THE CULTURAL OMNIVORE

Karlina Caune: From Riga To The Runway

Latvian supermodel Karlina Caune has fronted campaigns for Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, and Céline, in addition to gracing the covers of numerous editions of Elle magazine. Not one to rest on her laurels, the fiercely ambitious mother of two is more determined than ever to transcend the stereotype of being “just another pretty face” and to inspire her daughters to seek purpose in their lives.

You were born in Riga and have spoken about growing up with “incredible patriotism.” How did that national pride shape your identity long before fashion entered the picture?

I think, for me, it all started with the culture—the way most Latvians are raised. We grow up close to nature, learning about our mythology, singing the songs of our ancestors, and being proudly taught about the beauty of our little country. Historically, Latvians have been occupied by various nations, yet have always maintained a rebellious spirit—not to give up or succumb. I think that’s where I align with my own identity.

With a father and grandfather who served in the Soviet military—and an uncle who became Latvia’s Minister of Defense (as well as Prime Minister and Finance Minister)—duty and discipline seem embedded in your family story. How has that legacy influenced your work ethic in modelling?

They served in the Soviet Army, and their deployment was mandatory. The historical background of the occupation years really matters, because while they would have willingly enlisted to protect the sovereignty of their country, that wasn’t the case at the time. I think the real influence has been our family values. I was raised to always give my best—no matter the task or job. It’s how you respect yourself and how you build yourself into a solid person. I think this is the reason I’ve managed to maintain my reputation and continue working after 16 years.

Modeling often requires constant travel and reinvention. How do you stay grounded in your Latvian roots while navigating an international career?

To be fair, I don’t. Somewhere around the time I had my children, I felt deeply hurt by Latvian politics and how I was treated—discarded, it seemed, simply because I married a Swedish national and chose to raise my children in Sweden. Since then, I sometimes say I’m not Latvian—I’m a Latvian passport holder. It’s a bitter feeling at times, because I remember how proud I used to be to say, “I’m Latvian,” and now that pride has been replaced with something more complicated.

You’re a mother of two. How has motherhood changed your relationship to beauty, ambition, and the pace of the fashion industry?

This is a wonderful question. Since becoming a mother to my daughters, I haven’t slowed down—in fact, I feel like my ambition has grown. Part of that comes from wanting to challenge the stereotype of being “just a pretty face” or a model. I want to be more and do more, so my daughters grow up with a role model who represents not only beauty and magazine covers, but also purpose. They know I love my work—I truly do—but creating new paths along the way and showing them that life isn’t linear is what makes me most proud.

The fashion world can be demanding physically and mentally. As someone deeply into wellness, what are your non-negotiable daily rituals for maintaining balance?

I try to keep my physical shape in top condition—working out four to five times a week and making sure I get in 10,000 steps a day. I cook good, nourishing food. I’ve also recently started adding NAD+ supplements, which have really improved my endurance. But when it comes to balance, the most important thing is listening to your body. If I’m feeling drained or exhausted, I allow myself to rest—as much as that’s possible with two kids—and maybe step away from emails for a few days. Taking time to ground myself is essential.

Campaign imagery often projects confidence and perfection. How do you reconcile that polished public image with the more vulnerable, real parts of yourself?

It’s actually very simple. I’ve drawn a very clear line between work and real life. For example, I rarely wear makeup outside of work or social events. By doing that, I always see myself as I truly am. Waking up and not feeling like I need something on my face to look okay is incredibly freeing. Don’t get me wrong—I still have moments of “I look tired” or “I’m puffy”—but I allow myself to be human.

Looking back at the young girl in Riga with big dreams and fierce patriotism, what would you tell her now about identity, resilience, and what truly defines success?

Hard work and integrity. Stay true to your values, and don’t ever let anyone diminish your kindness. The most important approval you need is your own.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I think people might be surprised to know that I’m actually quite a softie. I’m not as tough and confident as I may seem. But as I always like to say, “Dress for the job you want, not for the one you have”—and I think that’s pretty spot on.

Follow her on Instagram

Represented by Marilyn NY

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models

Wanessa Milhomen On Growth, Loyalty & Legacy

“Like so many people, I worry about the future of the planet“

Discovered at just 13, Wanessa Milhomen has spent two decades navigating the fashion with grace and intention. From her enduring creative partnership with Sarah Burton to her reflections on motherhood, Brazil, and sustainability, Milhomen’s career reveals a side to the model rarely seen beyond the runway and glossy editorials. In this conversation, she speaks candidly about growth, loyalty, and what it means to evolve alongside an ever-changing industry.

You were discovered at just 13 in Goiânia and stepped straight into an international career. How did growing up in the fashion industry shape who you are today, both professionally and personally?

Growing up in the fashion industry has been a whirlwind experience that has shaped me in ways I never thought possible. Professionally, it’s taught me to cherish every moment and take calculated risks. I’ve learned to balance confidence with vulnerability, and responsibility with creativity. While it accelerated my growth in many ways, it also exposed me to diverse cultures, experiences, and people. I’ve gained a unique perspective—not taught in schools, but learned through living. Fashion has shown me the world in a way that’s made me stronger and more resilient. I’m grateful for the experiences and lessons I’ve accumulated over the years, and I’m proud of the person I’ve become.

You’ve worked closely with Sarah Burton for nearly a decade, first at Alexander McQueen and now at Givenchy. What has that long-term creative relationship taught you about trust, collaboration, and evolution in fashion?

Sarah’s talent and determination are truly inspiring. She’s taught me that loyalty in fashion does exist, and that it can be genuine and beautiful. Having me walk her fashion show while I was five and a half months pregnant was a unique personal moment in my career—one I will forever be grateful to Sarah for. Being part of her creativity and vision is something I can’t fully put into words. What I can say is, when a story is being told, and art is being created and shared with people, it becomes about more than just clothes. Fashion is evolving, and Sarah is a master of it.

Alexander McQueen is known for its emotional intensity and storytelling. What does it feel like to embody that vision on set and on the runway?

It’s an honor to be part of the Alexander McQueen legacy. It’s a privilege to have clothes created for my body and to bring them to life on set and on the runway. A lot of emotion is felt and translated when you’re part of the creative process and then walking the catwalk.

Fashion often moves at an intense pace. What rituals or practices help you stay grounded after so many years in a high-pressure industry?

Being with my family and friends—especially my son—helps me stay grounded. He has many wonderful ways of doing that. I also like to meditate, listen to weekly energy-boost podcasts, and take quiet moments for prayer and spiritual growth to help me stay centered. But don’t get me wrong—even after 20 years of modeling some “no’s” are still hard to take—but I’m quick to ground myself again.

As a Brazilian model, how important is it for you to represent Brazil—and Goiânia specifically—on the global fashion stage?

There are so many people representing Brazil, and I’m extremely proud to be one of them—especially to be from Goiânia. I have amazing memories of picking fruit from trees and walking barefoot on the fertile red earth of Goiás.

You’re passionate about environmental advocacy and the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. How do you use your platform in fashion to bring attention to these issues?

Like so many people, I worry about the future of the planet. As a mother, I try to make positive choices, teach my son values that align with this, and make sure I vote.

The industry is slowly becoming more conscious about sustainability. From your perspective, where do you see real progress—and where is there still work to be done?

The increasing diversity of thought leaders at the top of the industry is an important and empowering development for change. I see real progress in the growing adoption of eco-friendly materials and production methods, as well as increased transparency around supply chains. However, there is still work to be done in reducing waste and implementing circular business models that prioritize reuse and recycling.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next chapter of your career, whether in fashion, activism, or something entirely new?

I believe there’s still so much I can do in my career and in fashion, and I’m excited for what’s next. It may be in fashion, activism, or something entirely new. I’m open to whatever comes, and I’m grateful for all the experiences I’ve had. I know that whatever I do next will be shaped by the lessons I’ve learned and the people I’ve met along the way.

Follow Wanessa on Instagram

Represented by Marilyn NY

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models

Leila Goldkuhl on Modeling, Motherhood & Life After America’s Next Top Model

As an alumna of the most well known modeling show in recent history, Leila Goldkuhl defied naysayers debuting as an exclusive for the S/S 2016 Givenchy show. In addition to stalking the runways of every major fashion house, Leila has been immortalized in advertising campaigns for Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein and numerous others. Further cementing her career is a place on both Models.com’s Top 50 and Hot List.

The mother of three opened up about her career beginnings and the challenges of navigating the ever changing world of modeling while maintaining her authenticity.

You’ve had quite an impressive journey in the modeling world. What initially inspired you to pursue modeling, and how did you get your start?

I’ve had an impressive journey, and sometimes I have to remind myself of that. The world moves so quickly—we’re always focused on what’s next—and I’m trying to allow myself time to reflect on all the amazing opportunities I’ve had and understand that life ebbs and flows.

If I’m being honest, growing up I didn’t have a clear path in mind for where I wanted to go in life. Nothing I tried to focus on caught my attention. But I had this internal pull telling me that this industry was where I needed to be. I just didn’t know how to get there—until I did.

Competing on America’s Next Top Model must have been both thrilling and challenging. What was the most unexpected part of the experience, and how did it shape your career afterward?

If you had asked me this question even a few months ago, I might have skipped over it entirely. It’s only recently that I’ve allowed myself to be open about that experience. I’ve been with my husband for—I think—10 years now, and he had never watched the show until a month or two ago, when I finally felt ready to let him see it. That moment pushed me to speak openly about the whole experience on my TikTok account. It’s been really therapeutic to finally let that wall come down.

Feeling shame and the compulsion to reject the experience—that’s what I’d say was the most unexpected part. At the time, I thought ANTM was the only way I could break into the industry. But once it was all happening—like many things—it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. I never imagined—after leaving the show—I wouldn’t want people to know I was on it. I felt that in order to have a career in this industry, no one could know I was part of the show.

Every career has its ups and downs. Can you share a moment where you faced a major challenge in the industry and how you overcame it?

There have been more ups and downs than I can count. It’s constant. I’d say the ongoing challenge for me is balancing motherhood and my career. I haven’t found the secret to overcoming that obstacle, but I’ve learned that you really need to advocate for yourself to make anything happen.

Social media is a major factor in a model’s career. How do you feel about the influence of platforms like Instagram on your career, and do you feel it has changed the industry?

Oh my gosh—I think about this a lot. I’d prefer to be on set with a crew, collaborating face to face. I love that modeling lets me show up, do my job, meet new people, and then go home. My life outside of work can be my own.

Social media changed that. Now we’re expected to have a constant online presence, which can take away from real life. I don’t want to sell my private life for clicks and views.

It’s also shifted budgets from traditional shoots to influencer content. The other side of that coin is that it gave everyday people a way to support themselves and allowed smaller brands to grow without massive ad spend. It’s a trade-off; one that, honestly, I don’t think falls in my favor.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring models trying to break into the fashion industry, what would it be?

A lot of times, it feels like success is based on luck—on who you know, and who’s willing to support you. Every story is nuanced and unexpected.

If you can go into it being exactly who you are, without trying to be who you think everyone wants you to be, it’s going to make the whole process so much easier and more enjoyable. And just enjoy every opportunity—as it’s happening and after it happens. This industry has a way of making you feel like you need to keep up with everybody else. There will always be judgment from the outside, but if you can stop that judgment from creeping into your own thoughts, you really can’t lose.

What upcoming projects or collaborations are you excited about, and what goals do you have for the future?

I’ve wrapped up a few projects I’m excited to see released. But more monumental—I’m preparing to launch my own mother agency! It’s something I’ve felt called to do, and it finally feels like the right time.

I’ve seen every side of this industry, and if I can use that experience to help guide other models, all the ups and downs of my own career will feel that much more meaningful. So keep an eye out for that!

While modeling has been a huge part of your life, what are some other passions or hobbies you pursue outside of the industry? How do you balance it all?

As a mother of three, a lot of my time is focused on my children. I’m incredibly passionate about motherhood and raising them. It doesn’t leave a lot of free time for myself, but now that my youngest is two, I’m finally starting to feel I have more space for hobbies and personal interests.

Last year, I picked up pottery and I immediately fell in love with it. I had to put it down when life got a little crazy, but I’m starting to pick it up again. I also have a love for curating unique and vintage clothing and small decorative objects.

In my tiny sliver of free time, I’ve been stocking and merchandising my pieces at a local antique mall—Oceanside Antiques and Collectibles. I’m still learning how to balance it all. Sometimes, I just have to put things on the back burner to focus on more pressing matters, and then pick them back up when the time is right.

Follow Leila on Instagram

Represented by Marilyn NY

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models

Marcelle Bittar: From The Runway to Redefining Wellness

A favorite of legendary photographer Mario Testino, Marcelle Bittar was part of a coterie of Brazilian models who dominated the runways in the early aughts. With sultry good looks and unrelenting sex appeal, Marcelle featured prominently in the pages of Vogue, on the runways of Europe, and in advertising campaigns for Ferragamo, Carolina Herrera, Armani and a slew of others.

In between managing an active modeling career and motherhood, Marcelle is a practitioner of integrative nutrition. In an era dominated by influencers hawking snake oil, breaking through the noise can feel hopeless. Taking an evidence-based approach to her consulting, Marcelle offers a no-nonsense alternative to trends and unfounded promises.

What drew you to study integrative nutrition after building a successful career in modeling?

After many years in the fashion industry, I realized the importance of taking care of yourself from the inside out. Becoming a mother also shifted my perspective—I wanted to understand more about how our bodies work and how to nourish them properly.  It’s not only about being skinny but about being healthy and happy with who you are. I’ve always loved learning, and integrative nutrition felt like a natural next step for me.

How did your time in the fashion industry influence your relationship with food, body image, and wellness?

The fashion world can be intense when it comes to appearance. It taught me discipline but also made me reflect deeply on what health truly means. Over time, I learned that true wellness isn’t about extremes—it’s about balance, self-respect, and listening to your body.

What does integrative nutrition mean to you, and how does it go beyond just what we eat?

To me, integrative nutrition is about seeing the person as a whole. It’s not just focusing on food, but also on emotions, sleep, stress, relationships, and lifestyle. It’s a more complete and compassionate approach to health.

Were there any personal health or lifestyle experiences that sparked your interest in nutrition and holistic wellness?

Yes, becoming a mother was a turning point. I wanted to be a better version of myself, for both me and my daughter. Also, after years of traveling and working nonstop, I felt the need to reconnect with my body and well-being in a more meaningful way.

What are some common nutritional myths or misconceptions you’ve encountered?

There are so many! One of the biggest misconceptions is the belief that being thin automatically means being healthy, and that’s simply not true. Health goes far beyond appearance. Another common myth is the idea that you need to completely cut out carbs or fats. Both are essential when chosen with quality and balance. 

And, of course, the misconception that healthy eating has to be restrictive, boring, or all about constant sacrifice. True nutrition is about nourishment, balance, and building a lifestyle that supports both physical and emotional well-being.

What impact do you think social media has had on health information?

Social media has made wellness more accessible, but also more confusing. There’s so much information and misinformation out there.

That’s why I believe it’s important to have qualified professionals sharing balanced, evidence-based guidance. Be careful who you follow!

What’s one daily wellness habit or nutritional tip you swear by that you think more people should try?

I believe everyone should start the day with presence—taking a moment to breathe deeply upon waking and setting a positive intention for the day. A big glass of water first thing in the morning is a must. Throughout the day, take care of your gut—it’s truly your best friend. Nourish your microbiome with fiber, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods. A healthy gut means better energy, mood, immunity, and overall well-being. These small habits make a big difference in your energy, mood, and overall health.

What projects are you working on that you can share with us?

After taking some time off, I’ve recently returned to working as a model, and now I’m balancing my time between fashion, my nutrition practice, and motherhood, always making my family my top priority. I’m also focused on creating content that connects beauty, health, and lifestyle in an authentic and approachable way.

Follow Marcelle on Instagram

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models

Leilani Bishop: Championing Conservation & Its Vital Role In Our Future

A quintessential beauty, Leilani Bishop epitomized the All-American aesthetic of the ’90s with cut-glass cheekbones and a doe-eyed accessibility as she fronted campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Versus among a slew of others. Immortalized on the cover of Hole’s album Live Through This, Leilani further cemented her place in pop culture as she embodied the manic prom queen as an homage to the classic 1976 film Carrie directed by Brian De Palma.

As co-owner and president of the Yacumama Forest Carbon Project, Leilani has dedicated herself to protecting and conserving the tropical lowland floodplain forest of Yacumama.

Walk us through your involvement with the REDD+ carbon project.

The land in the Peruvian Amazon on which the project is founded has been in my family for over 30 years. My father has always been a lover of the land and felt we are all stewards of this earth. The project originally started—and is still to this day—primarily a conservation project that the Yacumama Forest Carbon Project funds.  Originally, it was an eco-lodge and an outpost for non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and scientists. My father passed away in 2024 and left the project to me and my siblings, so we are now directly responsible for all of the conservation efforts.

The REDD+ initiative has gained attention for its role in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. How do you believe REDD+ can create meaningful change in the fight against climate change?

Much of the destruction of the natural world and forests is driven by financial gain; hopefully, this will serve as an incentive for others to conserve rather than destroy.

One of the key goals of REDD+ is to balance the needs of local communities with environmental sustainability. How does the project ensure that indigenous and local communities benefit from these conservation efforts?

Our project is next to a local indigenous community that we have worked with before we were a REDD+ project.  The land and the waters that we are conserving are where they fish and hunt. We also employ members of the community and help with needs that may come up, such as health resources or building new water systems. 

Climate change is a huge global issue, and your work has a focused, grassroots approach. How do you balance the global urgency of climate action with localized, community-driven solutions?

It can all be overwhelming, but if we can all hyper-focus on our lives, environments, and our impact with our dollars it can make meaningful strides towards better practices. All areas need help so instead of spreading thin and trying to do it all, if we all can focus on our unique gifts and strengths, hopefully, it can all start to make a difference collectively.

What do you hope to see as the most tangible change in the next decade, both in the field of conservation and in terms of global environmental policies?

I hope that governments offer better protection for these lifelines, such as the Amazon and the oceans, so that we don’t have to—as individuals—fight loggers and corporate greed—which are getting support from corrupt governments.  As always, the problem is systemic, and we need countries and leaders to do better.

Beyond REDD+, what other projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you’re particularly excited about?

Since that has taken such a serious role in my life, I have been trying to have as much creativity in all other aspects of my life.  I’ve returned to improv and acting again, and I have some fun projects coming up. As well as exploring all the creativity I can, from writing to ceramics and of course modeling. I feel so lucky to have so many avenues I get to explore while the Amazon project gives me real purpose.

If you are interested in writing off your carbon footprint and/or supporting conservation in the Amazon, you can find us at Climate Trade.

Follow Leilani on Instagram

Represented by Marilyn NY

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models