I got in contact with Aristoula through Mark van Westerop. Mark is, as you all know by now, the fabulous hairdresser and stylist I work with for AndBloom.
One day he called me to tell me about a client of his, a beautiful woman with the loveliest long hair. Since I am always looking for women over 40 and of different nationalities for my project, I was thrilled to portray this Greek beauty.
Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:
My name is Aristoula, I am Greek, I was born and grew up in Germany. I studied English and German Philology in Düsseldorf and, I worked for many years in fashion (my passion!!!!) during and after my studies.
I have always dreamed of a career in fashion. When I was young I wanted to study fashion design, but my father wanted me to study something more ‘decent’ and ‘conservative.’ I love to travel, the most amazing moments were in Cambodia and Oman. I married in 2007, after which I moved to the Netherlands and been living here ever since.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The birth of my daughter. Having her in my life makes me a more vibrant person.
What’s on your nightstand?
I always have a bottle of water next to my bed. And some magazines for inspiration and sleepless nights.
What’s Your Career Now?
At this moment, I am teaching the German language at an international school.
If you could tweet something to your younger self, what would you say?
Travel the world and keep on dreaming, and go follow those dreams.
What’s the one thing you most hope for personally in the coming year?
I wish that everyone around me stays healthy and happy. Nothing holds me more back and puts me down when my dear ones have tough times. If everything is fine, I am literally flying … not even the sky is the limit.
What would you say is the strangest thing about becoming an older woman?
I never really think about my age. I don’t feel different now than when I was 20 or 30. I just keep going and walking through life with the same curiosity and naivety. The only strange thing is/are the reactions of people when they ask me about my age. People have specific ideas about how you have to look, behave, dress, etc. at different stages of life. If someone does not fit in this scheme, it is strange for them.
Last great book you read?
Margaret Atwood, Bodily Harm.
What Do you Regret Most?
I hurt a dear person to me once, I really regret that. And not being there when I was needed.
How old are you?
I am 47.
Aristoula is wearing a dress by Celine
Makeup: Esther van Maanen
Hair: Mark van Westerop
Styling: Dayenne Bekker
