Karolina Gorzala, born 1993, comes from Poland and was initially discovered as a model at a train station outside of Warsaw, when she  was 15. She has graced the runways of the world for Andrea Incontri, Blugirl, Pedro Del Hierro, Wunderkind, Nicole Miller, and Milly. She has been in many editorials, including modeling for Elle Turkey, Harper’s Bazaar for Serbia and Thailand, Marie Claire Indonesia and Ukraine, and Surface Magazine. Karolina Gorzala’s modeling portfolio demonstrates her knack for an innocent appeal.

Interviewer: When you were a child, had you ever thought about modeling as a career?
Karolina Gorzala: Actually, I got scouted twice. I was tall and skinny because my dad is. But I was never like, “Oh, yes, I could be a model.” I never thought about this. It just happened. Modeling is growing in Poland, but it’s not huge.

I: How supportive has your family been?
K.G.: My parents were in two minds at the start, as they were so sure I was going to study. But now they are really happy. They see that this is good for me, with traveling. I’m not getting crazy or anything, and it’s because of them. They were always telling me that I should always be myself. They are happy and they really support me.

I: How would you describe growing up in Poland?
K.G.: I’m the oldest of 3 siblings. When I was younger, I was a dancer, jazz style. And I was biking so much, too; I would take trips everywhere that were three days long. It was tiring but it was a nice feeling, like I’ve done something good for myself. I wanted to study nutrition. Healthy lifestyle, working out — I love that stuff. I started my studies, but after a week I went to Milan for work, so I’m going to go back to school, definitely.

I: What were your first career steps?
K.G.: I was lucky to have my first trip was in Milan. I started to work from the very first day — it was so strange to me! I had only a few test shoots in my book.

I: And wow did you learn English?
K.G.: Surely, I had English lessons at school, but comparing traveling and experience to my school lessons, school was just the basics. I couldn’t really speak when I first went to Milan, but I could survive. I’m trying to speak Italian because I spend a lot of time in Milan, but it’s still kind of hard. I’m afraid to speak because I don’t want to make a mistake. If I do something, I want to do something right. If I’m not sure how to say something, I’d prefer to say it in English.

I: What has been your modeling hightlight so far?
K.G.: One of the highlights was shooting for Urban Outfitters in Los Angeles. I loved it. It was during wintertime, so going to L.A. was so nice. That was my first time in the United States. And the photographer was Polish! We were in a big group — seven of us — and it felt like a holiday. We were doing crazy stuff, driving quads and motorcycles and everything. There were both girls and guys. It was really nice. I also did a shoot for Roberto Cavalli Class, but it’s still not out. It was with Louisa Gummer, Meryl Streep’s daughter. Meryl is my favorite actress, and I was like, “Oh my goodness!”

I: How do you like New York?
K.G.: Very different from Europe, which is quiet and not so crazy; I grew up in the suburbs outside of Warsaw. But I really like New York. I really like the people. The mentality of people is really different. It’s nice when you take the subway and someone says, “Oh, I like your shoes.” That doesn’t happen in Europe. People can smile at each other here and it’s normal.

I: What’s essential during castings?
K.G.: Try to be yourself. I’m always trying to dress up so that I feel good and comfortable. I like classic stuff — nothing really crazy. I like French style. I really love vintage stores.

I: How you stay connected with your friends at home in Poland?
K.G.: I feel like I’m really lucky because so many models say that when they start modeling, all of their friends from home are jealous. I’m lucky because my friends support me. They’ll be like, “I saw you on something!” And it’s actually Miranda Kerr. And I’m like, “It’s not me!” But I can take that comparison, I don’t mind.

I: Who are your modeling icons?
K.G.: I love Kate Moss.