Stella Manente: Power and Purpose

With a tall and lithe frame, an optimistic approach towards life and a compassionate heart, Stella Manente takes us through a sensory journey into the wild jungle’s abode.

By Chitman Kanwar Ahuja · Apr 2020 · 7 min read

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It all started with a little girl, who had dreams in her eyes to make it big in the world of fashion. The Italian model and actress Stella Manente knew that there was no shortcut to success, and made it her goal in life to work hard till she succeeded. The best part of having one foot in modelling and one in acting gave Stella a direction towards decoding her creative instincts and improve herself with every changing minute.

She spoke to us in this candid interview and shared her side of the story of making the most of her time during COVID -19 lockdown, and gaining a fresher outlook towards life as we know it. Edited excerpts follow.

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Being on the frontline of the industry, what do you think about the transformative power of fashion?

I think fashion must always be innovative and forward thinking. Herein, I’d like to cite the example of the luxury fashion house Gucci, which transformed the industry from its conservative and traditional ways to a more experimental one. And its new ways were the reason why the brands’ turnover went from 200 million to 6 billion in 10 years.

Being an international fashion model, your career allows you to discover all the latest trends and explore the fashion capitals all over the world. If you were to pick your favourite fashion capital what would it be?

I think fashion is an essential identity of modern society; but it isn’t limited to one segment. Rather it involves multifold areas where there is haute couture, Pret-à-porter, large retail fashion, and the ever-changing trends and consumer sensibilities. I remember getting the first-hand experience of luxury fashion in Milan, Paris, Istanbul, and Beirut.

We have been talking about the need for sustainability now more than ever before. According to you is it time for the beauty industry to also go through an eco-beauty revolution?

I totally agree. Natural products are what we need and all of us can do our bit of achieving it little by little. By adopting sustainable practices the beauty industry too can begin an eco-conscious movement that would help the world in the long run.

I recently posted Instagram stories showing the natural properties of vegetables, fruits, honey and yogurt, which are the basis for fantastic face masks.

What do you value the most, success or fame? How do you measure both of these aspects?

The glory of fame is indeed a fascinating feat. But success means that you have achieved and fulfilled your goals and that is more valuable to me.

Has there been a role model of the past or present who has positively impacted your professional journey and inspired you to strive higher?

I have always been inspired by the likes of Grace Kelly and Ava Gardner, but I want to put forth my personality, and identity through my work. Indeed, I strive for success, but in the end I live by the quote by Thomas Jefferson, “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.”

If you had all the money in the world, what would be the first thing you’d buy?

I believe, when one has a heart of gold, life itself becomes richer. It’s all about our perception of life itself. Monetary satisfaction comes secondary and the primary is our attitude towards what we value the most. As of now, the money that I have earned is more than enough to cover my needs and requirements.

As a model, you are always required to stay fit and in shape, which is a humongous task in itself. What does your current workout regimen look like? Do you prefer experimenting with your fitness routine?

It is true that I always need to be at the top of my fitness game, as my career demands me to have the best physique. In the long run, I have learned how to take care of my body through a holistic approach of running for an hour and regularly practicing yoga for a sound mind, body, and soul connection. But I also love having my cheat days dedicated to satisfying my cravings for pasta, pizza, and wine.

How do you deal with pressure and stressful schedules?

Very honestly, I am still learning to cope up with stress. It’s an inherent trait of mine which just makes me succumb to immense pressure. But as they say, “slow and steady wins the race”, so I take it with a pinch of salt and keep working hard.

How do you approach diet and nutrition? Do you believe in cheat meals?

Being true to my Italian heritage, I have been brought up with the habit of including vegetables, healthy pasta, olive oil and natural products in my diet. And a traditional Mediterranean diet consisting of large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oil—coupled with physical activity—can reduce your risk of serious mental and physical health problems by: Preventing heart disease and strokes.

As we are all coping up with the ‘new normal’ of the global lockdown to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, how are you dealing with it, both personally and professionally?

Italy has been one of the hardest hit nations, by the COVID-19 pandemic. The national authorities had to take a very hard decision to declare a state of lockdown in order to curtail the spread of the virus and flatten the curve.

Professionally, I am no longer allowed to step out and shoot. But, it has made me value the small things in life, be it a small sign of affection of a hug. I miss it so terribly.

Which of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ do you want to visit the most after the COVID-19 situation comes down to a halt?

My career has allowed me to explore countries far and wide all through the years, but I believe that once we come back to the normal ways of life, our perception towards life as we know it would change. We would value the little things and our appreciation towards the world itself would be an eighth wonder, to cherish.

Tell us something about your upcoming projects.

I just wrapped up shooting for an extremely successful reality television show in Italy. I had many projects already lined up for television but due to COVID-19 everything has come to a standstill for the moment. As for now, I’m working from home as the brand ambassador of an upcoming brand’s advertising campaign. Then I’m planning to present my first film at the Autumn Film Festival. And in the long run, I am constantly working towards improving myself by studying, overcoming new challenges, and widening my horizons.

Rapid Fire

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Crazy, generous and a dreamer.

What is that one thing you are most grateful for?

The love and values which I have imbibed from my family.

One sport that you wish you were a pro at?

Competitive horse riding

Given a chance to trade your wardrobe with one celebrity, who would that be and why?

Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and of course Ava Gardner, because they are quintessential style icons.

If you have to make an ultimate workout playlist that you cannot change ever, what would be the top 4 songs?

Nessun dorma by Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot, Don’t let me down by The Beatles, Somewhere over the rainbow by Judy Garland and My way by Frank Sinatra.

What are the qualities according to you that make a woman sexy?

Being elegant, elusive and unattainable

What is the most romantic thing that anyone has ever done for you?

I would not sum up the act of romance in a couple of words, but perhaps it has a lot to say about how my partner feels about me.

What according to you works in the long run—counting calories on your plate or burning calories at the gym?

I believe in living life queen size and my love for Italian food is never ending. Having said that, it is essential to balance your appetite with regular workouts.

What advice would you like to give to aspiring models?

Be yourself, love your imperfections and work hard to fulfil your dreams.