Irina LazareanuFlorence O Durand/The Globe and Mail
Who are you, and what do you do?
My name Irina Lazareanu and I am a model, a writer and an art director.
Where are you right now?
I’m at home in Quebec, in my lair.
What’s been your biggest accomplishment in 2025?
I worked on a campaign for a Canadian brand called RVNG Couture. We shot it in two parts, and I got to create the concept and the art direction. I cast two of my friends, Jessica Stam and Helena Christensen. Both women have been my friends for over 20 years. I grew up with Jessica, in a way, in the business. And Helena has always been a mentor of mine. Being able to work with them as a creative for the first time was very special.
What has informed your career transition from modelling to art direction?
I’ve tried a lot of different creative outlets. I started out as a dancer in my teens, and then I worked as a model. I’ve written songs and dabbled with music. I wrote a book. For me, it’s always been about storytelling, and the transition from modelling to art direction happened pretty seamlessly. I don’t think I’ve ever loved doing something as much as I love my job right now because it makes sense to me. I’ve been on sets my whole life and worked with some of the best people ever to do the job from Emmanuel Alt to Katie Grand.
What are you wearing today?
I really love this Valentino coat because it’s well tailored and there are different textures to it – the cuffs and the collar are velvet, and it has a satin bow. The sunglasses are Loewe, and the shoes are Church’s. It’s one of my favourite footwear brands. I’m the type of person who, when I love a pair of shoes, I will wear them until they have holes in them. These are very comfortable, and I felt that they were quite original having the little studs.
How would you describe your style?
1960s tomboy. But I also love things that are bulky or have a larger shape. I love a huge shoulder pad like Claude Montana or Thierry Mugler would do in the eighties and then pair it with a tailored pant. But the word is tailored. Something can be oversized, but the silhouette is always key. I don’t necessarily like something that’s just done for the sake of being avant garde or rebellious.
How does style play into your idea of reinvention?
I tend to like people that keep the same aesthetic. Patti Smith is always going to be Patti Smith. And Diane Keaton was always Diane Keaton. I feel like my style has been the same for 25 years, and I’ve had the same haircut since I was two or three. I’ve never not had bangs. I’m of the mindset that if something isn’t broke, don’t fix it. And I think having that anchor for yourself in one way can allow you to be multifarious in other ways.
This interview has been edited and condensed.