by Gina Scarpa

 

On tomorrow night's episode of America's Next Top Model, the girls are surprised with a visit from supermodel Karolina Kurkova. She not only stepped in as a guest judge, but spent time mentoring the girls and teaching them about the importance of healthy eating. Today, Karolina spoke to RealityWanted and reporters in a press conference call about her upcoming episode of America's Next Top Model.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What did you notice about the cycle 15 girls? Do they have what it takes to be successful in the fashion world?
A. Karolina: The girls are very nice, very different, and were different types. They can do editorial, commercial, or runway work. I think they have a lot to learn and need to get comfortable with who they are and who they want to be. They need to own who they are. The girls were great and I'm not just talking about physicality.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you want to talk to these girls about healthy eating?
A. Karolina: I think it's very important to teach a lot of these girls, who come from small towns and have no idea how to really take care of themselves and eat properly or have misconceptions, who eat just lettuce and think that will help them be successful. I can't just live on lettuce or water. People think in order to be successful, you need to not eat or eat plain or boring, which is not true. It's a really important thing. I'm very organic. I'm into natural foods and eating healthy and exercise and taking care of yourself within. That's important. When you eat good and feel good, it's going to show. It's going to show on the photographs because you're healthy and you feel good and you look good. Our industry has been getting such a bad reputation that the models don't eat, they smoke, they drink too much. I never smoked in my life, I don't really drink, and I am all about eating healthy.

 

Q. How did you become involved with Top Model this cycle?
A. Karolina: The reason why I got involved was because Tyra asked me to be on the show and really share my experiences. I've been doing this for ten years. I decided it would be a good way for me to not just go and judge. For me to be involved, I really wanted to do something to help these girls. I wanted to come in as their peer, almost like a friend, and hang out with them. I wanted to talk about their experiences and why they wanted to be models. I shared my story and gave secrets and tips on how to be successful.

 

Q. Have you watched a lot of Top Model episodes in the past?
A. Karolina: Yes, I've seen the show a few times. I have a baby and I don't watch too much tv. I like what Tyra does. She really teaches people and gives them interesting things to do. Girls needs to experience and see both sides of any industry. It's not just showing up and being beautiful and everything will come to your feet. It's hard work, you need to be educated, you need to know the photographers, stylists, and makeup artists. I think she's doing a really good job. With this season, she's getting more and more real fashion people involved like Diane von Furstenberg, Zach Posen, and me. We want to help and teach and share the knowledge that we have.

 

Q. How did guest judging compare to what you thought it would be like?
A. Karolina: My experience was amazing. I didn't just come onto the show and judge and be beautiful. I felt like I could really connect to the girls and that was important to me. I could connect with them and be their friend. They could ask me anything. We discussed so many personal things. Girls were crying to me and that was special to me, that they felt so comfortable that they could open up to me.

 

Q. Have you gotten into cooking?
A. Karolina: I actually, lately, have really been enjoying cooking. I haven't had a lot of time to do it but when I'm in my home, I try to cook as much as I can. When I'm traveling, I'm eating in restaurants and hotels, but when I'm home, I try to cook and prepare snacks. Everything is health and simple and delicious.

 

Q. Does it bother you how much the media talks about the bodies of models after they have their babies?
A. Karolina: Why would that bother me? I think it's good that people talk about us being a mom and being able to come back and model. I'm working right now. For me, being a mom and having a baby is pretty cool. I get to be on a runway with girls that are 16 and 17 and I get to work and still be successful. For women out there who are pregnant or just had babies, it gives them a confidence. "Oh my gosh, if they're doing it, that is cool!" I think that's inspiring for women out there. We can still work and be beautiful and sexy.

 

Don't miss America's Next Top Model, Wednesday at 8/7c on the CW.

 

(Image courtesy of the CW)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

For more ANTM links, visit SirLinksALot.net