggest that aspiring models not allow themselves to lose weight to the point that they become skeletal. To be a successful model, you have to build a strong personality, have a healthy diet, work out and sleep enough, this will help you have a healthy figure."
