"On my birthday, I was in Milan for the collections"

Eva Herzigova’s phrase, “On my birthday, I was in Milan for the collections,” implies more than a recounting of a personal event, it captures the intersection of personal life and professional commitment in the world of high fashion. Herzigova, a renowned supermodel, finds herself spending even her birthday, a day often reserved for self-celebration or intimate gatherings, working in Milan, one of the fashion capitals of the world. The “collections” refer to the fashion shows where designers unveil their latest creations, a pivotal event in the industry cycle that draws models, designers, press, celebrities, and buyers from around the globe.

The passage reveals the demanding nature of a model’s career, where milestones like birthdays are spent on the job, sometimes far away from home and loved ones. It also hints at the glamour couched within sacrifice, Milan during fashion week is a whirlwind of creativity, beauty, and excitement, but it’s also rigorous work. For Herzigova, her birthday isn’t a holiday from work but just another date on the calendar coinciding with her professional obligations.

There’s a subtle sense of pride as well as resignation in her words. She acknowledges her presence in a coveted, exclusive sphere, Milan’s collections are the epicenter of fashion, a place many aspire to experience. Yet, entwined with that prestige is the reality that personal moments are often set aside. This experience is emblematic of many artists and professionals at the top of their fields: achievement comes with tradeoffs, where career often takes precedence over personal moments. Herzigova’s statement provides a glimpse into the reality beneath the allure of the fashion world, demonstrating both the privilege and the cost that come with such a lifestyle. It is an understated meditation on dedication, opportunity, and the blurred lines between the personal and the professional.