Meet the model: Nora Attal

At first, modeling did not come easily to me. I didn’t understand the concept or what I was actually supposed to do in front of the camera, but over the years, I’ve learned. Being comfortable with yourself is key. When I started out, I was so young, but now I feel like I know myself, which has made it much easier. Creating imagery is such a collaborative experience; it’s a group effort between myself, the photographer, stylist and hair and makeup artists – everyone. As a model, it’s so interesting to see how you’re interpreted by different people. I love it when the pictures finally go out into the world and I can share my work.

My style is pretty minimal, but I like to go extra with accessories. My look is sort of inspired by the ’80s and ’90s. I love Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston’s style from back in the day, but I do give my outfits a modern twist. I loved the Paco Rabanne SS20 show – all the clothes were super cool and had a real disco vibe. The most-worn pieces in my closet are probably blazers, a vintage leather jacket and Loewe bags. I also wear a lot of gold rings and layered necklaces.

I’m debating going to university to study criminal psychology and criminology. I’ve had a place waiting for me for a few years now and every September, I have to decide whether I want to go – I always make the choice last minute. Even now, knowing what other roles there are within the fashion industry, I know that’s what I want to do one day. Psychology was always my favorite subject at school, and I’m obsessed with TV shows like Mindhunter.

When I was younger, I would stick pages from magazines up on my bedroom wall, but I never thought I would be a model. I didn’t think it was a viable career choice. I was interested in the industry, but in more of an abstract way. The images really spoke to me; I thought they were beautiful. There’s no particular person who has given me amazing advice on how to exist in this world. I get it from a variety of people, like stylists and other models – Imaan Hammam is the sweetest girl, and she’s Arabic too, so we clicked immediately.

When I want to relax, I paint. If I have a week off at home, I’ll start a new piece. I’ve been painting since I was about six years old. I can spend days at a time just in front of an easel, listening to classical music and podcasts, usually a good serial killer story – I love My Favorite Murder.

Modeling has given me the chance to see the world. It’s a job that allows you to travel. Every time I visit somewhere new, I’m adamant that I’ll go back for pleasure. My favorite places so far have been Cape Town and India (the culture there was incredible), but the list keeps growing. I’m a big runner, which actually comes in handy when I’m traveling for work. It means I get a workout in as well as seeing the place. It’s also a really good way to get your blood pumping after a long flight. I’m going on vacation to Bali soon with some girlfriends and there are so many things on our to-do list – the temples, paddy fields and, of course, the beaches.

My role models change daily, sometimes even hourly. At the moment, I’m in awe of Greta Thunberg. She’s just a young lady standing up for what she believes in, but by giving a face to the climate crisis, she has really forced people and governments to take action.