Leo Maribo

What is your ideal office?

I love working in my kitchen, it has such a nice atmosphere. So a big kitchen with a big beautiful table where you can sit and work. I like when there is a lot of natural light, so definitely some big windows.

Is Copenhagen your city?

No, not really. I like Copenhagen but I don’t see myself living there forever. It is too small. You always meet the same people no matter where you go.

What idea has made a remarkable impression on you?

Panopticon. The idea of making a prison where the prisoners don’t know if they are being watched or not and then start acting like they are being watched all the time is extremely creepy, but fascinating! I read about the theory when I was little and thought about it all the time. I always wanted my parents to tell me about it.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a nice and kind person. And then I would like to inspire others.

What is your most treasured belonging?

My iPhone and my selection of art, fashion and architecture books. I think I have some kind of fetish for books. Even though I don’t look in them that often, I love having them standing on their shelves and laying on a table showing their beautiful covers.

What is a career highlight that sticks out to you?

I haven’t had a very long career, but going to New York all by myself was a big thing for me both personally and regarding my career.

If you weren’t a model, what would you be?

Maybe I would be a chef. I love food, especially beautiful food. I have always loved cooking since I was little. 

When have you made the wrong decision?

One hour ago when I was drinking a bottle of water. Right now I’m sitting right next to the window in a plane on my way back to Copenhagen, and I have to wake up two people to go to the bathroom. I hate being that person.

What grosses you out?

Brown rice, the thought of a very sharp cut in my stomach, and Christmas songs played in uptempo.

Who would you come back as in your next life?

Michele Lamy. She is such a beautiful human being! I have a big passion for furniture, her work has always been a huge inspiration for me.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Definitely not living in Copenhagen. Hopefully I’m living in New York, doing what I love to do.

Is there a rivalry between you and your sister Ina?

We always fight over the keycard for our hotel room when we are traveling! We always have so many problems with them, even if we are only staying one night. Ina always destroys the magnetic stripe so the card doesn’t work and I always lose the card or forget it in the room. Why did they stop using real keys?!

What defines beauty?

I think everything can be beautiful if it’s seen in the right setting, or by the right eyes. I find it fascinating what different people and cultures think is beautiful, for example the old ladies in Chinatown who are obsessed with floral print. I have never liked floral print, but in some way it’s beautiful in that setting.

What is your life motto?

“Everything happens for a reason.” It really helps you when you don’t get that pair of Prada shoes with the most beautiful blue rubber sole—maybe you would stumble over the doorstep the first time you wear them and then fall down the stairs and die.