Heloise Agostinelli is a Paris-born, London-based model and student at Regents University, studying Fashion Marketing and Naturopathic Medicine. She was first introduced to the fashion industry at a young age – her mother, Mathilde Favier, is a Director at Christian Dior, and her aunt, Victoire de Castellane is the jewelery designer of Christian Dior. Her great uncle Gilles Dufour, was the designer of famous haute couture brands such as Balmain and Chanel. Heloise has appeared at numerous fashion week front rows and she was on a panel for ELLEWeekender in 2018.

Growing up, her family heavily inspired her personal style, which she defined as classically ‘French’. At age 13, she moved to London to go to boarding school. which gave her personal style a British ‘edge’. Her degree has focused her attention to the importance of nutrition, beauty products made from natural ingredients and even self-made remedies, which Heloise shares with her loyal, growing following on Instagram.

Her audience perceive her as the Desirable archetype, which is most commonly associated with beauty, charm, sophistication and style. We sat down with Ell to discuss brand collaborations, social stalking and inner peace…

Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience of fashion?

I was born and raised in the fashion industry. From a very young age I was lucky to be surrounded by people who taught me taste, style, class and French culture with regards to fashion, which I find very useful as a 20 year old living in London – I never lose that French touch…

How would you describe your style?

I’m a T-shirt and jeans kind of girl, but in summer I love a little dress with chunky rock-and-roll boots and an oversized denim or leather jacket. Those would be my go-to’s. I make sure I stay tasteful and classy when deciding what to wear. I also think there’s something to be said about staying appropriate and not exposing too much in a world where a lot of people now seem to solely get validation from showing their skin on social media.

What projects do you have coming up?

One of my biggest dreams as a little girl was to be on the cover of a magazine one day. I didn’t think this dream would become reality, let alone so soon! I am super proud oto be June’s cover star for Glamour Italy. The whole article is about balance and how I choose to live a balanced life and I can’t wait for everyone to read it! I am also starting my own YouTube channel in June, which is very exciting. I’m currently studying Naturopathic Medicine at university, learning all about nutrition and biology – so I’ll be sharing all of my insider knowledge on nutrition, skincare, beauty and wellness.

What’s the most frustrating thing about being an influencer?

Probably being called an “influencer”! I don’t really like the stigma around it because nowadays this word is used too often by people who aren’t entrepreneurs,  but simply “insta-famous”. I’m a young 20 year old woman who is passionate about nutrition, skincare and beauty. I’d like to think people follow me for that passion, and to get insight on it – an Instagram ‘education’.

What does your working day look like?

I go to castings throughout the day if I am not shooting or filming anything exciting. I always try to fit a workout in no matter how busy my day gets. I also often meet my agents in Shoreditch for a debrief and catch up on everything. My agency and I are always in contact. They are such a supportive and lovely group of women.

Which beauty product could you not live without?

Any organic rose water and By Terry rose lip balm.

Finish this sentence. Wellbeing and inner peace comes from…

Surrounding yourself with good and non-toxic people. I know it sounds cliché, but you are who you surround yourself with. I’ve had to learn that the hard way.

What do you miss most about your home town?

Probably being able to walk everywhere in Paris – getting to experience the city on foot, which is the best way to do it. It’s so much harder in London! That, and the incredible french pharmacies on every street. I get a little carried away in them!

What is the silliest thing you’ve done recently?

I drank a little too much last Friday night and came home deciding to give myself a full facial. I woke up the next day with burning skin and realised the “night cream” I was applying was actually a retinol cream recommended to be used in small amounts once to twice a month…. thankfully the girls at Lisa Franklin’s clinic in Knightsbridge saved my skin and the damages!

If you could work with one brand on a collaboration, which would it be and why?

This is so hard! I’ve narrowed it down to the top two. Kora Organics, because I LOVE THE PRODUCTS and everything the brand and Miranda Kerr stand for, or Chloe – because to me it epitomises French chic for the modern woman.

What’s your favourite place to hang out in London?

I really love Soho House or Lou Lou’s in the evening with my friends. In the day, Hyde Park is probably the most gorgeous place for a long walk, a picnic or for some ‘me’ time.

If you could write a column for a magazine, which would it be and what would be the topic?

I would probably like to write for French Vogue about the importance of self love and positive body image. I am lucky to be close to Emmanuelle Alt who always tells me how happy she is that the fashion industry is evolving and accepting all different shapes and sizes, so I would love to emphasise that in my own words.

Who do you stalk on social media?

I’m not sure this is stalking, but I have to keep up with my mum’s life on Instagram. She works at Dior and is always doing something fabulous with someone fabulous!

If you weren’t a model, what would you do?

I think i’d be a nutritionist, or maybe a facialist…

What do you think is the future for influencer collaborations?

I think the future looks bright. I think brands have realised that shoppers (including me!) really value a personal review or recommendation of a product. It’s like hearing it from a friend. Although, I do think it’s really important for ‘influencers’ to make sure they are giving genuine advice or an honest recommendations, particularly when it comes to beauty or skincare. That’s why I tend to follow more skincare experts or educators on Instagram, than typical influencers (although I have a handful that I love). I have really sensitive skin and I want to be reassured that it is safe, so I’m personally more influenced by someone who knows exactly what they’re talking about.

@heloiseagostinelli

@lindenstaub