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Meet the New Girl: Arizona Muse Recommends You Don’t Take Anything Personally

In the handful of newcomers that made an impact this season, Arizona Muse is the leader of the pack. The New Mexico native had a ridiculously strong Fashion Week debut. But let’s go to the beginning. Three years ago, Muse was spotted in all of her sun-kissed, hippie glory when Next Model Management signed the Gabriel García Márquez fan. During her first trip to New York, she booked spreads for Allure and French Revue de Modes. Muse then decided to take a hiatus from modeling, giving birth to her son, Nikko. Now, at the age of 20, she debuted as the first and last face at BCBG Max Azria’s latest show. She also walked for Narciso Rodriguez, Altuzarra, and Marc Jacobs before leaving for Milan. Meanwhile, casting director Russell Marsh met with Miuccia Prada and it was then decided that Muse was to open and close for Prada’s spring collection as an exclusive. Rounding out a successful four-week run, Muse also opened and closed for Miu Miu in Paris on top of her opening looks at Rochas, Chloé, The Row, and Kenzo. And she closed out Yves Saint Laurent to boot. Click ahead to read a brief Q&A with Muse, and then visit her new model profile to see loads of on- and off-the-runway pics.

What a breakthrough you had this season, opening and closing for BCBG Max Azria, Prada, and Miu Miu. Can you share with us the casting process that you went through?
It’s been really interesting to learn how the whole process works. First I met casting directors, who then sent me on to meet the clients, and who then called me back for fittings. Then it all started over again in Milan [for Prada], and then again in Paris [for Miu Miu]. That’s the briefest of brief summaries.

Gives us some beauty tips that keep you looking fresh.
I drink a lot of water. It sounds too simple, but it’s a miracle.

How do you decompress after a long day of working?
I go home and play with my son, Nikko.

If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would you meet?
Probably one of the Greek goddesses, Athena or Aphrodite.

What’s the hardest thing about modeling?
Sometimes I find it hard to meet and work with new people every day. But the longer I do it the more often I get to work with the same people, so that’s getting better.

Favorite fashion capital?
Paris was my favorite. I just love the city and feel so good when I’m there.

What’s your advice for newbie models trying to break through?
Be yourself and keep logical perspective, don’t take things personally.

Explore other rising stars (plus all the big names) in our extensive Model Manual, featuring runway pics, glamorous editorials, model bios, career timelines, and more.

Meet the New Girl: Arizona Muse Recommends You Don’t Take Anything Personally