JENNY SWEENEY: the interview

ph. Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia

JENNY SWEENEY

the regal

Jenny Sweeney is with NEXT (NY), NEXT (London), Elite (Paris), Elite (Milan).

Ph: Claudia Knoepfle & Stefan Indlekofer for Vogue Germany

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PONY RYDER: Jenny Sweeney, you know about the film: Sweeney Todd with Johnny Depp, don't you?
JENNY SWEENEY: Actully I havent seen the movie Sweeney Todd, but it always comes in handy when making a reference to people about how to spell my name.
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PONY RYDER: And what are your favorite films?
JENNY SWEENEY: Im a sucker for the older stuff, I like the classics like ‘Gone with the wind’ or or a good John Wayne western.

Ph: Chad Pitman for Vogue Germany

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PONY RYDER: You grow up on a farm? So you know how to cook, and... really, what do you do on a farm? How is it to live in a city now?
JENNY SWEENEY: Yesss, miss the farm life. My mom is actually a home-ec teacher, so she’s pretty good at all that stuff and I stay out of the way. On the farm it seems like you’re just outside all day. I like to help my dad do little chores, and be in an open space with animals, its so peaceful and therapeutic for me.

Ph. Ruvan Wijesooriya S.Michel Onofrio for A4

PONY RYDER: Let's go back on modeling. Jenny, how did your modeling story begin?
JENNY SWEENEY: I started modeling when I was 15. Dancing pictures of me were seen by my mother agents, Jeff and Mary Clarke, and they took me to NYC.

source: One showcard 08

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PONY RYDER: When did you cross from One to Next?
JENNY SWEENEY: I made the change in January of 2009. Both agencies have been great, and NEXT made me feel at home and we were excited to start working together.

Ph: Chad Pitman for Vogue Germany

PONY RYDER: Tell us about your first test shoot! We wanna know all about it!
JENNY SWEENEY: Hahaha, ohhhh lord. My first test was in Brooklyn, and I was really nervous and excited. My friend Jessica Hart was there with me, and so it was nice to talk to her. She helped me through it. And no, those pictures are long gone. I haven’t seen them for awhile.

ph. Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia

PONY RYDER: You were on the cover of Vogue Italia! How long did the shooting for the cover take?
JENNY SWEENEY: The cover was shot very quickly, and the whole process was very professional and painless.
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PONY RYDER: Did you know that you were shooting a cover?
JENNY SWEENEY: I had an idea what I was going to be on the cover, because they printed out the picture with the “Vogue” on top. But I wasn’t for sure, you never know in this business. That kind of stuff is never 100%.

ph. Eric Guillemain

PONY RYDER: Is there a great photo of you that you simply love, but that wasn't included in your portfolio?
JENNY SWEENEY: I like to be a part of the discussion of which pictures stay in my book, and which go. I like being involved in my career that way, as well. We usually agree on the ones that stay to keep a variety.

source: Bianca TFS

PONY RYDER: We already know that there are many dangers and traps an inexperienced aspiring model can fall into. But how about established models and stars, what could be threatening to their careers?
JENNY SWEENEY : I think its important to have a strong team behind you that believes in you, along with loyal photographers that enjoy working with you.

Even though I trust my agents, I think it’s important to have one hand on your own career, you constantly need to be looking out for yourself.

Question everything, even if it may seem like a silly question. I strive to always be professional and competent, my family has taught me the importance of respecting other people, and being on time is a MUST for me.

Ph. Terry Tsiolis S: Mattias Karlsson for V

PONY RYDER: Can one make honest friends in fashion?
JENNY SWEENEY: Yes, of course! Good friends of mine are Candice Swaenpoel, Jessica Hart, Ali Michael, Ali Stevens, Karlie Kloss.

PONY RYDER: What do you do for fun?
JENNY SWEENEY: In the city I like to bike ride, and go to the movies. At home in Iowa, I like to fish and ride horses…get dirty outside.

Polaroids courtesy of Elite Paris

PONY RYDER: When you first started modeling, did you have perfect measurements or did you have to work on it?
JENNY SWEENEY: Never were, and never will be “perfect”. But I was fine the way I was.

PONY RYDER: So how do you stay in shape, do you work out?
JENNY SWEENEY: I don’t really work out. But I keep busy and am always running errands around the city.

PONY RYDER: What do you eat for breakfast?
JENNY SWEENEY: Usually cereal with a banana on top. And in the winter I looove oatmeal.

PONY RYDER: Jenny, your skin seems flawless! It's glowing even! Tell us your secret!
JENNY SWEENEY: I use really basic, cheap products. I use Cetaphil cleanser, and Purpose moisturizer. Drink lots of water!

PONY RYDER: What is the best beauty advice you know of?
JENNY SWEENEY: People who are happy and smiling always look beautiful to me.

ph: Mariano Vivanco st: Nicola Formichetti for Dazed and Confused 07

PONY RYDER: Jenny, what is the most important thing for your at this moment? Do you have a "Valentine"?
JENNY SWEENEY: Most important thing for me in finding a balancing work, and spending time with the people I love. I speak with both my mother and father once a day before I go to bed at night. I spent Valentines Day with a good girlfriend of mine, we went to dinner, and it was perfect!

Ph. Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia

PONY RYDER: Do you have any model friend that you would like to see presented on Pony Ryder?
JENNY SWEENEY: Yeah, any of my friends I mentioned!!!

Ph. Miguel Reveriego for Vogue Spain
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Exclusive interview with Jenny Sweeney is original work and courtesy of Pony Ryder blog.