Caroline De Maigret

Caroline de Maigret is a French top model who has had a wide spectrum of jobs in the modelling industry – from very edgy to classic and from commercial to beauty. Lindbergh, Testino, Terry Richardson, Inez and Vinoodh, Juergen Teller are just a few photographers who have worked with Caroline. In 2006 her admiration for music made her start, together with Yarol Popaud, Bonus Tracks Records. Let’s discover more about Paris, her projects, modelling career and publishing company!

Caroline De Maigret

Could you please summerize your background and career?
I’m grand daughter of Prince Michel Poniatowski (former Minister of the Interior and Health in France), daughter of Count Bertrand de Maigret, I started modeling in 1994 after studying Politic Sciences and Modern Literature at La Sorbonne University. I instantly started to work with Mario Testino, Peter Lindbergh and Terry Richardson, walking shows for Chanel, Balenciaga or Marc Jacobs. In 2006, I created my rock music label – Bonus Tracks Records – with my partner, the great guitarist Yarol Poupaud. The same year, I gave birth to our son, Anton. Since 2008, we also have a publishing company – Yarock Editions – producing soundtracks and music for ads. In 2010, I started producing various artistic events (from concerts to photo exhibitions) along with multiple fashion videos for internet. In 2011, we were nominated by the Cesar Academy (french Oscar) for “Best Soundtrack” of the year. While working on my producer career, in 2011, Chanel asked me to go back on the catwalk. The fashion industry followed. Appearing in Italian Vogue, Vogue US, Vogue UK or ID… shooting again with Steven Meisel, Inez & Vinoodh, Mikael Jansson or Karl Lagerfeld. Shows for Alexander Wang, Margiela, Ungaro, Chanel… I’m now represented, since january 1st 2012, by Next Models worldwide.

How did you get into modelling and how long have you been doing it?
After graduating from an economic degree, I studied politic sciences then french literature at La Sorbonne University. Different model scouts asked me in the streets of Paris. Quite fast, I integrated a model agency. That was  perfect, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, so at least I could travel. I decided to move right away to New York.

Caroline De Maigret

Did someone inspire or guide your first steps?
My first editorial was French Glamour with Mario Testino, that was a nice start and of course, Saif Mahdhi, my agent for the last 15 years and a dear friend now, who believed in me the first day we met.

What is your role at Bonus Tracks Records? Do you have a daily routine there?
No routine, that’s why I do this job! Art director, produce concerts, soundtracks, search for clients, take care of the contracts and the bills (that’s the yawning part, I mean, really!). My Blackberry is definitely my saviour to juggle between my jobs!

What is on your iPod now? Any suggestion on upcoming new bands?
Hanni El Khatib, Sallie Ford and the sound outside, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Chopin, RunDMC.

What is the collaboration you’re looking forward to? Why?
I’m working a lot with Chanel now and it is close to magic. They are much more than “couture”, they are strongly involved in all kind of Arts, helping young artists to develop.

Caroline De Maigret

What are your favorite places in your city that you’d recommend to visit?
Pigalle where I live. It is still Paris for me, with real bars and people, with its music shops. There is still something quite raw.

Would you ever change your job for something different? If yes, for what?
I already have different jobs, music producer, video producer, journalist, consultant, model, etc!

What’s the latest project you have been working on?
Release of Black Minou’s album on March 15th (vinyl and digital only, bye bye CDs). Going in March for 2 months in Los Angeles for a big music project we’re working on.

Future plans?
Curating a photo exhibition in Paris of Annemarieke Van Drimmlen, a young dutch photographer I love.

Who is the woman you’d like to see featured/ interviewed here?
Charlotte Rampling.

www.black-minou.com