Laras Sekar Arum is making Indonesia proud! The 18 year-old runway stunner is recently signed with one of the world’s most respected agencies, Ford Paris. During her busy Paris trip last November, we talked with her about her favourite music genres, essential items she carry around, and the ultimate question of how did she get scouted.
Laras is represented by Native Models ID, Jakarta and Ford Paris.
Polaroids are courtesy of art8amby and Lukimages.
First of all, we would like to congratulate you on getting signed with Ford Paris! Could you share with us about the exciting process on how you got scouted by them?
Well, thank you so much! To be honest I feel like I am still dreaming and I haven’t woken up since September. I am so lucky that I am currently here in Paris, France, and that I am given the chance to work with amazing people that I can learn a lot from. It all started when I first join my mother agency in Jakarta, Indonesia, called Native Models ID.
They started taking my polaroids and posted some on Instagram. Days later, I was approached by Ford Paris. Native Models ID, Ford Paris and I were working on my travel plan after that, and now I am on their board, signed the contract recently.
Tell us a bit more about you, Laras!
I was born in Balikpapan, East kalimantan on December 15th, 1997. I have two brothers and one sister, and I am the youngest.
Can you share with us the story on how you started modelling?
I was born and raised in Balikpapan, and when I was 17, I went to Jakarta for holiday. While I was there a friend of mine asked me to join an open casting for models held by a model agency based in Jakarta. I had no idea what to expect but I was chosen as one of their models. However, I was still finishing high school back then. I had my share of going back and forth Balikpapan and Jakarta for some jobs. When I graduated high school, I finally had the guts to asked my parents to let me stay in Jakarta and pursue my modelling career. It took a while for my parents to let me go, but now they support me.
Who are the models that you look up to as inspiration to work in this industry?
Kate Moss, I love her!
Opening Prada and Chanel and landed the cover slot of Vogue Italia are some of models biggest dreams. What would be your dream job in modeling industry?
Walk for international fashion weeks and all of those you just mentioned, of course!
What is your daily beauty routine, and how do you maintain your physique?
Don’t really have a daily routine to be honest. Basic skin care and vitamins are essentials. I wear lotion no matter what, this is number one on my beauty list. I also don’t leave house without applying it on the back of my hands. Drink plenty of water. I always try to make sure I drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
How do you usually style yourself during casting and what are the essential items you carry on your bag everywhere?
Wear something simple and casual, like a cool jacket or some oversized sweater/shirt/tank top with short pants or high-waisted skinny jeans.
I basically carry around the same things every single day, just switching some stuff out once in awhile. I obviously always have my wallet with me because I can’t be without it.
I try to keep my bag as organized as possible, which is why I always have a shiny wallet because I need something easy to spot to grab the cash, and tiny little makeup bag with me. It holds my smaller essentials so that they don’t get lost in the bottom of my bag. I always make sure to have a variety of lip salves to keep my lips feeling soft, sanitary wipes for when I need to go to toilet, make up and perfume. It’s important to always look fresh-faced when you go to castings and meeting clients.
I try to always keep my charger with me just in case my cell phone battery is dying in the middle of the day. I carry a lot of stuffs in my bag because I have motto “be prepared”.
Who is your all-time favourite singer or band?
I’m a music lover, so I listen to everything literally without complaining about it, but I do have my favorite genres. I like electronic like Breakbot, I like pop a lot. I like HAIM. I love classical music too. I like the violin and the piano and the guitar. Anything with those sounds will turn me on. I like trance music as well. I like jazz such as Jamie Cullum. I like indie music as well! I just love everything really, but it depends on the mood I’m in.
What you usually do during your free time? What is your guilty pleasure? And what is your hidden talent that nobody knows?
I love to eat anything sweet! That’s my guiltiest of pleasure. I don’t think I have a hidden talent.
Lastly, what would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
Literally, I have no idea. I think I’d be trying to find my passion other than modelling.
