Interview with Kimberly Bilgrei

**Personal & Career Journey**

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?

My name is Kimberly and I am 25 years old. I got my kickstart in my modeling career by doing The International Beautiful You Fashion Tour for New York Fashion Week in 2023. I was drawn to it because of how inclusive it is.

What inspired you to become a model?

I’ve always wanted to be a model since I was a child and saw them in magazines but then after making it through challenging experiences it became more important to me to chase my dreams and see myself make it.

**Industry Experience & Challenges**

How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?

I prepare for a big shoot or a runway show by trying to get in as much rest and practice ahead of time. I make sure to hydrate my skin extra and to drink extra water to look as fresh as possible.

**Creative Process & Style**

How would you describe your modeling style?

I would describe my modeling style as unpredictable. Overall my style is characterized by a blend of sparkly and colorful elements complimented by a touch of edginess . This unique combination allows me to express my individuality while maintaining a sense of elegance. I like showing off different styles while consistently expressing pieces of my own style and personality through new ideas.

Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling, and why?

I prefer editorial modeling because of the wide range of artistic expression and emotion you can express in editorial shoots. I also prefer editorial modeling because the fashion is usually very unique.

What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?

Storytelling plays a huge role in modeling. Whether it’s through your own personal experiences and emotions you want to portray, or if it’s a story you want to portray to send a message, storytelling helps create feeling and passion in the photos taking them from pictures to art.

**Influences & Inspirations**

How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?

I stay motivated by staying close to my loved ones because that helps me to stay positive and focused. I look back at past work I’ve done and I get to see through my portfolio how much I’ve already developed as a model and that encourages me to keep going forward.

**Future Goals & Advice**

What are your biggest career goals for the future?

I would love to be on a commercial or see myself on a billboard one day because those have both been childhood dreams of mine,

however my biggest career goal would be to generate a big following so I can use my platform to inspire people and create a positive impact on people particularly those who have been through a lot and don’t think their dreams are possible. I want to show those people that you can defeat the odds and that they can make it too.

What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?

My advice to aspiring models would be to only do things you are comfortable with, don’t think you have to do everything your asked to do if you don’t feel comfortable with it. There are always going to be more opportunities out there working with people who respect you, even if you have to wait it will come. I would also say don’t feel like you have to rely on others for your career to be a success. You can practice taking photos yourself, doing your own hair and makeup, do your research and find safe reputable people to work with and elevate yourself to success.

Brought to you by Bold & Beyond—where curiosity meets clarity.