This story is taken from the spring 2024 issue of Dazed. Pre-order a copy of the magazine here.
While the rest of us were hunched over our school desks cramming for exams, Vittoria Ceretti had a slew of runway appearances already under her belt. Discovered as a fledgling baby model aged just 14, she caught the eye of Karl Lagerfeld, who stayed obsessed with her dark beauty and cool, aloof stare right up until he passed away in 2019. Even now, with 10 years on the clock, she’s got fashion in a chokehold, fronting campaigns for Gucci, Dior and Balenciaga to name just a few – but then, when you have the ability to shapeshift from va-va-voom baddie to ice queen and back again in the blink of an eye, it should come as no surprise.
What are you most likely to get cancelled for?
Vittoria Ceretti: Probably punching one of those very rude people that walk into changing rooms at shows when girls are changing.
What three albums would you take with you if you were stuck on a desert island?
Vittoria Ceretti: I mean... How long would I be stuck for?! I think that’s an important detail. If I’m on a desert island for about a month, I’m bringing ‘I See You’ by The xx, ‘Magdalene’ by FKA twigs and ‘Actual Life’ by Fred Again.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Vittoria Ceretti: I had a phase that lasted until I was around 12 where I really wanted to be a vet. Weirdly enough, to this day I would love to be a psychologist or a dentist.
What was the first show you ever walked and how did you feel walking it?
Vittoria Ceretti: My first show was Kristina Ti. I must have been 14 years old, and I had no idea what I was doing. I remember during my multiple callbacks; the team was trying to teach me how to walk in heels as I had never actually worn heels up to that day. My walk was hilarious.
Is there one show you’d love to walk that you haven’t yet?
Vittoria Ceretti: Balenciaga. I’ve walked the couture show, but not the ready-to-wear. I’d also love to walk Prada with Raf. And Margiela! I’ve been wanting to, walk it for so long, but I was always tied up with other shows or shoots at the same time.
What would you go back and tell your 12-year-old self if you could travel back in time?
Vittoria Ceretti: Don’t mind all the guys and girls bullying you in school. One day they will go around proud of themselves, telling people how they knew you growing up.
Would you prefer to go to space or the bottom of the ocean?
Vittoria Ceretti: Bottom of the ocean! I have a deep love for the ocean, and at the same time a terrible fear of the unknown and the darkness. We’ve explored more of what’s above us than what’s underneath us.
When was the last time you used your voice to speak up for something you believed in?
Vittoria Ceretti: I rarely speak up on social media. I’m better at defending what I believe in face-to-face with other people. Honestly, I can’t remember when the last time I used my voice in a public way, but I have no problem standing up for my beliefs in person.
Would you prefer to go to space or the bottom of the ocean?
Vittoria Ceretti: Bottom of the ocean! I have a deep love for the ocean, and at the same time a terrible fear of the unknown and the darkness. We’ve explored more of what’s above us than what’s underneath us.
What did your school report card say?
Vittoria Ceretti: I was a bad student. I got bad grades all around, except for Italian and history, and only then because I had a great tutor: my aunt, who is a teacher herself. I was decent in English, thanks to another tutor: my other aunt.
What’s your death row meal?
Vittoria Ceretti: I’d start with yellowtail jalapeño by Nobu, then the specialità pizza and piccatine al limone by Cipriani, and corn agnolotti by Jon & Vinny’s. Then I’d top it off with a glass of oat milk and my mom’s amaretti and chocolate cake. Paired with a glass of sassicaia and a spicy margarita on the rocks, obviously.
Who’s the last person you texted and what does the message say?
Vittoria Ceretti: My friend Vito. The message says, ‘You can stay with me on the 6th in New York.’
Hair AKEMI KISHIDA at MA+ using HAIR RITUEL BY SISLEY, make-up CÉCILE PARAVINA at BRYANT ARTISTS using CHANEL BEAUTY, nails CAM TRAN at ARTLIST using MANICURIST, model VITTORIA CERETTI at ELITE, set design FELIX GESNOUIN at TOTAL WORLD, photographic assistants PIERRE NOWAK, ROMAIN JOUVIE, PATRICIA ZHENG, styling assistants AROUA AMMARI, CAMILLA POCE, hair assistant VERONICA LICCARDI, make-up assistant SARAH CARLIER, set design assistants PALOMA LARATTE, ELFRIED GRATAS, MEHDY BRIAND, stunt coordination PATRICK CAUDERLIER, stunt coordination assistant CHARLES LECOQ, digital operator ANTOINE BERNARD, production DIVISION, post-production INK RETOUCH, 3D design HUGO ELKAIM, CAMILLE ROQUET at PERIMETRE STUDIO, casting MISCHA NOTCUTT at 11CASTING