Malgosia's Many Lives Lived
Timeless and inherently elegant, strong, driven, and intellectual—Creative Director Ulrika Lundgren meets the woman who has inspired her for years, Malgosia Bela, in her hometown of Warsaw and later in Amsterdam.
“‘Beauty for me is harmony between form and content as well as agreement between what you see on the outside and what comes from within.’ ”
Fresh off the plane, Malgosia visits the light-filled atelier that’s home to Rika Studios in the Netherlands. Just a month prior, the acclaimed model, actress, and writer met with Creative Director Ulrika in the Polish capital, which she currently calls home after living all over the world. Jotting around town for three days straight, the two quickly bonded over many mutual interests, both private – including their teenage sons of the same age – and professional. ‘I’m so excited to hear about your soon-to-be-published book on your illustrious modeling career. Sheer coincidence, or perhaps fate, that you were putting the finishing touches on it when we first met,’ quips Ulrika. After this fateful meeting, Ulrika spontaneously invited Malgosia to stay with her on the canals. So today, they meet again, deep in conversation and heading out for dinner afterwards, as if old friends.
This afternoon in Amsterdam, Malgosia’s bare-faced beauty, void of makeup and with glacial blue eyes, defies her age. Yet, this year marks two and a half decades since she started modeling as a 21-year-old. Perhaps due to her reserved, rather private persona, she hasn’t been in the public eye that much, but she is undoubtedly one of the most successful models of her generation, shaping the look of the 1990s with a subdued minimalism.
Malgosia debuted on the runway in 1998 for renowned designers such as Comme des Garçons, Givenchy, and Balenciaga. Recently, she returned to the runway, walking for Balenciaga’s couture show alongside icons like Eva Herzigová and Natasha Poly. At the heart of fashion history for the past 25 years, Malgosia has been photographed by some of the industry's most iconic photographers, including Richard Avedon, Peter Lindbergh, Steven Meisel, Paolo Roversi, David Sims, and Tim Walker.
Her dear friend and publisher, Filip Niedenthal, had long wanted to create a book celebrating her stellar career, but Malgosia was initially hesitant. ‘I didn’t want it to be a vanity project,’ she remarks. ‘You can Google me, and there you have it: images.’ However, a careful selection of these images is now captured in the book Winter Girl (officially out on September 27th), accompanied by compelling stories written by Malgosia herself, detailing her encounters with these legendary imagemakers. The stories are intimate, wild, and witty, including one about how Irving Penn made her cry but ultimately taught her an invaluable lesson. While she’s reluctant to reveal too much – ‘I urge you to go read it for yourself’ – Malgosia describes her 216-page book as a tribute to the talented people and the long-gone era that were so formative for her.
We’ve both witnessed dramatic changes in the fashion industry. What do you miss about that bygone era, and what excites you about fashion today?
Malgosia: ‘It’s true. During my time as a model, I saw the shift from analogue to digital and the rise of social media. This acceleration has driven the world to a kind of madness. What I miss most is that period when we had the space to truly be creative. Even though we lived in the fast lane and worked like crazy, there was still time to experiment. Back then, we’d easily have three full days to shoot just five pictures. It’s not like that anymore. Today, the approach feels more like copy and paste, imitating references rather than creating something new. That said, I still encounter very creative people and experience moments of true collaboration – those moments when everyone on the project is fully invested. But I do feel that these moments are becoming increasingly rare.’
For me, the people, the meeting of minds, and the woman behind the fashion have always been at the heart of everything I do. That’s why I’m so glad we made this collaboration happen. I’ve wanted to work with you for years. Looking back, you mentioned the clash between your upbringing in Poland and your modeling days in New York. Could you elaborate on that?
M: ‘There was a stark contrast between those two places at the time, but I should mention that my character was largely shaped by the time I left Poland. I was 21 – which was considered “old” to start modeling – when I first set foot in New York. I had already completed two years of university, studying literature, and had just finished music college, which required a lot of discipline and organizational skills. I didn’t know anything about fashion, but I was pretty clear-headed. I may have made a few silly mistakes along the way, but overall, I didn’t let the industry shape me or damage my self-esteem. In that sense, I was really fortunate to be a late bloomer in showbusiness.’
Speaking of literature, you mentioned that you’re not the avid reader you used to be, but are there any authors you always return to?
M: ‘These days, I’m just happy to read something other than emails or the news. I do enjoy the latest books by Michel Houellebecq or Emmanuel Carrère. But, unfortunately, there’s no time to revisit Márquez or Dostoevsky.’
Do you enjoy writing?
M: ‘Now that I’ve finished my book, I can say that writing is a lonely business. I can also say that I hate it, love it, and dread it – all at once. Before I sit down to write, I’ll walk the dog, vacuum the house, do the laundry, cook dinner, and wash the dishes – anything to avoid facing that blank page. It’s tough.’
What did the process of penning down your story bring you?
M: ‘It has been therapeutic for me in a way. I had to sum up a big chunk of my life, formulating my ideas and opinions around it. Psychologically, I’ve been able to close a chapter; there’s nothing else I want from my career. That’s not to say I’m never going to work again – I always want to stay open to interesting opportunities.’
That makes sense. I also feel that writing down your thoughts and ideas can sometimes be the beginning of a new perspective. What are you most proud of today?
M: ‘My son, Jozef!’
Oh yes, we’ve talked about family before. My son, Luca, and yours, Jozef, are both 19 years old.
M: ‘Jozef is an old soul and the kindest human being. Living as a so-called “supermodel,” I couldn’t offer him a lot of stability during his childhood. We moved countries three times. He was born in the States, then we lived in Poland, moved to Los Angeles, then Paris, and finally back to Warsaw. Today, he studies music in Berlin. I love just hanging out and chatting with him and his friends in a small café. Now that I’ve finished this project – the book – I plan to slow down a bit and possibly visit Jozef more often.’
We both also love to visit Greece. Is this where you unwind?
M: ‘It’s where I zone out, yes. About six years ago, I bought a house in Hydra on a whim. I’m a Cancer, so I’m rather impulsive. (Laughs) Luckily, it was a good choice. There are no cars, no airport; you can only get there by boat. The island is quite rustic, which I like, and it has a history of writers, poets, and musicians who have lived there.’
I hear you enjoy cooking. What do you love to taste?
M: ‘I do, and I also love a challenging recipe. I enjoy discovering new tastes, but it’s mostly about the company. I’d rather enjoy a cold beer on a hot day with my husband than have a sophisticated martini in a trendy club. The same applies to cooking. Making an omelet for someone who says it’s the best omelet they’ve ever had (even if it’s not) matters more to me than having a dozen oysters in a fancy restaurant.’
What film or music are you into currently?
M: ‘These days, nothing in film or music really sweeps me off my feet, but I’m open and waiting for something exciting to come along. Thank God there’s always Bach and Mozart. When I see the generation of my son, I do have faith that something brilliant will emerge again.’
What’s on the horizon for you?
M: ‘I’m not sure yet. It could be cooking, another film, more writing. I don’t really want to pin myself down. I just want to lean into that openness, trust the universe, and let it all unfold naturally.’
When designing my wardrobe, I always had a clear vision of you – the epitome of elegance and natural beauty – in my mind. I’m curious: how have you felt wearing Rika Studios?
M: ‘Browsing through the racks on set, I remember thinking, “Wow, this woman really chose the right person for her shoot!” I loved trying on this very limited selection of understated, slightly oversized clothes, all beautifully tailored. Even the most basic pieces are of great quality. I would proudly own every single piece and could wear it feeling like myself, not disguised in any way. It’s a perfect match.’
