Sylwia Butor was plucked from her hometown in March last year by Division, the same agency that discovered i-D covergirl Anja Rubik. She calls herself a “beginner model,” though we’re less convinced: there’s something especially captivating about her when she steps in front of a camera. After landing in Australia a few month ago she’s shot editorials non-stop, pausing only for a brief trip to New Zealand (where she did the exact same thing). Perhaps it’s her relentless willingness to work, and stay smiling the whole time, that gives you a sense there’s something special about her.
Of course, almost all models are motivated and dedicated to their careers (they have to be) — but for Sylwia, every tiny moment is a milestone. In conversation, she’s wonderfully bubbly and refreshingly sincere. She’s clearly grateful for her newfound career; when you speak to her you feel yourself becoming a little less jaded, too.
We photographed Sylwia while she was in Sydney shortly before she flew to France for PFW. Afterwards, we got to know why statuesque beauty got into modeling (hint: she hated her shitty job) and what she loves about Poland.
On her original career ambitions: I never thought I would become a model. There were a couple situations where strangers stopped me on the street and suggested I try modeling, but I definitely never took it seriously. Actually, I’ve always wanted to become a dentist — maybe someday I will.
On her home country, Poland: I went high school in Zywiec, Poland, it’s about four hours from Warsaw. I was a very outgoing kid — I still am. Despite what a lot of people think about Poland, it is not an ‘ice land’ or anything! We actually have very hot summers. Warsaw is my favorite city, it’s very beautiful. It’s become very cosmopolitan over the years, I’d love to live there one day. I think Poland is where I find peace.
On getting signed: The job I had at that time was the reason why I wanted to change my life — modeling wasn’t something I would’ve really thought about otherwise. A couple of Decembers ago, during Christmas time, I was heading home after a really rough day at work. I was so tired, just scrolling through Instagram with no energy, when I saw Division was casting in Bielsko Biala — a city not that far from my town. I quickly decided I was going to go, it was very spontaneous. I didn’t tell anyone I was going. I remember the casting was super short, so afterwards I had a feeling they didn’t like me! I couldn’t have been more wrong. The next day I was invited to Division’s office in Warsaw. I went, and after 30 minutes, I had a contract in my hands! Today I can honestly say that it was the best decision I could have made. It’s totally changed my life.
On being so far away from home: I have a big family, so it’s difficult to be away for so long, but I can still always count on them. Constant traveling isn’t always easy, I can definitely get homesick sometimes. But the technology we have these days is so helpful — my mom calls me every day!
On modeling dreams: There are so many designers I would love to work for, but Versace has a special place in my heart.
On the political situation in Poland: It is worrying what has been happening in Poland lately, regarding the anti-abortion law. I think that every woman has a right to choose, so I’m very proud of all the women who took part in the black protest on the third of October. I regret that I wasn’t able to be there. I’m glad the Polish government rejected the bill.
Credits
Photography Aleksandar Zaric
Styling Yukali Robertson
Makeup Liliana Blaazer-Grossi
Model Slywia Butor @ Pricillas