By repeatedly painting everyday objects – like bottles, bowls, pots and boxes – the Italian still-life artist Giorgio Morandi transformed them from being items with a prosaic domestic function to sculptural works that invited meditation and contemplation. This metaphysical sense of timelessness, prevalent in the second half of the 20th century, has been captured by American photographer Roe Ethridge for the Sportmax Spring/Summer ’16 campaign, which features a cornucopia of items such as anchor chains, fishing rope, nets, boat ladders, buoys and seashells. At the heart of these nautical objects, the stoic presence of Italian top model Mariacarla Boscono, with whom L’Officiel Singapore a casual chat.

You look amazing in the Sportmax SS16 campaign! What was it like working with Roe Ethridge?

Thanks! It was a very special working relationship. It felt more like creating art instead of photography. Roe is so talented – he’ll be major!

What are some of your favourite pieces in the collection?

I know it’s a cop-out to say this, but I love everything in this collection! But I must say, there’s this long white dress that’s definitely unique.

You travel so often for work and even as a child, you moved around a lot. Which city do you consider home and why?

Definitely Rome. I was born there and, to me, that’s the definition of Italy. There are so many things to love about it, and one of them is Il Bolognese – that’s my favourite restaurant in Rome. If I had to choose another city to live in, I’d pick New York; I have a home there as well.

What’s your choice entertainment at the moment?

Music – I love all kinds of music. And movies! One of my favourite films I’ve seen recently is Bridge of Spies directed by Steven Spielberg – what a masterpiece. Other than that, my favourite thing to do on the weekend or when I have a day off is to spend time with my daughter Marialucas.

She’s adorable! When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A mother – as I am now. And that’s what I’ll continue being (a full-time mum) if I ever stopped modelling.

You have a whopping 162k followers on Instagram (@iosonomariacarlaboscono). Who do you recommend we follow on Instagram? 

Any account which features food, fashion and animals.

Are you a morning person or a night person?

A morning person – and my favourite time of the day is when I open my eyes in themorning and wake up next to my baby angel.

Story Credits

Text by Justin Cheong

This story was first published in L’Officiel Singapore.