After gracing more than 500 magazine covers, Victoria ventured into acting, TV hosting and fashion design globally and notably in the U.S., France, Italy, and Sweden. She has also released an album (which went gold in Scandinavian countries), and had her very own reality show on E! Entertainment Television.
Surely, we have missed a couple of achievements here and there. But what we didn’t want to miss is getting to know the real Victoria Silvstedt.
From Monaco, her new home, we chatted with Victoria about her career and projects, her lifestyle and her take about Arab women and fashion.
Fame and Career
AM: With all the super stardom you have achieved over the years, how were you able to stay grounded?
Growing up I was very far from who I am today. I grew up in a small village in Sweden, a calm environment where everyone was friendly and treated each other equally. Believe it or not, I was a tomboy and passed my free time at my Grandmother’s farm with horses. Afterwards, I started competing in ski competitions which allowed me to develop a thick skin and handle stressful situations. All in all, I think that was the main reason I have stayed humble throughout my life.
AM: Since the beginning of your rise to fame, who was your support system?
Definitely my mother! I need to call her on a daily basis. She was the one who pushed me to do what I really wanted, knowing that my father wanted me to be an athlete. She enrolled me in the Miss Sweden pageant at the age of 16 and helped me launch my career.
AM: How were you able to shift your image from a supermodel to a woman of different jobs?
In the beginning, I did everything to become a successful model. I focused on loosing a lot of weight since I was quite muscular, and then moved to Paris as a struggling model. There I signed with a modeling agency and participated in famous fashion shows.
Yet my career truly took off when I moved to Los Angeles at the age of 22, where I signed a contract with Elite Model Management and became the face of Guess Jeans. But I have to admit that modeling was not fulfilling, it’s entertaining but I always wanted more. And that’s why I took on jobs that were different and more exciting.
AM: Obviously you are the queen of multitasking (acting, singing, TV hosting, etc.) But out of all, what is your favorite job?
Well, let me just say that is singing is quite fun, but I am definitely not a singer. It was an offer from EMI Records and an opportunity I couldn’t say no to. Shooting movies both in the United Sates and Italy was an adventure as I spent weeks and months on movie sets.
My E! reality show was fun because the camera was following me as I lived my daily life. But for me, the action is all in television, and I live for action. Hosting shows on Swedish, French and Italian TV is something I enjoy and is very fulfilling.
AM: Going back to your glowing career, what would be your proudest achievement?
My career followed the snowball effect. I never really like to plan the next step and I just let life present its opportunities. Something I am proud of is my ability to learn languages quickly. Besides Scandinavian languages and English, I was able to learn French and Italian easily. This adds credibility to my work with my audience and fans. I also think they like my exotic accent (she laughs).
AM: You currently have a lingerie line called Very Victoria Silvstedt. Tell us more about it, and would you ever consider establishing a full clothing brand?
Very Victoria Silvstedt is a collection by Marie Meili. The company approached me with the concept of a collection inspired from me. The idea behind this affordable lingerie line is to make women feel sexy and confident. I would say the push up bra is the star of the collection.
As for fashion design, I have had an experience in designing a collection of four dresses for a Swedish department store and it sold out quickly. I would love to establish a clothing brand with the right supplier who could live up to my image.
AM: And what are some other projects in the pipeline?
Right now I am proud of being my own agent and boss, which gives me the liberty to control my life and career steps and choices.
I will soon launch a Prosecco sparkling wine called Victoria Dolce Vita. I mean who could say no to bubbles? And I have recently shot a pilot of a reality show for E! which documents my life in Monaco with other personalities. I will also be attending the upcoming Paris Fashion Weeks since I was occupied during the past couple of seasons.
The Fashionista
AM: What are your fashion rules and guidelines?
I don’t really apply a general rule. I love to mix and match. For instance, you could see me wearing a Zara skinny jeans with a Balmain jacket and an Hermès bag. Of course, because I live in Monaco, I have to be always dressed up. Also, I do follow a lot of Instagram bloggers to catch up on the latest trends.
AM: How is your diet and beauty regimen like? (Editor’s note: They are among Google’s most searched topics)
First of all I love to eat. I am not your green juices 24/7 kind of girl. I must have a desert everyday and especially chocolate. And what is a night like without a glass of wine? However, I try to avoid eating carbs and especially before a photo-shoot. I also try to limit my amount of red meat intake. I guess you can describe my diet as a Mediterranean, wholesome and vegetable-based diet.
As for my physique, I try to take a lot of vitamins for my hair and skin. And I love working out outdoors like doing some yoga and pilates every now and then. I prefer to go running outside rather than to workout at the gym.
AM: In your opinion, what are some must have items that every woman needs to have in her closet?
High heels! They always add some oomph and make a woman’s outfit look sexier no matter what she’s wearing. Then a good pair of jeans and definitely a cocktail dress. I mean you never know when you get a last minute invitation. And of course a Birkin or a Kelly bag, why not?
The Middle East
AM: Have you visited the Middle East? If so, what were your thoughts about the Arab culture?
Yes of course. I have visited Dubai where I did a cover for OK! Magazine and Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix. Also, Egypt and Lebanon many years ago. I think Dubai just exudes energy. It’s like Miami meets Los Angeles but with a Middle Eastern twist, and simply mind-blowing for shopping! And the food is just too good for words, I adore Lebanese food.
AM: Being one of the most famous socialites of Monaco, we suppose you meet many Arab women. How would you describe them?
Arab women are so feminine and glamorous 24/7. For example, in Europe we tend to keep it sporty during our daily life, but Arab women love to take care of themselves and stay fashionable no matter what. They are like a muse for women worldwide. Also, I have to say I love Haifa Wehbe and her songs. She is gorgeous.
AM: Recently, we saw you collaborated with Tunisian designer Ali Karoui during the Bal de la Rose event in Monaco. What do you think of Middle Eastern designers?
Ali is very talented and his dresses are so feminine. I love supporting Arab talents and up and coming designers. And established designers like Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad are made for red carpet appearances. I love their couture.
Victoria’s Favorites List:
- Favorite Arab designer(s): Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad
- Favorite international designer(s): Versace and Oscar de la Renta
- Favorite clothing brand(s): Balmain, Givenchy, YSL and Alaia
- Favorite model: Irina Shayk
- Favorite city: New York
- I can’t leave the house without my: Handbag which has my phone (Editor’s note: Often an Hermès Birkin and an iPhone)
- On a typical day you will see me wearing my: Sunglasses. I love my Linda Farrow sunglasses!
- My current perfume is: Maison Lanvin for the daytime and Dior Poison for the nighttime
- On my current wish list is: A private jet. It would make my trips faster and easier
- My relationship with the gym can be described as: Boring! I prefer working out outdoors
- My guilty pleasure is: Coconut ice cream
- After a stressful week you will catch me at: The Spa treating myself
Follow Victoria’s perfect life here