While most of Tyra’s girls haven’t done much since America’s Next Top Model,
21-year-old Suvi Koponen (left, in Armani's fall 2009 campaign) still gives aspiring reality-TV models hope. After
becoming a contestant on Model School (Finland’s version of Top Model) in 2005 on a whim,
Koponen walked away with the winning title and quickly landed spring 2007
exclusives for Prada and Miu Miu. “It was more like a joke! My friend and I
just wanted to see if we would get in, but she couldn't come so I went by
myself,” she says. During the last round of shows, Kopenen walked for Marc
Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Rick Owens. Recently, she struck an idyllic
pose for V Magazine’s September issue and can currently be seen in Emporio
Armani’s fall 2009 campaign.
Above: Marc Jacobs spring 2010, Marc by Marc Jacobs spring 2010
What was it like being on Model School?
It was fun; it wasn't like America’s Next Top Model where the girls have to do ridiculous things and the judges are really mean to them. Our show was basically a school. They didn't expect us to know anything; we were there to learn.
You recently moved to Brooklyn. What do you like about the scene there?
I love Brooklyn! It has so many nice restaurants and cool bars. I really love my apartment, so I’m always having friends over to watch movies and such. There's a dog park near us, which is great since my boyfriend, Tyler [Riggs], and I have three dogs.
Above: Armani's fall 2009 campaign
You hang out with a lot of models; who are your closest friends in the industry?
My boyfriend, Stas [Svetlichnyy], Heidi Mount, Cat McNeil, Alana Zimmer, Meghan Collison, Abbey [Lee Kershaw] and Steph Carta.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I love snacks—nuts, chips, cookies, candy!
From left: Blumarine's spring 2009 campaign; Calvin Klein's fall 2008 campaign
Is it true you have a little bit of a shopping problem?
Yes, I love buying random things. I can't even walk into a place without leaving with something I definitely won't need.
Who are your favorite designers?
Richard Chai and Marc Jacobs. They’re really cool and so talented.
From top: Koponen on the cover of V Magazine's September 2009 issue; Numero Magazine's March 2008 issue
You have several tattoos, what do they stand for?
I have my initials (S.M.K.) on my neck, which are also the first letters of everyone in my family; the Aries sign behind my right ear; the word “imported” under my right breast; the number five on my left side—its the number of people in my family and my lucky number. I also have “Cat” on my right wrist, 3 lines on my left wrist that stand for my brother, my sister and myself; the words "simple but true" on my right foot and a little cross on my left ankle.
Gap Jeans (Japan) spring 2009 campaign (Koponen at far right)
Check back next Tuesday for the next installment of "The Skinny." Read our previous model Q&As here.
Runway photos: WWD Staff.
