Rachel Hilbert, one of the faces of Victoria's Secret PINK, talks about hosting a spring break bash in Miami and what the word "feminism" means to her.
We say: You're never too old to get a spring break. And in Miami, it's not hard to come by a party that reminds you of that time in college... like this weekend's spring break-style blowout at the Surfcomber Hotel with hosts Gigi Hadid and Rachel Hilbert—both 19-year-old Victoria’s Secret PINK models.
Before the party starts, we caught up with Hilbert (sound familiar? You might be one of her 38,000 Instagram followers) to talk about life as a model and why she's a feminist.
Tell us about the Victoria's Secret PINK Spring Break Bash this weekend—it's also your birthday. What can we expect?
RACHEL HILBERT: I am so excited to be here for PINK's spring break event. I'm hosting with Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson. DJ Irie will be spinning all day getting the party started. We will have games, giveaways, and contests. I'm turning 20 at the event so I plan on dancing all day.
What's your favorite memory from your own spring break?
RH: My last spring break was last year here in Miami. The best part was relaxing with friends, laying on the beach, and parasailing, which was amazing.
So many of today's biggest supermodels have come out of the Victoria's Secret empire—how does it feel to be part of the brand?
RH: Being a part of the brand has been a life-changing experience. The team at PINK has become my family and I've been able to travel the world and meet new people. I really love the fact that I get to model clothes that I actually like to wear and my friends wear as well. I also appreciate the fact that PINK lets me bring my own personality on set and lets me express who I am.
Which model do you look up to?
RH: I look up to Christy Turlington. She's had an amazing career and I admire her dedication to her charity work. Kate Moss is also amazing because of her style.
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Did you always want to be a model?
RH: I've danced my entire life so I've always enjoyed playing a role or being a different character. As I got older I kept getting taller so it felt like a natural fit. When I was 15 I went to New York for an open call which was an amazing experience so I decided to stick with it.
How does it feel to have 38,000 followers on Instagram? How has that changed your career?
RH: It feels great because I really appreciate my fans' support. I like to be able to share fun pictures and give an inside scoop into my life. As far as my career goes, people have more access to me now so they are able to contact me which can be good and bad.
We noticed on Instagram that you posted the word "feminist" on International Women's Day. That word is interpreted in so many ways—what does feminism mean to you?
RH: I admire and respect powerful women and wanted to show my support on International Women's Day. My parents raised me to be strong and stand my ground as a woman so I hope to inspire others to do so as well.
Join the Victoria’s Secret PINK Nation for the Ultimate Spring Break Bash tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. (Surfcomber Hotel, 1717 Collins Ave., Miami Beach). Visit pinknation.com for more info.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VICTORIA'S SECRET PINK