The Working Wardrobe: Amalie Gassmann

Listening to Amalie Gassmann’s dizzying list of accomplishments, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little intimidated – model, creative director, photographer, writer, filmmaker – Gassmann has packed a lot into her 26 years. Born in San Francisco, she grew up in Paris, attending runway shows with her mother, an art historian who “connects the dots between artists and fashion brands”. After being scouted when she was 12, Gassmann eventually signed with modeling-agency giant IMG at the age of 16. “I feel like that was very standard for the time,” she says.

A consummate multi-tasker, she graduated high school while modeling for brands such as Saint Laurent, then studied film production at Bard College in upstate New York. Today, we’re speaking via video call at the tail end of New York Fashion Week. Gassmann's walking a show tomorrow, and next week she flies to Milan, then on to Paris – “I pack my whole closet,” she tells me, with a smile. Now a seasoned pro, she takes the pace in her stride and, bar the pandemic, has been working the fashion-week circuit for eight years. “Modeling has shown me how the industry works,” she says. “Being with adults and professionals from a young age taught me how to talk to people, how to hold myself in different environments.” She seems wise beyond her years, which is perhaps the result of growing up fast. “I’ve always felt like an old soul; I’m very nostalgic,” she says.

Gassmann had recently relocated to Los Angeles when the pandemic hit. The pause allowed her to develop her photography and filmmaking skills, working with notable magazines, such as Interview, and brands like Fendi. “It was a blessing in disguise, being surrounded by amazing creatives. I was able to shoot a lot – photography, film work, fashion videos – everyone wants video these days.” Indeed, with the speed at which technology and social media are transforming the fashion sphere, honing a multidisciplinary approach seems a savvy yet passion-driven move by Gassmann.

“I’ve moved around a lot, so I have multiple influences. Paris is more mature and clean – it’s all about the big coat in Paris, being comfortable, but still super-chic. LA is fun, but New York is more fun. New York is all playful textures, experimenting with prints, knitwear and layering. LA is sexier, I dress more girly in LA.”

“I love classics with a twist – a texture, a color, standout pants or skirt, a bold shoe, a chunky boot, a statement bag. But balance is important, so, with a mini (I love that the mini skirt is back), I’ll wear a long-sleeved shirt, so there’s not too much skin on show – it balances the mini and feels more elevated.”