ABOUT BABELLE

INTERVIEW LeCOOL

Having dabbled a bit in modelling I know first hand what a cutthroat business the world of modelling can be. As for the modelling itself: I for one sucked at it. I didn’t have the poise or patience to strike and hold a pose. And I thoroughly hated having hairdressers, make-up people and other semi-fabulous people polishing and primming me to semi-perfection. Still, the world of modelling continues to fascinate me. And not just me. Millions of aspiring models, modelizers and even model haters tune in to watch Tyra’s ongoing search for an actual top model, Heidi’s ‘Project Runway’ antics and the adventures of Yfke Sturm, who still can’t seem to pronounce the sentence "Holland’s Next Top Model,” thereby perpetuating the dumb model stereotype

Of course those in the know, know that no real model starts her career on a television show. No, the Kate’s and Naomi’s of this world are discovered in airports and shopping malls at a prepubescent age or are concocted by the creative brain of an artist/designer, as is the case with Babelle.

THE WORLD's NUMBER ONE TOONMODEL

Babelle is the fashionable brainchild of Roland Maas and the epitome of elegance and genetic perfection. With her perfect jawline and almond-shaped eyes, Babelle is a regular in fashion trade magazine Link. A digital-based diva, Babelle sat down with le cool to talk about life as Holland’s first toon model.

Miss Babelle, your rise to fashion fame has been a remarkable one. Could you provide us with some background info? "My name is Babelle, toon model, almost 20 years old, and the world is my stage, home and biggest source of inspiration. I started out running the catwalks of toon town, but my ambitions grew bigger than any animated frame could capture. I had to find a way to make my first steps in the real world, and here I am!” How did you end up in the cutthroat business of modelling ? "Isn’t that obvious? Besides being considered ‘the ultimate elegance of genetic perfection,’ I also had this desire to be part of the 'real thing.' And believe me, I'm more real than any of the glossy multi-layered images of women you’ll see in the magazines. "My first appearance was in LINK magazine in 2002 and I’ve featured in their trend-reports twice a year ever since. And there's growing interest in me, also from abroad. I've been featured in the Korean version of 'W' magazine: I think the people there are one step ahead of you here in the West when it comes to acknowledging cartoons as part of their culture.” How do you keep in shape? How do you keep that stick thing, model-like figure? "There are some big advantages to being a toon model. First of all, I will remain ‘almost 20,’ for the remainder of my career. Plus, I don’t have to cope with nature and gravity laws like humans do. I also have a highly elastic bone structure and a 100% controllable cell-system, because of which I’m able to transform from a classic, voluptuous model to a modern, anorexic-looking one in less than a second. Also multiple arms and legs or impressive limb extensions are accomplished with just one finger click.” No Kate, Naomi or Heidi but LINDA LINDA and LINDA How do other, non-virtual models react? IS THERE A LOT OF ENVY ? "Most of my colleagues welcome me with open arms. But of course there's also a lot of envy, fights, scandals, etc. in the colourful world of modelling. That's all part of the script. As models are part of this wonderful illusion and so we also have to entertain the audience and give them what they want. It generates toon status and lots of success.” Which models do you yourself admire? Cocaine Kate? Slap-happy Naomi? Or wholesome Heidi Klum? "I admire Linda Evangelista the most, she's so elegant, sophisticated and a real fashion icon. I have deep respect for Naomi’s anger management tools with which she introduced a new punishment trend among the fashionistas all around the world. Heidi is gawgeous: even with the most powerful design software, a body like hers is hard to get. I’m less inspired by lazy Kate who is doing it the easy way.” Fong Leng Jan Taminiau Bas Kosters Which fashion designers do you like to wear? Any Dutch designers you like? "I adore Fong Leng. Her creations are unique, I love to sneek into the Frisia-museum every now and than, quickly put on one of her masterpieces and become Holland’s next Mathilde for a minute. I also love to wear this season’s Radical Chic collection by Jan Taminiau and speaking of radical, Bas Kosters is one of my favourites too." What does a model do to relax and unwind? What do you do in your spare time? "In my spare time I love to untie these outlines and become a big abstract mixture of colours and shapes: very relaxing after a period of hard work.” Finally, our magazine is Amsterdam based...what do you think of the city? Any favourite restaurants or shopping places there that you like to tell us about? "Shame on me, I haven´t visited Amsterdam yet. I mean, I've been there of course but only for studio work. Is it really true that the city is built on piles? And the locals wear these stylish wooden shoes? Fantastic! I have to see that with my own digitally-enhanced eyes, it sounds like a futuristic dream to me!”

text : Jenny D for www.lecool.com

© 2011 Roland Maas, the Netherlands , all rights reserved