Behold former beauty queen, fashionista and magnificent model from Milan, SARAH BADERNA…
Tell us a bit about yourself, Ms Baderna.
Well, I’m 26 years old and I grew up in a small town in Italy, 100km from Milan. I started modelling when I was 16 — my mum suggested I meet with a modelling agency based in Milan and they signed me shortly after. I’ve been working as a model for almost 10 years and won Miss World Italy in 2013. The beauty pageant gave me the opportunity to travel all over the world, but my biggest dream, since I was a kid, has always been to move to America. I can’t explain why but I always had a feeling inside of me that the States was going to be the place to be. So, two years ago I decided to leave everything I had — friends, family, home… — and give myself a chance. I packed a few things and bought a ticket to NYC. I had only a touristic visa at the time but that wasn’t enough for me. So, I decided to try to find a modelling agency who wanted to sign me.
How’d that go?
At the beginning it was hard to find the right one, but on my birthday I received the best gift ever — an agency called me saying they wanted to sign me in New York.
Since then I’m living my American dream and it’s hard to be far from home but the emotions this city gives me are all worth it.
What did you enjoy about this photo shoot for MAXIM Australia?
The mind, and photographer, behind this amazing shoot is Udo Spreitzenbarth. We shot in his studio, a really unique loft in the heart of Manhattan. I had the chance to admire his previous works and I was amazed. When he told me about this shoot I was extremely happy to have the opportunity to work with him and the entire team that day was great. I had so much fun and there was a great vibe which really helped to capture such beautiful pictures.
What’s your best asset?
I’m compassionate and very open minded. I think this is very important in order to find happiness and peace within yourself.
What is the best and worst thing about being a model?
I love having the oppotunity to travel, see beautiful places all over the world and to meet new people every day with different personalities, different roles. On the other side, unforunately models are associated with horrible stereotypes. When you tell people you work as a model they assume that you are just a pretty girl who acts like a diva, eats nothing and doesn’t have a brain.
What do you do when you’re not modelling for MAXIM?
I love sports and I have a healthy addiction for the gym. I spend a lot of time working out with my roommates. I also love to cook and go to the movies. If I wasn’t modelling I’d probably still be working in the fashion industry. Maybe I’d even have my own clothing line.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If you would have asked me the same question two years ago my answer would have been New York. Now, more than ever, I’m sure this is the city where I want to live.
What’s one thing you would change about the world?
I think that the first thing that I would change is the judgment people have towards each other. I know that it’s hard to be non-judgmental. Sometimes I have to remind myself to not judge others. You will always meet people with ideas different from yours and you have to learn how to respect them.
What’s the first thing you think about when you hear the word “Australia”?
Kangaroos?! I’ve never been to Australia but I know “G’day, mate” and that you call yourself “Aussies”.
Well, that is a start! How can a man win his way to your heart?
He has to support me and remember the small details. When you really like someone you will find yourself paying attention to all the small things.
What do you find sexy about men?
Big hands.
Ahem, right then. Describe your perfect date.
I don’t really have a perfect date. I like guys who know how to create the perfect atmosphere in any place.
If you took MAXIM on a date, what would we do?
A late-night picnic under the stars.
Nice one. Would you kiss a guy on the first date?
To kiss or not to kiss. I say yes! Sometimes the sexual chemistry is really strong and you really can’t resist.
Finally, what’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
If you don’t build your dreams, someone else will use you to build theirs. ■
Status Update
NAME: Sarah Baderna
BORN: November 20, 1991
HOMETOWN: Fidenza, Italy
LIVES: New York, USA
HOBBIES: “Sports, cars and cooking.”
FAVOURITE CAR: “Lamborghini Centenario.”
FAVOURITE MOVIE: “The Great Gatsby.”
BEDTIME ATTIRE: “I sleep in a black satin and lace nightie.”
AGENCY: EMG MODELS NEW YORK
INSTAGRAM: @sarah_bader
Photographed by UDO SPREITZENBARTH (@UDOPHOTOGRAPHY) INTERVIEW by SANTI PINTADO HAIR GEORGIE CALVERT MAKE-UP CORINNE TWEDDEL IMAGING CRYSTAL COX
LOCATION LOFT 29, NEW YORK
For the full article grab the April 2018 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
