golden barbie
JUST DAYS AFTER her 28th birthday, supermodel Jasmine Sanders, also known as “Golden Barbie”, sits down with us for an exclusive interview to share her experiences, expertise and essence as it relates to her life in the fashion industry. Inspired by Austrian painter Egon Schiele, our shoot concept centres on exploring body form and sexiness from a contemporary, romantic angle. Join us and get cosy with this half- German, half-African-American goddess as she lets us in on some influential insight that exemplifies her embodiment of a #legend.
So how did you get the nickname “Golden Barbie”?
One of my teachers in high school used to call me Goldilocks, then some of my friends used to say, “You look like a Barbie doll!” Somehow, my sister and I threw “golden” and “Barbie” together and it worked. Honestly, I’ve tried to switch it to just my first and last name, but I can’t let it go – everybody likes Golden Barbie way too much. It’s like an alter ego; it’s fun.
Where does your confidence come from?
Honestly, my confidence just comes from the inside. You have to push so hard, day in and day out, whether you’re doing photo shoots or walking down the street. Whatever your job may be, you always have people who have your back – and if I constantly think about those people, I feel like that keeps a smile on my face and keeps me going. My confidence really comes from within and trying to be as comfortable as I can with myself.
Your mother was a make-up artist. How has she shaped the trajectory of your career?
My beauty tips and regimens literally come from everything my mom taught me, from the beginning. She taught me a way to move in the industry with grace and confidence, and constantly making sure I’m nice to those around me. At the end of the day, if I’m not going to be considerate of those I’m working with, I can’t expect it back. And we have long hours, so you might as well make friends and have fun.
What has been one pleasantly surprising aspect of modelling? And what’s something disappointing about it?
Ooh… that pretty girls can be really nice would be the surprising thing. People looking in on the industry think that a lot of us aren’t friends, but honestly, we all have to have real chemistry and real friendships to make our jobs work. It’s nice to know that no matter what photo shoot or runway show I do, I always have supportive girls around me. The bad would be when you see the girls who feel or act like they’re better than someone else. The stuff that really bugs me is when I see another model, usually someone who hasn’t really been in the industry that long, being rude to hair, make-up or lighting. Karma’s a fast-working bitch – be nice.
What current goals are you working towards?
I just bought a new house! It was the biggest step and the most powerful feeling, being able to say that I’m adulting now and getting on my feet. My biggest goal is really just making my house a home – a place I can relax, where my family can come and visit. I cannot wait to host Christmas and Thanksgiving. I was made to nurture and care, and really that’s what I’m working towards.
What summer fashion trends are you currently into? What make-up colour palettes embody your vibe?
Pop-y colours – I’m obsessed with lavender. Also, trying to layer things differently, having something bold underneath or a sheer, statement top, and really switching it up. I like to look different every day – very little clothing, pop-y colours and comfort.
“People looking in on the industry think that a lot of us aren’t friends, but honestly, we all have to have real chemistry and real friendships to make our jobs work. It’s nice to know that no matter what photo shoot or runway show I do, I always have supportive girls around me” JASMINE SANDERS