The Reluctant Supermodel
Andreea Diaconu stands out not just for her striking beauty, but for her unconventional approach to modeling and life. Despite being one of the most sought-after models in the industry, having walked for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Lanvin, and Tom Ford, she often feels out of place in the world of fashion. “I don’t know what I’m doing in the fashion industry,” she confesses with a laugh. Andreea’s heart lies more with adventure, nature, and personal freedom than the glitz and glamour of the runway.
From Bucharest to the Big Apple: A Journey Begins
Born on March 28, 1991, in Bucharest, Romania, Andreea grew up in a post-Communist society that was still adjusting to the waves of capitalism. Her childhood was marked by a sense of modesty and resilience. She lived with her mother, uncle, and grandmother in a small apartment on the outskirts of the city. Despite the humble beginnings, Andreea describes her childhood fondly, highlighting the simple joys of state-sponsored vacations with her grandmother to the seaside or mud baths.
Her early life wasn’t easy—her parents separated when she was young, and her family struggled financially. Her mother, Aurora, was an IT programmer who later turned towards New Age philosophies and wellness, eventually starting a business selling health products. Aurora’s free-spirited nature and bohemian outlook undoubtedly influenced Andreea’s own perspective on life.
At the age of 11, Andreea was already 5 feet 7 inches tall and began attracting attention from modeling scouts. However, she was initially uninterested. “I didn’t understand the concept of scouting,” she says. It wasn’t until she needed money to participate in a karate competition that she agreed to do a modeling job, earning 50 euros. By the age of 13, she was working in cities like London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo, navigating the complex world of fashion all on her own.
A Tomboy in High Fashion
Andreea’s rise in the modeling world was swift, yet she never quite fit the typical mold. She describes her off-duty style as that of “an eight-year-old boy,” favoring comfort over couture. Despite her success, she remains refreshingly grounded. Her laid-back, tomboyish demeanor is a breath of fresh air in an industry known for its excesses. When she’s not working, you’re more likely to find her on a surfboard, a bike, or camping in the wilderness than attending glamorous parties.
Her passion for surfing even led her to rent a place at Rockaway Beach, a long stretch of oceanfront beyond JFK Airport, just so she could be closer to the waves. Her boyfriend, restaurateur Evan Bennett, shares her love for surfing, and their mutual passion for the sport has brought them closer together. “He’s been my best friend for a while, but I never knew he surfed. Then we went surfing, and he, like, rips,” she gushes, clearly smitten.
Challenges in the Fashion Industry
Despite her love for the outdoors and adventure, Andreea’s path in the fashion industry hasn’t been without its challenges. She’s candid about the pressures and uncomfortable situations she’s faced. One of the more surprising revelations is her aversion to bras, which she claims give her acid reflux due to her small chest size. “But it means I can’t do lingerie shoots,” she notes, with a shrug that suggests she’s perfectly okay with that limitation.
More troubling, however, are her experiences with the darker side of the industry. She recounts incidents where she was pressured by photographers to undress unnecessarily. “There have been situations with photographers where I’ve been uncomfortable,” she shares. One particular incident, where she was bullied into posing topless for a prestigious magazine cover, left a lasting impact. “I hid my head inside my pillow for 20 months afterward. I don’t want to do it again,” she admits. These experiences highlight the ongoing issues of consent and respect that still need to be addressed in the modeling world.
Her experiences as a young model were equally daunting. At just 14, she found herself alone in a foreign country, unable to speak the language, and facing inappropriate behavior from adults who should have been looking out for her. She recalls a particularly disturbing incident in Japan, where a man driving her to castings began making explicit comments. “In that environment, you don’t speak the language, nobody speaks your language, there’s only this one person that drives you around, and then that person turns out to be a creep,” she says. Despite these unsettling experiences, Andreea’s resilience and determination have kept her moving forward.
Walking Away and Coming Back
Andreea’s discomfort with the industry’s pressures eventually led her to take a step back. At 17, she decided to quit modeling and pursue other interests. She co-founded a restaurant in Bucharest, Moo Moo, which focused on healthy, slow-cooked food, reflecting her personal commitment to wellness. She also enrolled in college, exploring her academic interests. However, the allure of the runway and the opportunities it presented drew her back. By the age of 20, she had moved to New York and reignited her modeling career.
Even as she navigates the demands of her profession, Andreea remains grounded. Unlike many of her peers, she’s not enamored with the idea of being a social media superstar. Although she has a substantial following, she rarely engages with the instant gratification culture that dominates platforms like Instagram. “I don’t like the rush you get from it, I don’t like the instant gratification of getting a bunch of likes—I don’t think it’s good for us,” she says. Instead, she uses her platform to highlight issues that matter to her, such as human trafficking and environmental conservation.
Beyond the Runway: Andreea’s Other Passions
While modeling has given Andreea a global platform, her true passions lie elsewhere. She’s an avid surfer, an enthusiastic camper, and a karate black belt. She’s fluent in five languages, a skill she picked up during her early years of traveling for work. Her love for nature and adventure often takes her to remote locations within the United States, where she can immerse herself in the tranquility of the outdoors.
One of her favorite destinations is Alaska, where she finds solace in the vast, untouched landscapes. “I might just take a vacation,” she says nonchalantly when discussing her current travel restrictions while awaiting her US Green Card. Her easygoing nature and adaptability are evident in her willingness to embrace these limitations and turn them into opportunities for exploration.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Andreea’s social media presence might be minimal, but she uses it wisely. She is actively involved with the Open Door Foundation, an organization that combats human trafficking in Romania. She’s also engaged with environmental causes and has spoken out against poaching and the ivory trade. Her philanthropic efforts extend to supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Art and Abolition, a group dedicated to ending child sex slavery in East Africa.
Although she doesn’t consider herself an activist, Andreea is deeply committed to fighting for justice and equality. “Gender equality. Stop the poaching for ivory… can I stand up for that? It’s somehow still happening. A lot. The situation in Syria is heart-wrenching. Especially in the times we’re living in. It’s mind-boggling,” she says, her passion evident. Her desire to make a difference is genuine, and she believes that even small actions can lead to significant change.
The Future: More Than a Face
As Andreea looks to the future, she’s focused on finding a balance between her career and her personal passions. While she continues to model, she’s also exploring other avenues. She has expressed an interest in studying social psychology, and her commitment to learning and personal growth is evident. “If I weren’t a model, I think I’d want to be a karate instructor, a translator, or maybe a surfer,” she muses.
Her perspective on fame and success is refreshingly down-to-earth. Unlike many in the industry, she has no desire to become a brand or a household name. “Karlie and Cara are superstars and they want to be superstars—they like being famous. I have a bad personality for that; I don’t like attention that much,” she says. This self-awareness and honesty set her apart in a world often dominated by superficiality.
Conclusion: A Model for the Modern Age
Andreea Diaconu is not just a supermodel; she’s a woman of depth, integrity, and courage. Her journey from the outskirts of Bucharest to the runways of New York and Paris is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she remains true to herself, prioritizing her well-being, her passions, and her values above all else.
In an industry that often prioritizes image over substance, Andreea stands out as a role model for authenticity. She’s proof that you can be successful without compromising your principles, that you can be beautiful without being superficial, and that you can be in demand while still being true to yourself. Her story is an inspiration not just to aspiring models, but to anyone striving to navigate the complexities of life with grace, strength, and a sense of adventure.
Whether she’s on a surfboard, in a yoga class, or gracing the cover of a magazine, Andreea Diaconu embodies the spirit of a new generation—one that values authenticity, individuality, and the courage to say no. She may be a reluctant supermodel, but she’s redefining what it means to be a role model in today’s world.
