Exclusive: Model Anna Ewers on Balenciaga, Beer DIYs, and More
On the phone, Anna Ewers is polite, soft-spoken, and charmingly shy. In front of the lens, the model takes on a different persona. Take a look at any editorial she’s been in, and you’ll understand: Ewers commands attention with a pointed, mesmerizing gaze and a surprising sultriness that veers into Bardot territory. Perhaps it’s this mix of vulnerability and ferocity that made Alexander Wang—in his new role as creative director at Balenciaga—handpick her to be the face of B. by Balenciaga, and the reason why she walked down 37 runways (Céline, Balenciaga, and Prada, to name a few) in 2014.
We sat down with the German model and asked her about her new role as the face of Balenciaga’s new fragrance, her favorite beauty DIY (beer is involved), and her favorite massage spot in NYC. Keep scrolling to read our interview, as well as see exclusive, behind-the-scenes photos from the fragrance campaign.
Tell us about B. by Balenciaga. What do you like about it? Where would you wear it?
Ewers: I think it’s the perfect scent for every occasion. I wear it every day. I love that it has a very green, fresh smell. It has these very dark, woodsy notes, which I love.
Being hand-selected by Alexander Wang to front a fragrance campaign seems like a huge milestone. What was your first encounter with the designer?
Ewers: The first time I met him was one and a half years ago, for the costuming of his first show for Balenciaga. It was my first show too, ever. Ever since I met him, my career has just grown.
That’s pretty amazing—it was a special show for both of you. How do you feel, knowing he calls you one of his main muses?
Ewer: It’s a really big honor. In the beginning, I was really shy when I first met him. But he’s been with me this whole time and seen me grow up. It’s been amazing.
Let’s talk beauty. What’s the one beauty product you never leave home without?
Ewers: Makeup remover; I like the ones by Bioderma.
What was the first perfume you ever owned?
Ewers: I don’t remember the name of the brand. I remember that my girlfriends were using sweet fragrances… I never liked them. I would use men’s deodorant instead, because it smelled better to me!
That’s pretty badass. What about any hair tricks? How do you keep your blonde strands healthy?
Ewers: Yes, actually. Beer is great for hair—I’ve tried it, and it actually works.
Please expand.
Ewers: I just put it in my hair, like, after the shower. Just a little bit, so you get some volume. Just make sure to dry it immediately afterwards, or else it’ll smell.
Noted. Now that you’re traveling all the time, how do you stay in shape?
Ewers: I eat healthy foods. I love walking everywhere, I like cycling and swimming. I just use the time I have in each new city to go outside. And, I cook my own food.
Are you a good cook?
Ewers: Yes. I make salad and vegetables… healthy things.
How do you treat yourself after a long day—or, in your case, month? Fashion Month must have been killer.
Ewers: Good food, spending time with my friends… oh, and I love a good massage after Fashion Week.
Where do you go?
Ewers: This place in Williamsburg called Treat Your Body.
Keep scrolling to see behind-the-scenes photos from the campaign!