Many Things to Say She Has: Gloria-Sophie Burkandt

23-year-old Gloria-Sophie Burkandt continues her modeling career while writing her thesis while continuing to take part in projects for the future of the planet. Burkandt is a conscious and strong name that carries all the characteristics of the Z generation, which makes us look to the future with hope.

When it comes to the climate crisis and the future of the planet, we have someone who really takes responsibility. As Burkandt answers the questions, we understand that she is genuinely concerned about our planet and humanity, and how sincere she is, not because this topic is so "popular". She is aware of his responsibilities, mistakes and what she can do. 

All of this proves once again why we should follow him with interest and attention in his career journey, where she is taking firm steps. We get to know Gloria-Sophie Burkandt better, ask questions about her modeling career and daily routine, and talk about what needs to be done for the future of the planet.

Could you tell us a little about yourself, what should we know about you?

I'm Gloria-Sophie Lola Burkandt, 23 years old, living in Munich but feeling at home all over the world. I lived in Milan and İstanbul as well. I studied business management, finished my master and planning to write a thesis on the subject of sustainability. Love philosophy, and prefer to spend my time with art and international politics than spend my time on Instagram. I am aware that I’m lucky to be born in Germany. I realized that every day. I’m a shy person, very tall (haha), and romantic.

How does having well-known parents affect you? How would you describe your childhood?

My childhood was very basic and boring. You know, I’m not like these children who were in the best private school like rosé, BeauSoleil or Aiglon. I was a classic child. You know in Deutschland, there is a pragmatism about children regardless of socioeconomic background. We go to school together and we play together. Nevertheless, having traveled so much I am even more aware of the privilege that comes along with having well-known parents, although it can sometimes be a burden as well.

You are at the beginning of your modeling career. What is your favorite thing about your job? Was modeling your childhood dream? Has your perception of the modeling industry changed over time?

You are right, I just begin to be a model but I’m happy that it is working out well and that I get the chance to be involved in different jobs around the world. It helps me develop on a professional and personal level. I have also learned that like most professions, modeling is as well a question of strategy and without a strong team and support network, it is almost impossible to succeed. You need people who support you 100% and believe in you and your potential. 

I read in an interview that you were writing your thesis while continuing your modeling career. As someone who knows the difficulties of writing a thesis, I wonder what your working pace is. Could you tell us a little about your daily routine?

I can manage to prepare my thesis as well as continue my modeling career, both with passion and can integrate both perfectly well in my daily routine. So I wake up at 5 A.M, take my shower, make my matcha, go to pilates, conduct research for my thesis, lunchtime with friends in the city, taking a 10 minutes nap and starting to research and write again. Most  evenings, I go to get some organic food and cook food at home. So most of the time, I guess I am a just  a regular student. Luckily, my life is very  adventurous at times but most important is to have a good basic structure in life, being happy and positive with whatever life throws at you. 

What do you think about the climate crisis threatening the planet? Are there any projects you want have participated in on this issue?

There is not much awareness of how many positive contributions the individual can make to preserve our beautiful planet. Supporting the re-naturalization of the environment will reduce the heating of the earth, and for example, everyone is capable of planting a tree. If we all conduct similar actions organized and collectively we as humans have the power to influence our own fate on planet earth. It all starts with small steps. I am part of an exciting project that explores ways in which nature and humans can coexist harmoniously, even in an urban environment. Using strategies of permaculture, we are renaturalizing a former construction site in Istanbul to an urban food forest farm & detox day-resort, which will teach the greater benefits of preserving nature and simultaneously be a place for personal rejuvenation.

How does the approach of the brands you will shop with on recycling, up-cycling, and sustainability, in general, affect you?

I'm researching and informing myself more about the brand and its supply chain. There are many efforts in the industry to become sustainable but it has proven to be very difficult. I believe an immediate action to be taken is for slow fashion to be more emphasized. I prefer to buy quality over quantity, take good care of items and wear them for as long as I can. The resources required and the waste caused to produce items is not worth it, even it's only being worn once. 

What would it take to get everybody’s attention on this issue(climate crisis)?

Real attention and also importance is only given if one is personally affected by the climate crisis. Actually, everybody already is deeply affected by it but in many cases simply not aware of it. Migrations, overcrowding, diseases, poor economic conditions, and conflict are often direct results of the climate crisis. Sooner or later the attention will be there, but there also needs to be an action plan in place and give each individual or community the chance to make a positive contribution in the fight against the climate crisis.

Do you think more people are paying attention to this part of the conversation about the climate crisis?

At the moment paying attention to climate change is a luxury that the majority of people on a global scale, don’t have. They are concerned with feeding their families and having a stable and peaceful life. Those who can "afford" to pay attention to the topic, should do everything they can to stop the climate crisis. If not them, who else will? 

What are your views on the role of youth in climate change?

The young people are so strong and have clarity about what will happen in the future when we don't change. We have grown up with this subject and it has become part of my generation's identity. We are the generation that will decide humanity’s fate. So my generation has to be strong and I believe it should also be acknowledged for this by older generations.

What do you personally do for a sustainable life, what do you pay attention to?

I am well aware that I am also guilty of causing harm to the environment by traveling frequently or consuming products. Being realistic I cannot just totally change all aspects of my life in a simple manner but my approach is to improve in small everyday situations where I can and leave a much bigger, positive impact in the long run. I have the ability to promote and contribute to projects that do have a huge positive impact on the environment and I am continuously engaged to do so. 

What worries you most about the world and its future?

My worry is that we as humans will repeat what we have done in the past and fight over invented and unnecessary divisions we have, although we are all in the same boat when it comes to the future of our climate and earth being a livable space. Rather we should work together without boundaries as a collective and not miss the chance to keep the earth inhabitable for humans. It worries me that we will not use this potential.

What are your dreams and plans for the future? Also, do you have any career goals over the next five years?

I want to continue to travel and be open-minded, expand my knowledge and live my life to the fullest. I enjoyed the shooting with Vogue Turkey very much and in general, I look forward to working in Turkey on exciting projects and collaborations. This is such a wonderful country, rich in culture & history, beautiful natural scenery, and most of all, warm-hearted and welcoming people.