MW: Tell us about some of the modeling stints you have done that really made you feel good being a model, maybe you could list down some of your favorite modeling assignments so far?

D: I'm camera crazy, so every shoot had its charm for me.

But work that I'm really proud of is Numero Magazine, I shot this with Vanini Sorrenti and she was such an inspiration.

I do take pride in L'Uomo Vogue; I remember that when I first started that was one of the goals I had set for myself. But I really take pride in all of the work. No matter how small it may seem to the eyes of the industry, each picture taken so far has a bit of me in it. And I'm proud of that.

MW: (This is a favorite question among models) Tell us what would be your dream modeling assignment. Your ideal location shoot, photographer, the models you wished you would do the shoot and the Designer/Fashion you will be modeling for?

D: My initials are D.G. (Dominic Gabriel) and I would love to shoot for Dolce and Gabbana.

Just to see that picture with the initials below it would thrill my socks off. :)

The location doesn't really matter, maybe an icy surrounding, we could wear really thick coats. I'd love to work with any of the photographers I've worked with in the past, I know that there's a good feeling between us and that makes working a lot easier.

MW: In terms of preferences, do you like to do photoshoots for editorials and campaigns or do you enjoy doing the runways more?

D: The Runway is so different from a shoot. Instant adrenaline versus a delayed thrill.

When you do a photoshoots there's always the wait for the result, while with a show, right after you've done your last outfit and you walk back into the arms of your colleagues all happy and excited. Both have an equal attraction.

MINDSPEAK: "I'd like to grow beyond what I can persevere now.

What amuses me about myself is that I keep on relearning the same things, yet through different eyes. I just want to keep on doing that."
Dominic is represented by the Skin Agency in the Netherlands, one of the prestigious agencies currently managing Van der Pas' young modeling career.
MW: In terms of nudity, how far will you go for the sake of modeling? In case there is a prestigious designer that would require a model to have some nudity, for a new product that would create quite a stir in the fashion industry, will you be willing to accept such an assignment?

D: Nudity has always been an issue. But I think there is a clear line between art and pornography. The naked body can be beautiful when photographed the right way, and I would have no problem with being shot in that way.

Tricky is always finding out what the intention of the shoot is. But if it's all for the sake of beauty in art, I'm all for it.

MW: Describe to us what fun to you is?

D: Fun is feeling good with who you are and what your doing at that time. I can have fun almost everywhere, anytime, but it's a lot more fun to share fun.... does that make sense? :-)

MW: Who are the people that influence you the most? Who are your personal heroes?

D: My sister has inspired me most of my life. If it weren't for her I would've become quite a pain in the ass, more so than now. My parents each influenced me in their own way and have always thought me to be real.

MW: Do you have an ideal woman? What should be her qualities and features to make her attractive to you?

D: Madonna.

MW: What are your future plans- both on personal and professional levels?
D: I'd like to grow beyond what I can persevere now. What amuses me about myself is that I keep on relearning the same things, yet through different eyes. I just want to keep on doing that.

Professionally I'd like to write. Novels or poetry, it's all in a very early stage now but I enjoy writing as a form of meditation. It clears out my head. I would also like to shoot photo's that inspire people to feel a certain way. You know the kind that makes people stop and think for just a second, but in that second they may have changed their opinion on something.

To be honest I have more things to do then day's left in my life, it's a matter of deciding what to do first now.

MW: What would bring a smile to your face? What would make you happy and satisfied?

D: To see someone happy is enough to make me smile, may it be because of something I did or not, a smile is enough to make me smile. What would satisfy me? Nothing :) A fully lived life perhaps, but that won't happen till it's over.

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ModelWatch is extremely grateful to the Skin Agency and to Samuel Ettedry for allowing us to do this interview with Dominic and for access to his photoshoots. More of Dominic Vander Pas and the Skin agency from their official website.
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