cosmopolitan magazine - 2002

 

Cosmo Supermodel Molly Sims

Chat with Molly Sims
You may know her from MTV's House of Style, Old Navy commercials, and her famous Cover Girl ads -- now get to know her up close and personal. Find out what Cosmo's cover model had to say about her life, career and style! Plus, we included a special bio for all of the Molly Sims fans out there.
Q: Can you tell us how you got into modeling?


A: I went to Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee, for two years. While in college I became friends with another model, and she talked me into getting pictures made. Those pictures were sent to New York, and then I went to visit all of the agencies in New York. I signed with Next Model Management one week later -- I've been with them ever since!

Q: I was looking at some images of you, and there are many different types -- casual, swimsuit and so many others. Which kind of photo shoot do you like the most? Which are more fun?

A: Swimsuit and lingerie are a little difficult sometimes, but they're also the most fun because you get to travel. For Sports Illustrated, I went to Argentina -- that was pretty fun! Commercials are great too, but they involve really long days. Covers are pretty hard because you need to get just the right shot. It definitely looks easier than it is.

Q: I really loved you in House of Style. What is the best part of being a model? And the worst?

A: Traveling is the best and the worse part of modeling. The great thing is that you get to go to many exotic locations, but the bad part is that you usually end up going alone. While traveling, you can also meet lots of great, interesting people! So far, I've had the opportunity to live in London, Paris, Germany and Milan. Now I'm bicoastal between L.A. and New York.

Q: If you could let the world know one misconception about you, what would it be?

A: Sometimes people want to approach me, especially guys, because they're interested in seeing how I respond to them. However, after they get to know me, they realize that I'm not what they originally thought. They usually think I'm just a pretty face. The biggest misconception is that people don't realize that I'm southern until they hear me speak.



More Chat with Molly Sims
Q: If you could trade your life of glamour and fame, would you, and why? Do you ever wish for a "normal" life outside of the limelight?

A: Well, believe it or not, I actually live a pretty normal life. I may travel a lot and work odd hours, but on my time off I'm a really normal girl. For example, I go to the movies, I read a lot, I hang out and barbecue with friends, and I love to play with my dog. Her name is Poopette and right now she is pregnant!

Q: How old are you? Is it difficult to maintain a relationship because you travel so much?

A: I just turned 27. I'm a Gemini. It certainly is difficult to maintain a relationship because I travel a lot, but I've learned to make time for what I want.

Q: Have you met anyone who made you starstruck?

A: At the Ocean's Eleven premiere, George Clooney tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if I was from Kentucky. I almost peed in my pants -- he's so hot!

Q: Are you breeding your puppy? Or did she wander off on one romantic night, Lady and the Tramp style, with the meatballs and moonlight?

A: It was an accident, but luckily it was with her boyfriend, Toby, who's a full-bred Yorkie as well. I call her my little slut!

Q: Are you going to make an attempt at acting or singing? Also, what do you have in your CD player at the moment?

A: I am going into acting. I've been taking the Meisner course in L.A. with a teacher named Martine Barter. I absolutely love it! Currently, I have Dave Matthews Band, Eminem, Sheryl Crow and John Hiatt in my CD player.

Q: Your swimsuit shots look awfully hot. Does your makeup get smudged? Do you have to be refreshed every three minutes?

A: Swimsuit shots are difficult, especially when you're sweating immensely, which is why they touch you up about every five minutes. To get ready for a swimsuit shot, I usually use Decléor fake tan. It gives you great color without being in the sun -- there will be no tanning beds for me.



More Chat with Molly Sims
Q: What were you doing on September 11, 2002? And has the attack made you second-guess everything when you go to faraway photo shoots?

A: I traveled from Kentucky to New York on September 10th and arrived safely late in the evening. On September 11th, I was with friends and family. Of course it has made me rethink getting on planes, but you have to do what you have to do. It still makes me nervous, though.

Q: Hairstyles with hair in the face and long bangs in the eyes have become popular lately, especially with models. Do you like the bangs over the eyes style? Would you recommend it?

A: I started using that look about four months ago, and it's definitely a look to get. However, it is sometimes hard to wear. I like to keep changing my look because it's always fun to try different hairstyles. You only live once.

Q: Do you ever get bored at premieres and special events? Do you ever think, "God, what am I doing here? I just want to be at home!" Or is it a Cinderella feeling?

A: Well, I was supposed to go to an event tonight, but instead I'm lying in my bed, talking to you guys. Sometimes it does get old, but it's always fun to do a little star watching. And yes, I still get impressed.

Q: I've been modeling since I was young and I have a portfolio too, but I haven't tried to pursue a career yet. What do agencies look for in a model?

A: Modeling agencies look at the following criteria: 1) photogenic quality, 2) height, 3) age and 4) willingness to work hard.

Q: The shoe shopper in me must know if you get to keep the things you model.

A: Normally, you don't get a chance to keep many clothes in modeling, but every now and then you get to keep something good. And by the way, I love anything pointed, like stilettos. Shoes are a girl's best friend.

Q: I think I'm going to try to get your haircut, but I noticed you said it was hard to wear. Any advice?

A: Make sure your cut is right above your eyes, but don't get it cut straight across -- it should be jagged at the end, for a wispy effect. Since your bangs will be long, it will also be easy to grow out. Just don't cut them too far back. I think you should definitely go for it. It's a great hairstyle.

Molly's Bio
From supermodel to TV host, Molly Sims is well on her way to stardom. In the past year since landing the coveted role as host of MTV's House of Style, following in the footsteps of icons Cindy Crawford, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos and Amber Valetta, Molly's career has soared. In addition to extending her contract with MTV, she is now representing two of the world's premier corporations. Molly just signed an exclusive, multiyear contract with Cover Girl Cosmetics, joining an elite group of spokeswomen. Furthermore, the southern beauty receives just as much attention and admiration from her Old Navy commercials as she does from House of Style.

Molly has been featured in advertising campaigns for Old Navy, M&Ms, Nautica, Armani, Chanel, H&M and Maidenform. Acting was a natural extension of her career.