Meet the model: Luna Bijl

I LOVE GETTING ALL DRESSED UP FOR A NIGHT OUT. During the day, my look is quite sporty and casual, so I like to mix things up after-dark by going for something a bit sexier. I have a lot of party dresses by Redemption; they’re super short and quite OTT with big ’80s shoulder pads. My favorite heels are a pair of simple, black Saint Laurent stilettos that I’ve had for years. They’ve been to a lot of parties because even though they look really high, they’re actually super comfortable – perfect for dancing all night long.

I WAS ALWAYS ONE OF THE BOYS GROWING UP. I did motocross and was always playing outside. I never thought of myself as a pretty girl. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I finished high school and, as I got older, I also got much taller and people suggested that I give modeling a go. It came really naturally to me, the first time I went on set I just knew it was right. When I started out at 17, I figured I’d give myself a year to see if I could make it work and I haven’t stopped since.

I FEEL LIKE TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. I live between New York and my hometown in the Netherlands, and my life changes completely depending on where I am. When I’m in the city, I have a real routine. If I’m not on a job, I’ll get up and grab a juice or coffee before working out. When I’m at home, I literally live in sweatpants and just hang out with my friends and family and take my dog for walks. It’s nice to have that contrast, I’m not the girl that lives in New York 100 percent of the time, or the girl that lives in the Netherlands 100 percent of the time.

THE REALITY OF MODELING WAS A SHOCK. I didn’t know what I was getting into at all. When I first came to New York, I was 17 and on my own. Nowadays, you need a chaperone if you’re under 18 but I started out before that became an industry rule. I lived in a model apartment with five other girls in one room – you just have to get a MetroCard and figure it out. But I did enjoy it because you become really close with the girls in the house. Because I started this way, I really appreciate everything that I have now.

LANDING A FRAGRANCE CAMPAIGN WAS A DREAM COME TRUE. It had been a big goal of mine for such a long time. Then when the team from Tom Ford got in touch with my agent, it was only two days later that I was on set shooting the Eau de Soleil Blanc campaign.

I LOVE SNEAKERS. I have a whole collection; Nike Air Max, Nike Jordan, Reeboks… I have a lot. I have so many, I don’t think I can count them.

I’VE HAD TO CHANGE HOW I EAT. It’s just part of the job. Some people have to study to stay in their job, I have to watch what I eat and work out, it’s how it is. I have a personal trainer at home, one in Paris and one in New York, I do a lot of interval training and a lot of boxing. I am on a diet but I don’t only eat salad. If I’m hungry, I’ll eat, and if I want cake, then I’ll eat cake. I’m not going to starve myself – I think that’s torture.

I LOVE VACATIONING IN IBIZA. It’s only a couple of hours’ flight away from the Netherlands. I have a lot of friends on the island and love spending time there. There’s plenty to do, whether you want to party or chill. One place I’d love to visit is Hawaii. I’ve been once before, for a photoshoot when I was 18. I was working with a pro-surfer so, once we’d wrapped, I asked him for a lesson. It was amazing. I’m so lucky – my job has allowed me to have so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences.