Alex Mariah Peter
The “GNTM” winner shows her first own collection
Alex Mariah Peter has had an exciting year.
© Peek&Cloppenburg Dusseldorf
Alex Mariah Peter fulfills a dream. The “GNTM” winner presents her first own collection. These are her favorite pieces.
Alex Mariah Peters (24) won “Germany’s next top model” a year ago. In the past few months, “one highlight followed the next,” enthuses the 24-year-old. The next milestone for the model follows on May 27th: Peters presents her first own collection at Peek & Cloppenburg Düsseldorf. In an interview, she explains what the fans can expect and what tips the 24-year-old can give to this year’s finalists shortly before the “GNTM” finale on May 26th.
Dear Alex, your “GNTM” victory is now a year ago. Is model life what you imagined it to be?
Alex Mariah Peter: Absolutely! However, it is very important for me to emphasize that I did not have an exaggerated, romanticized idea of model life before. I was very aware that it is a hard and physical job. I’ve always had incredible respect for anyone who does it. My luxury of being able to use the symbiosis of models, social media and also TV takes a lot of pressure off me, so that I can incredibly enjoy the job in all areas.
Which highlights do you particularly like to look back on?
Alex: It’s always incredibly difficult for me to highlight one point from the entire journey, because one highlight has actually chased the next. I love the saying “the best is yet to come”, because it has been confirmed again and again – great things have been followed by even greater ones, like now, for example, my own collection with Peek & Cloppenburg Düsseldorf.
What tips can you give the new “GNTM” winner?
Alex: I was allowed to accompany the finalists, but also the top 20, during their rehearsals for the final. My tip before the final: “Enjoy it – don’t think so much about the competition because it’s the last time you’ll be on this stage and you’ll miss it.” Very important afterwards: “Stay true to yourself!” Ask yourself: “What do you want to do and in which direction do you want to go?”. Most importantly, “Don’t lie to yourself, because when you’re alone with yourself, there’s no reason to lie to yourself.”
Together with Peek & Cloppenburg Düsseldorf you are now launching your own collection for the first time. What are your favorite pieces?
Alex: Definitely the dress and the crop sweater.
Which fashion trends do you prefer to wear at the moment?
Alex: I love that casual-chic has been reimagined. The integration of sweatwear brings the comfy existence to the fore and I appreciate that to the fullest! (laughs)
Which trends should fashionistas definitely not miss this year?
Alex: I don’t follow trends that much myself. It is much more important for fashionistas to stay true to themselves and create their own trends.
Whom do you ask for fashion advice yourself, where do you get your inspiration from?
Alex: There’s a lot: Of course I have a lot of girlfriends who work in the fashion industry, as well as the fashion designer Ann-Christin Haas, who became a good friend of mine after filming and is always there to advise me.
Who are your fashion role models?
Alex: I’ve always had a problem with role models because I think you can get inspiration from anywhere, but in the end you have to find your own way. One should concentrate less on a role model, but instead allow as many impressions as possible to sink in and then reinterpret them for oneself.
What is your absolute must-have in summer?
Alex: A hair tie, because I sweat very easily at the roots of my hair, and definitely a pair of sunglasses.
Could you also imagine a career as a designer alongside your modeling career?
Alex: Absolutely. I was a bit more cautious because I want people to feel comfortable in the styles of my first collection with Peek & Cloppenburg Düsseldorf – I think that should always be the aim. I’ve made an effort to appeal to a very broad target group with my style and I look forward to becoming increasingly daring in subsequent collections. The response to this collection will show whether it can become even more daring in the future, for example in terms of cut or fit.
What other projects do you have planned for this year?
Alex: You can’t talk about most important projects in advance, but there’s definitely still a lot in the pipeline. I hope other people are as excited about this as I am and I’m so excited to be able to share it with so many people.
There are two independent companies Peek & Cloppenburg with headquarters in Düsseldorf and Hamburg. Alex Mariah Peter’s collection is a cooperation with Peek & Cloppenburg Düsseldorf, whose store locations can be found at www.peek-cloppenburg.de/standorte.