Sydney, Australia.
One of the world’s truly breath-taking cities, the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia is a sight truly to behold.
Thanks to it’s world-famous Sydney Harbor, Royal National Park, Royal Botanic Garden and man-made attractions such as the world-renowned Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower and Sydney Harbor Bridge, the city of five million-plus is one of the world’s greatest and most important cities.
Founded in 1788 as a penal colony by British settlers, Sydney has grown from a former British colonial outpost to a major international cultural and economic hub of Australia. A 2000 Summer Olympics host, Sydney is among the most visited cities in the world, and thanks to it being a center of finance, tourism and manufacturing, it is also one of the world’s most expensive and living cities as well.
One of the top fashion and entertainment capitals in the world today, Sydney hosts the Australian Fashion Week and has been one of Hollywood’s top exotic locales for international filming, thanks to blockbuster films such as The Matrix, Mission Impossible II and Moulin Rouge being shot there.
Sydney has also had some notable Hollywood alumni study at it’s world-renowned National Institute of Art such as Mel Gibson and Cate Blanchett. Another Sydneysider set to make a name for herself both on the modeling runway and off is Instagram fashion model, Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel.
Sprengel, born to parents of both Polish and German heritage, moved from Sydney to Poland when she was six, only to come back again at 19. During her time in her native Poland, the blond-haired stunner lived in the central town of Jarocin before going to study at university in neighboring Poznan.
Back in Australia, Sprengel would model for brands such as Aussie-based online swimsuit brand, Bikini Love, and headwear brand, South Cali Sunglasses. A published poet and journalist, Sprengel has published blogs for websites such as lifestyle website, Balling On A Budget
Set to be the main multimedia contact this coming September for one of Sydney’s biggest fashion events at Darling Harbor, Trans Ocean Pacifika Runway, Sprengel will help showcase the works of Pasifika fashion designers.
Talented. Smart. Fashionable, the 5’6 blond-haired curvy Polish-Australian beauty is one to watch and follow on the runway and on Instagram page of 5.3K followers. Below is my Q and A with the muse and part-time agent provocateur as we discuss modeling, looking good for the summer and her love of porridge!
Name: Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel
Age: 22
Height: 167 cm (5’6)
Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
Measurements: 33-27-37
Modeling Agency: Freelance model
Social Media Links: Facebook: Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel | Twitter: @KatarzynaAurora | Instagram: @katarzyna_sprengel
Robert D. Cobb: What kind of model do you consider yourself? (Instagram, pin-up/glamour, fashion)
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “I consider myself a variety of the above because I know myself and if I limit myself to one style, I would get immensely bored an uninspired. I have started as a boudoir and glamour model – I still do work in this genre, but I’ve decided to pursue fashion now.
As unoriginal as it sounds, I am also an Instagram model – which model isn’t nowadays? However, I am grateful to the Instagram community since it helped me develop a network and a platform through which I can access possibilities that otherwise wouldn’t be that easy to attain.”
Robert D. Cobb: What brands have you modeled for? Which one do you enjoy modeling for the most?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “I’ve modelled for an online bikini store www.bikinilove.com.au thanks to the stylist Dana Randall (@danarandallstylist). It was a very impromptu shoot due to some previous organizational complications, but we made it work! I would say we’ve winged it excellently.
I was modelling in the bikinis in my apartment because a big storm surprised us and we could no longer shoot at the beach. This plan B was so much fun! Also, I really recommend the bikinis – they are unique and come in amazing ranges. If you would like a discount, use my code: kats !
Recently I’ve also been doing some promo work and modelling for www.southcali.com.au who sell fantastic sunglasses. For them you can also get a discount with my code: ksprengel”
Robert D. Cobb: Where has been your favorite place to shoot?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “I think New Zealand, where I’ve been in February this year. Shooting with Richard Abbott (@bubba_nz) in Wellington was a delight since the photographer drove me around to different locations and I think we really made the most out of it. The photoshoot with Ilan Wittenberg, who was acclaimed the best Auckland Photographer of 2015 and 2016, took place at a mesmerizing beach just before and during sunrise. I will never forget the freedom I felt there.”
Robert D. Cobb: What is the most exciting aspect of modeling?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “The opportunity to be who you want or fantasize about being at times, playing with this image in your head and making it work. Even if it doesn’t always turn up the way you wanted it to be, it’s fun and it teaches you a lot about your capabilities and personality.
Moreover, I really enjoy networking with people within the industry – not only photographers, but also makeup artists, stylists, publishers etc. Collaborating and connecting with creative people makes me even more driven to give my best and hustle harder.”
Robert D. Cobb: With spring now here and summer right around the corner, what fashion and style tips and trends do you have for looking good when the temperature drops?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “A fashionable scarf is never a bad option! Pick a simple one if your outfit is patterned – and the other way round. I love a well-matching lipstick – it should accentuate your best features. Don’t forget to use sun cream, moisture your skin and protect it from wind to prevent it from getting dry!”
Robert D. Cobb: Within the industry, who is your inspiration?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “That’s a tough one since there is a multitude of beautiful and talented models out there. I would say Kate Moss and Linda Evangelista.”
Robert D. Cobb: What is your secret to staying in shape?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “This might sound ridiculous and you might not believe me, but I think I owe my figure to…porridge! No joke! This has been my breakfast (and sometimes even lunch or dinner) for over three years now! I love porridge and laugh I’m the Porridge Queen… It is full of fibre and hence fills you up for long hours, and you can add goodness such as blueberries, banana and nuts.
When I cook, I try to use spices such as cinnamon, turmeric and cardamom. They help with digestion and are believed to speed up your metabolism. Tea is also good – all kinds, but particularly green, white and red tea! I try to go to the gym or exercise in some form at least 6 days a week. Oh, and stay hydrated!”
Robert D. Cobb: Outside of modeling, what are your hobbies?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “Probably too many for my own good! I’m also a journalist, writer, poet and signer. Playing the piano and writing helps me express my emotions and connect to my soul. When I find time I also like to draw or paint and when I’m not being photographed, I enjoy taking pictures myself!”
Sports question: Who are your favorite teams and clubs?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “I’m not even going to pretend I have any!”
Robert D. Cobb: What are your favorite cities to travel to?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “Florence, New York and Warsaw in my country.”
Robert D. Cobb: What advice would you give to women aspiring to get into modeling?
Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel: “Trust yourself and your instinct- if it tells you something is dodgy or too good to be true, it most possibly is. Make sure you have a decent portfolio with high resolution pictures. Try and make your photos look different so they stand out from the rest.
Know your boundaries and let photographers know about them. Know your possibilities, but always aspire to be more. Be realistic. Experiment with styles until you find the ones that you feel best in and think suit you best. Do NOT listen to negativity of jealous people – the higher of the Industry’s ladder you will get and the more noticeable you will become, the more critique you will receive. You must distinguish genuine constructive criticism from hating.
Always network! Engage, but don’t be overly nice to the point where people might suspect you’re fake.”
Special thanks to Ms. Katarzyna Aurora Sprengel for her time and assistence during the Q and A interview process. Images used are with permission and the property of their respective owners.