Stefanie Nazoyan is a stunning Canadian supermodel with an impressive career spanning over a decade. Born in Montreal to an Armenian father and French Canadian and Scottish mother, Stefanie was discovered at the age of 17 by fashion show producer Hans Koechling, who signed her with a top modeling agency in her hometown.
Within days of signing with the agency, Stefanie booked her first fashion magazine editorial with renowned photographer Max Abadian for Flare magazine, launching her modeling career in the fashion industry. Her initial success led to contracts with international modeling agencies in Tokyo, Milan, Paris, and Germany, and she began traveling the world full-time after completing her college session.
Stefanie’s stunning looks and professional demeanor quickly caught the attention of top brands and designers. Her first big money contract was with La Senza lingerie, where she quickly became a fan favorite for her energy and professionalism on set, leading to a long-lasting partnership that contributed significantly to the brand’s success.
Since then, Stefanie has worked with prestigious brands, designers, and fashion publications, including Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, L’Oréal, Redken, Elle, Carolina Herrera, and many more. She has graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar Argentina, PUMP magazine, and Worth Avenue magazine.
Stefanie has also ventured into acting, playing her first film role as a runway model for Zac Posen in the TV Series The Beautiful Life created by Ashton Kutcher and Adam Giaudrone. She also starred in the TV movie Dead Lines, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Can you tell us about your experience working with Folio Montreal, Le Drew Models Toronto, Select Model Management Miami, and Wilhelmina Models New York? How has each agency helped to shape your career?
I’m extremely lucky and grateful to work with such amazing powerhouse agencies. Folio Management, Le Drew Models and Select Model Management Miami each played a huge role in the success of my career, without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Each agency has booked me jobs with iconic brands, designers and fashion publications. It’s been a privilege to work with such professional and hardworking agents.
I recently signed with Wilhelmina New York, I haven’t had the chance to work with them yet, but I’m beyond excited to work with another well reputed modeling agency.
You’ve worked in many different markets around the world. Do you have a favorite city to work in, and if so, why?
I had many beautiful experiences in each city I’ve worked in, but I would say Miami is most definitely on the top of that list. I’ve had many fashion shows and photoshoots in the most beautiful outdoor locations. I’ve always loved Florida since I’m a child, I would often vacation there in the summer with my family, that’s also why it carries a special place in my heart.
Another one of my favorite markets is Tokyo. The first time I traveled there for work, I had a bit of a culture shock! It took me a little time to adjust but once I did, it was such a wonderful experience! I love Japan and its distinctive culture and unique traditions. I’ve had some of the best and most unique culinary experiences while I was there, and I also had the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful Japanese hot springs in the country.
And lastly, I would say Paris, the capital of art and fashion. My first modeling trip to The City of Lights was one I will never forget. I was amazed by the city’s rich culture, it’s Belle Époque architecture, world-class museums, high-quality gastronomy, scenic restaurants, bars and coffee terraces. Working as a fashion model in Paris was something I had always dreamt of. I lived in the cutest apartment in Montmartre overlooking the city and I remember how happy I felt to be there. I also remember landing my first big contract with L’Oréal Paris and Kenzo just days after my arrival. I jumped up and down of excitement in the middle of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées when my agent announced the news over the phone, a moment I will never forget!
How did your first big editorial shoot with FLARE Magazine come about, and how did it impact your career?
I had just started modeling and my mother agent in Montreal had sent my portfolio to the renowned photographer Max Abadian. Shortly after, he confirmed me for my first big editorial shoot for FLARE Magazine. I was excited but also extremely nervous since Max had photographed multiple supermodels and celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Lady Gaga and Gwyneth Paltrow. Once the magazine got published, this gave me a lot of exposure on a national and international scale. My mother agency got multiple calls from various agencies across the globe wanting to represent me. I also confirmed multiple photoshoots with prestigious brands from that day on, since it created a big buzz in the industry. I owe a part my success to Max since this editorial skyrocketed my modeling career at such a young age, I’m forever grateful for that opportunity.
La Senza Lingerie booked you for many years, which is a testament to your professionalism and timeless look. Can you talk about your experience working with the brand and how it contributed to your success?
I was so lucky to have worked with such an iconic brand for many years. The first time I worked with La Senza was for their first nationally televised fashion show in Toronto. A few days following the show, I was confirmed for their campaign. I would have the best time on set with the La Senza team, they were fun, kind and super energetic to work with. Shooting with them for many years gave me a high level of exposure since La Senza was the dominant lingerie retailer in Canada for many years.
What was your most memorable experience working for a fashion show, and why?
I have a few memorable runway experiences but the first one that comes to mind is when I confirmed the Chanel cruise show. I first read about Gabrielle Chanel when I was a teenager and the strong impact she had in the world of fashion, I was so honored to work with such a highly esteemed brand known for its quality and legacy.
Walking for Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera many times was also another momentous moment in my career. The designers would often organize shows in different cities across the globe such as Palm Beach, Mexico City, Mérida, Cancun and Los Cabos. My runway pictures would often appear in Vogue magazine and other prominent online and print publications which gave me a lot of international recognition for my work as a fashion model.
How do you prepare for a runway show or editorial shoot? Do you have any rituals or routines you follow?
I make sure that I get a good night’s sleep the evening before. I prepare and bring my model bag to the shoot or fashion show which includes all essentials such as strapless bras, makeup, hair and nail kit, body lotion, a robe, a selection of heels, seamless panties in nude and black, etc.
Once the hair & makeup artist couldn’t make it on set due to a personal emergency, I had to step in and do my own prep for the shoot. I always come prepared in case situations like these occur.
And of course, I arrive on time with my nails done, hair washed and blow-dried, face and body well moisturised.
You recently worked with L’Oréal/Redken. How was that experience, and what was it like working with such a well-known brand?
It was a special experience to work with a notable brand known for their talented group of hair artists. I remember the Redken team showing me the images of the mood board and explaining to me the concept of the project in which I was extremely grateful I was chosen to be part of. It was amazing to watch them implement their expertise and see their vision come to life. It took hours of preparation, but my final look was beautiful! It was a memorable experience.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement in your modeling career so far, and why?
I’ve had many achievements in my modeling career but there is one photoshoot that was very emotionally important to me and that I personally consider it to be one of my biggest achievements, when I confirmed the cover and editorial spread of Harper’s Bazaar Argentina with renowned photographer Chino Moro. The photoshoot was held in beautiful Los Cabos in Mexico. It was always a dream of mine to shoot for the iconic magazine.
Then, it happened again a second time! I shot another editorial for them, but this time it was for Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam. I was extremely overjoyed with happiness and excitement!
Are there any brands or designers that you would love to work with in the future, but haven’t had the opportunity to work with yet?
I would love to shoot an editorial for Vogue magazine with Steven Meisel, work with Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Versace, Dior, Altuzarra, Alice + Olivia, Thierry Mugler, Victoria’s Secret…
How do you stay motivated and continue to push yourself creatively in your work?
It’s easy for me to stay motivated because I’ve been passionate about the fashion industry since the age of six and I love what I do! My clients push me creatively since my job is also to make their vision come to life, being part of that creative process is extremely gratifying and exciting! Modeling is also another way for me to explore all the colors of my personality.
You can follow her on Instagram.