Being Julia Stegner

German model Julia Stegner may have been bullied in high school for her towering height, but she has now scaled far beyond her 5 feet 11 inches (1.8 metres). After having modelled for the likes of Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, the statuesque Stegner has taken the fashion world by storm. tabloid! caught up with her to discover her fitness secrets, her take on size zero and more.

You have enjoyed a meteoric rise in the fashion world. How would you describe your journey?

A lot of my success has been based on being at the right place at the right time. I have been very lucky that people such as [American designer] Tom Ford and [American photographer] Steven Meisel wanted to work with me when I first started out as a model. They both helped my career take off.

But, who knows — had I started modelling earlier or later in my life, I might have never made it.

Modelling is a short-lived profession. How are you gearing up for it?

Ever since I began my career, I have tried to keep in mind that this job will not last forever.

One day, I would still like to go to college and I would also like to move back to Germany to have a family.

You are one of the most stylish women in the fashion circuit. How would you describe your style quotient?

My style motto is "less is more". In my private life, I just like to be comfortable and when I go out I try not to over-style things. My style is laid-back.

Does the pressure of looking perennially perfect get to you?

Yes, sometimes it does. I am only human and have flaws just like every other person. When you are a model everyone expects you to be perfect. But keep in mind that there is re-touching these days and we don't look as perfect in real life as we do in pictures. I [also] wake up with bags under my eyes and pimples.

Can you tell us more about your humanitarian work?

I have been working with Unicef [as a goodwill ambassador] since 2007. I've always wanted to become involved with a charity and I think that Unicef is a great organisation to collaborate with.

In May 2007, I travelled to Sierra Leone for a project called "Child Survival". It was an eye-opening experience. We visited many children's hospitals and health stations. The saddest part of the experience was when a mother of seven asked if I could take her 2-year-old son home because she thought he would have a better life with me than if he stayed with her.

In Sierra Leone, every third child does not live past the age of 5 and along with Unicef I am helping to eradicate that.

What are your fitness secrets?

I try to work out five days a week. I have a personal trainer who helps me to tone my muscles. I also enjoy kick boxing. My hobbies are basketball, snowboarding and surfing, which are all great sports for my body and help me to improve my soul as well.

What is your take on the size zero debate that is raging around the world?

I do think that a lot of women are too skinny these days, including both models and actresses. I wish that curves would come back. First, our society has to change its ideal body image and then hopefully designers will begin to change theirs as well.

In many of your earlier interviews, you have said you were mocked in school. How do you look back on the whole episode?

The things that they laughed about, such as my height and how skinny I was, helped me to get where I am in my career today. Now, I try to laugh about it even though it was painful at that time.

Very little is known about your personal life. What is your idea of a perfect soul mate?

My ideal soul mate is someone who is always there for me. He is someone who doesn't always agree with me, but always tells me the truth, even when he thinks I'm wrong. Honesty is the most important element of any kind of relationship.

Has the economic crunch affected models like yourself?

Of course, we all feel the changes in the economy lately. I think the fashion industry is having an especially hard time. I am lucky enough to have my contract clients, but a lot of my friends, including young designers, stylists, and hair and make-up artists, are having a very hard time.

Julia's faves

Maybelline face Julia Stegner reveals the products she can't live without:

Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation: "I love the flawless luminosity that it gives my complexion and the comfortable lightweight feel of a mousse foundation."

Volum' Express Colossal mascara:

"When it comes to lashes, size does matter. This mascara boosts my lashes more than seven times."