Malgosia Bela tells the story of her life with new photography book ‘Winter Girl’.
If Malgosia Bela could share every memorable moment that has happened to her, she would be writing for the rest of her life. Becoming one of the totem looks for a movement within fashion in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bela’s career has been nothing short of mesmerising.
After being scouted in Krakow at the age of 21, she quickly rose within the fashion industry with her youthful look representing a new movement across. Shooting with the greats in the face of Richard Avedon, David Sims, Mario Sorrenti, Tim Walker and the late Peter Lindbergh, Malgosia opened her deeply rich archive of photographs to find the 100 most memorable images and put them into her newest photography book, titled ‘Winter Girl’.
Revisiting old memories, habits and ways of working, Malgosia opened up about the process of building a career that continues to inspire generations, and images that have stood the test of time as a beacon of the ultimate image-making.
Angel: Malgosia, what would you say was your starting point with this book? What prompted you to create it?
Malgosia Bela: I looked through my archives one day and was suddenly overcome by strong emotions. I felt the time came to sum up a 25 year long career and pay tribute to some incredible people that I met along the way.
Angel: Looking through your incredible catalogue of work, what images stand out to you? What do you remember from them?
Malgosia Bela: I was surprised myself how much and how vividly I remembered things as I looked at these iconic photographs. The stories I wrote in the book are my memories; they touch upon the creative process behind the pictures, some crucial encounters, turning points, disasters and blessings in disguise.
Angel: You have also dipped your toes into acting, starring in Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria. How does your experience acting compare to your modelling career?
Malgosia Bela: I consider myself a silent movie actress. For me, there is a story conveyed in every fashion photograph, even if it’s a simple portrait. I try first to understand that story, feel the mood, and then express it with my face and body in a non verbal way… thats the most enjoyable part of modeling.
Angel: Looking at the industry now, what would you say are the biggest challenges and changes that have occurred?
Malgosia Bela: The incredibly fast tempo is definitely a challenge. Creativity needs time and we used to have more time back in the days…
Angel: What do you look forward to now, both personally and professionally in the future?
Malgosia Bela: I’m sure life will present a new endeavor and new challenges for me. I have no doubt about that, it has always been like this. I’m looking forward to slowing down a bit, reducing my carbon footprint and staying in one place - ideally a Greek island - for longer than a week.