This story originally appeared in i-D’s The In Real Life issue, no. 364, Autumn 2021. Order your copy here.
Fran Summers has been on quite the journey the past year, moving to Innsbruck in Austria, and, by the sounds of it, finding great joy from slowing down. Below, the brilliant model tells i-D about slowing down, her songs of the summer and her dream dinner party guests.
Hey! How are you? Where are you answering these questions from?
Fran Summers: From my apartment in Austria! We live in the mountains and are right underneath a crazy thunderstorm lighting up our living room at the moment… So, pretty dramatic!
Tell us about your first post-lockdown night out. Where did you go? Who did you see?
We just got back from Vienna. Some friends took us on a night out which ended with a sunrise scooter ride around the city trying to find the nearest sausage stand for late night Käsekrainers — which are Austrian sausages stuffed with cheese. Best night ever.
Most importantly, what look did you pull?
Denim shorts, a black turtleneck, a green blazer and sneakers. It was all that I could fit into my weekend bag.
What have you been making the most of since the world reopened?
I live in Innsbruck, Tyrol, an area that is considered to be one of the climbing centres of the world so I’ve been trying to go climbing every week. I started climbing when I first came to Austria in September and I love it. The combination of mental and physical strength needed is almost meditative.
And what did you miss the most?
I’ve loved seeing people’s smiles again, there’s something about being behind a mask that feels so distant. Also, travelling! I miss the days when hopping on a flight didn’t take days of preparation and paperwork.
If the world’s an oyster, what is its pearl?
Her people!
What’s been your song of the summer?
“ECSTASY” — EARGASM GOD (yes, I’m serious) or “NTHG” — EMBRYO (Yes, also serious).
Where are you headed for your first post-vax holiday?
I’m going to Ibiza for my birthday next week! We’ve booked a villa in the middle of the island. All the clubs are closed so hopefully we will have an empty island to go free-diving, sun soaking and napping on boats, the dream.
What IRL show are you most looking forward to walking?
Probably Burberry, I miss my Burberry family and can’t wait to be back in London and see them all again.
What are you currently most grateful for?
My break from work during Covid. When I slowed down, I looked after my health, fell in love, moved away to the mountains and now live the most fulfilled life that would have seemed like a distant dream two years ago. It has given me a newfound love for what I do and I am grateful to have a career where I can express myself creatively, with the most amazing, kind, and talented individuals and teams.
What’s your geekiest interest?
Whenever I travel for work, instead of FaceTiming my boyfriend, we play Age of Empires together online. I play as the Khmer (Ballista Elephants FTW), and he plays as the Franks. Dream team 4eva.
What’s the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever received?
The best dressed people are those who feel the best in what they’re wearing. I always recognise confidence before the style.
And what’s the piece of advice you always give that you never listen to yourself?
Stop touching my spots! I will forever give the advice but unfortunately I will never take it.
Tell us your favourite dad joke…
I asked my dog what’s two minus two. He said nothing.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be on Strictly Come Dancing. When I was younger, I would stand in front of the TV and copy all the dances. I used to do the same with America’s Next Top Model… I guess that probably ended up doing me some good.
And what do you want to be now?
Exactly how I am! Happy, healthy and doing what I love with people that I love.
What’s the biggest truth about modelling?
It’s tiring, and it’s extremely lonely at times. When you’re doing 30 shows in a month, including the multiple fittings late into the night, early call times and the lack of meals — it can be brutal.
And the biggest misconception?
That models don’t work hard.
What was your latest binge-watch?
Band of Brothers, best TV series ever.
What’s one book that changed your life and how?
The Lonely City by Olivia Laing, I read it when I was first travelling to New York, spending weeks alone in a city I had never been to before. The book was a saving grace during such an isolating and confusing time in my life, although I was doing the most amazing things and creating beautiful work, I couldn’t help but feel like I was alone.
What can’t you leave the house without?
My glasses, lip balm, sunglasses and a water bottle.
If you could perform on stage with any current pop star, who would it be?
Probably Dua Lipa, I love her style and music, and at least I’d be able to sing along to her songs.
Give us three skincare musts…
Water! Moisturiser! SPF!
What does true beauty look like to you?
Happiness
You’re hosting a dinner party for five guests — who’s coming?
My Dad, Louis Theroux, Cardi B, Ethan Klein and Aubrey Plaza. I can’t even imagine the conversations that would go down and I’d just love to see the look on my Dad’s face. I love everything about the idea.
And what are you doing tomorrow?
I’m going to wake up early, go for a long run, and then find a beautiful lake to jump in :).
Credits
Photography Alasdair McLellan
Fashion Alice Goddard
Hair Shon Hyungsun Ju at The Wall Group.
Make-up Lauren Parsons at Art Partner.
Nail technician Lorraine Griffin.
Photography assistance Lex Kembery and Simon Mackinlay.
Styling assistance Hannah Hetherington and Sian Wilkinson.
Hair assistance Ross Kwan. Make-up assistance Anastasia Hess.
Production Ragi Dholakia Production.
Casting director Samuel Ellis Scheinman for DMCASTING.
Model Fran Summers at Storm.