'Normal' Cindy says fame and fortune aren't picnic
JAKARTA (JP): Many women may envy her. She seems to have everything, a reputable position among the international fashion catwalk goddesses, money, and a `happy marriage'.
But top model Cindy Crawford really misses normality.
"The happiest moment in my life is being with my husband and my family. They are people who love me unconditionally. I need it to face this hard life," the 28-year-old top model who married sex-symbol Richard Gere, told a limited audience at a special meeting to honor her arrival at the Sahid Jaya Hotel yesterday morning.
Clad in a black tight mini skirt teamed with a leather jacket and black sandals, Crawford's appearance was far from her glamorous image.
Surrounded by a number of unfriendly local bodyguards, the smiling clothes-horse started to chat with the guests who included prominent local designers, models, and press people.
"I wish I could become a teacher as suggested by my father so I could probably lead a decent life. As a model, I have to work extremely hard for almost 24 hours a day. But, anyway, I can make a good fortune," said Crawford, who earns between US$10,000 to $15,000 per show.
Crawford, who is at the peak of her profession, started her modeling career at 17 years old with a local advertising company in her home-town of Chicago, Illinois.
Getting rid of her dream of becoming the first woman president of the United States or a nuclear expert, she took part in a modeling contest organized by Elite Model Management Look in l983.
She became one of the 15 finalists and the road to a professional modeling career was wide open for her. Her career rocketed when she moved to New York and became the first American model who easily penetrated the restricted and prestigious Paris and Milan catwalks, usually dominated by European models.
In addition to her modeling career, she also acts as a representative for the major cosmetics company, Revlon, and Pepsi Cola.
"Up to the present, I still can't believe what I have already achieved in life. But for sure, working hard is a key to my current success and I really like sharing my experience with other models, especially the newcomers," said the model from a humble background.
Crawford's two-day visit to Indonesia, organized jointly by Putri Pertiwi foundation and the private television station RCTI, is meant to encourage the development of the local modeling scene. She was also a special guest star at the finals of a modeling contest last night.
However, many fashion observers questioned the effectiveness of inviting top models for a short time.
"How can we take advantages from such events?" a senior fashion editor said.
Beauty
The organizing committee answered that the local models may benefit from Crawford's experience as a supermodel.
Crawford, who likes wearing Giani Versace and Dolce Galbana's outfits, explained that beauty is not enough to make people successful in modeling world. Being professional is a must for a model. She or he should also be able to think on their feet.
Another significant factor which helps shoot a model into stardom is good luck, she said.
Explaining her own concept of beauty, Crawford said she emphasizes personality and inner feeling.
"I'm not afraid of getting old and retreating from the modeling world. It's a natural process. Currently, I have a lot of activities."
Presently she is branching into other professions as a TV broadcaster and physical fitness instructor. She hosts MTV's House of Style and has released a video on aerobics Shape Your Body.
Along with her husband, she is actively involved in various environmental and health projects. They also support the Tibetan Freedom Movement, gay and lesbian rights and other humanitarian activities.
When asked about her personal life, she said like other people she and her husband really deserve privacy.
Unfortunately, this is almost impossible for them, a couple known as the "sexiest in Hollywood." Sour rumors and gossip always swirl against their marriage, recently replied to by the couple in a one page advertisement in The Times of London.
Apart from that, "We always ignore such gossip. Richard is a modest man. I learn a lot about Buddhist philosophy and other intellectual activities," Crawford said of her marriage.
However, she admitted that it is very difficult to maintain their marriage because they have very tight schedules.
"At home, I'm not Cindy, a top model, I'm just a wife who feels jealous whenever I watch my husband casting with sexy actresses. It is not nice to watch Richard playing with Sharon Stone, for instance," she said.
Being a super model is not always pleasant for her.
"I'm nothing but a normal person who is very professional." (raw)