Katrin Wesolowski is not only a top Casting Director in her home country Sweden, but is also internationally acclaimed for her work. With a roster of clients that include magazines such as Italian Vogue, Korean Vogue & ID, advertising campaigns with companies like Filippa K & Max Mara, and fashion shows, she is known as a major player in the fashion industry. We first met Katrin when she worked as a model agent at MIKA’s in Stockholm. Since then she has really made a name for herself. Today, we’re pleased to be able to hear her valuable insights on working with models and the fashion business.
How did you get started in the fashion business? Is this what you dreamed of doing when you were little?
After high school, I packed my bags and moved to Rome to study Italian. It was in Milan where I started the fashion business as a Stylist Assistant for magazines like Elle, Grazia and Donna. After Milan, I moved to Paris where I continued assisting and first worked for Julia von Boehm and then went to MIXT(E) and worked with Christopher Niquet, Marie Chaix and Gabrielle Greiss. When I was little, I actually dreamt of being a pediatrician just like my beloved, auntie Lilka. She was my role model. But destiny had something else in mind for me.
We know that you are the Casting Director for fashion shows, advertising campaigns and magazines, which do you prefer the best?
Oh, it’s so hard to choose one. I love the process of casting, no matter the type of project. I must say working on a fashion show is something very special. There’s something magic about it, there are so many emotions involved. When a designer presents his or her collection that represents them that season, they put there entire soul into it. I really get to experience an orchestra of people working tirelessly, many times throughout the day and night to achieve perfection. It can be very challenging, but it’s worth every minute of inspiration.
What shows did you cast for this past season?
I started this season in Stockholm casting for Filippa K, TIGER of Sweden and The Local Firm. I then went to Paris and casted for Nicolas Andreas Taralis, Julien David, Sacai, Calla, Gabrielle Greiss and collaborated with Patrizia Pilotti at Valentino.
What kind of qualities are you looking for when you are casting models?
I get that question a lot. It absolutely depends on the client and the situation.
Do you think there is more diversity in models nowadays? If so, where?
The modeling industry has gone through so many transformations and is always changing. That’s its nature. I find the industry is often influenced by the past and is also affected by the world’s current evolution as well. We are still looking for beauty, but beauty is different for everyone according to where the world is at the time. I think that the industry is more open to diversity and not necessarily looking for one type of beauty. You can definitely see more ethnicities and different body types nowadays.
How would you define beauty?
For me, beauty is a combination of things. I like pretty things, I appreciate beauty. But a beautiful face has to come with inner beauty as well to get my attention.
Which new faces do you think we should be looking out for?
Two girls that caught my attention this season were Erjona Ala and Josefien Rodemans. I brought them to Stockholm this August to do the TIGER of Sweden show with me. I’m very happy to see that both girls had a great season in the rest of the fashion capitals.
Who is your fashion icon?
My mentor Patrizia Pilotti, Casting Director at La Mode en Images. The most loving and caring person I have ever worked with in nearly 10 years in the fashion business. She taught me many important things. The most important one is to never forget what we work with: Passion. We are so fortunate because we have the beautiful opportunity to work with our interest and passion, not a lot of people do. Always put personality and humility first.
We heard that you speak five different languages fluently. Is that true?
Ahahaha! Yes it is. I speak Swedish, Polish (my parents are polish), Italian, French and English.
What is one thing you love about what you do as a Casting Director?
I love that I get the chance to meet so many people. It’s a beautiful thing! I love meeting new personalities!