Talking exclusively to MOJEH, French Supermodel Cindy Bruna reveals why keeping it real is the key to keeping her head in the increasingly frenetic fashion world.
Had she decided not to go to St Raphael’s beach one hot and sunny day in 2010, Cindy Bruna could well have been filing your tax returns right now. Spotted by model scout Dominique Savri sunbathing in her hometown in the South of France, the then 16-year-old’s plan to become an accountant came to a dramatic halt when she was whisked away to Paris to try her hand at modeling. Promptly signed by a top agency, the rest is fashion – and accounting – history.
Landing her first job with, Azzedine Alaïa, followed by Elie Saab, in 2012, Cindy was the first model of colour to be exclusively booked by Calvin Klein for their runway show. “That was my first fashion week in New York,” she recalls as we chat to her from Cannes.
“I couldn’t even speak English then, and when it was confirmed I had the Calvin Klein exclusive, I was so honored and excited and nervous all at the same time. But I remember the moment I was on that runway, I had the feeling that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, I felt good and at ease. That show changed my career.”
Cindy Bruna walking for Balmain, BALMAIN AW19
Snapped up by Victoria’s Secret for their annual catwalk extravaganza in 2013 and landing two covers with Italian Vogue less than12 months later, Cindy has walked for every major fashion house in the industry since and has been the face of countless fashion and beauty brands around the globe.
One of the most successful models of her generation, the 24-year old is proud to be at the forefront of a rapidly changing industry, where diversity in fashion is no longer the exception, but quickly becoming the rule.
“It’s not easy for black girls—everybody knows that. There were usually only three of us in a show at most” revealed Cindy, who is of Italian/Congolese descent. “I never felt like I had to fight anything because of the colour of my skin—it’s my skin, and I can’t change its colour. But it’s also wasn’t easy because they only had a couple of spots for girls who were black. And then you’d wonder if they picked you because you were black.”
Cindy Bruna wears necklace in white gold set with white and black diamonds, and ring in white gold set with black diamonds and rubies, DE GRISOGONO HIGH JEWELLERY
But the 24-year-old has been lucky enough to witness an almost turbo-charged change of attitude in the industry, which has seen the most incredible array of models take to the catwalk – many of whom would previously have never been considered by a major fashion house.
“People’s state of mind changes and evolves, and the fashion industry is the mirror of political and cultural spirit,” says Cindy. “Nowadays, you see lots of diversity in magazines and in shows, which is truly amazing, and I’m really happy to be representing that. I’m proud of who I am, and that the industry I’m in has begun to reflect the world we live in. Because diversity is exactly what makes fashion inspirational and beautiful. And what would fashion be if all the models looked exactly the same?”
One of many models using her visibility and platform –she has almost 800,000 Instagram followers – to promote a cause important to them, aside from being a champion of fashion diversity, Cindy works closely with Solidarité Femmes, a French federation that combats violence against women, with a focus on domestic abuse. She became involved because she knew a victim.
Cindy Bruna wears earrings in white gold set with white diamonds and emeralds, and ring in white gold set with diamonds and emeralds, DE GRISOGONO HIGH JEWELLERY
“It was something I wanted to fight for. At first, I didn’t think I could do something,” revealed Cindy. “But we’re trying to bring the federation to another level, with the support of the French government.”
An inspiration to millions of girls around the world, and numerous aspiring models, Cindy is well aware of the responsibility she has to those who look up to her, as well as staying true to her own morals and beliefs.
“It’s easy to forget that social media isn’t real life. We post the best moments, and sometimes make it look better that it is. But what I like about it the most is how you can use it to be inspired. I want to follow people that inspire me to be a better person, to lift me up, not bring me down.”
Cindy Bruna, ELIE SAAB SS19
As used to the negative comments as she is the positive, Cindy’s perspective of the power social media holds is philosophical. “It’s a truly great platform to raise awareness about important topics and to connect with people – it shouldn’t be about looking at someone else’s life and be hateful and jealous about it,” she says.
“My advice is to follow the right people and unfollow the person that makes you feel bad about yourself. We are all human at the end, and you never know what’s happening in someone else’s life. Don’t be too hard on yourself or others.”
- Photography by Jeremy Spierer
- Words by Lucy Wildman
