Andreea Diaconu

PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN BRYLLEMODEL: ANDREEA DIACONU / IMG. CASTING: DAVID CHEN

Originally from Romania, Andreea Diaconu has been modeling on-and-off for more than half her life. She was scouted when she was only 11, and began working part-time at the age of 13. A favorite of British Vogue, American Vogue, and Vogue Paris, in her free time Diaconu raises money for charities such as Art and Abolition. “I am light and cookies, sand and leaves with a growing consciousness,” she says. “I wish I was a tree…” 

THE PERSON I ADMIRE THE MOST:
I admire hard work, dedication, and sincerity, so probably my grandmother.

SOME THINGS THAT INSPIRE ME:
Scientific discoveries, interminable conversations, knowledge, and love.

QUESTIONS I CAN’T ANSWER:
What is love? Who are you? What’s your favorite song? What’s your favorite anything, really—except humans. Most questions related to math.

EVENTS I WISH I’D WITNESSED:
A Bob Dylan breakdown, a German immigrant literary circle before the First World War, [a time] before the pyramids were built and everyone was obsessed with the stars.

THINGS I’D LIKE TO IMPROVE ABOUT MYSELF:

I used to tell white lies a lot and now I’m incredibly blunt and direct, so I guess I’ve achieved this four-year-old goal, but somewhere in between would be great. My French sucks, so does my guitar playing. If I can be great at those by 2020 I’ll feel accomplished.

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT:
A painting I made for my best friend because it made her really happy.

GAMES I PLAY:
Twenty questions, whist, that game where you put someone’s name on your forehead, drawing games. I’d like to play more chess.

THINGS I’LL BE REMEMBERED BY:

If I die tomorrow, probably my hugs, great dancing, my insomnia, and my polenta sour cream obsession. Some people think I’m funny, but there’s really nothing there worth recording.

SOME THINGS I’D RATHER FORGET:
I’m forgetful and forgiving, so if anything I wish I had a more vivid memory of past events to help make more astute depictions and decisions. I’ve had a lot of forgetful meals in airports that would be best erased.

MY IDEA OF HAPPINESS:
Plenty of trees, plenty of books, good waves, nourishment, kisses, and songs.

ONE LAST FAVOR I’D LIKE TO ASK:
Hang out with David Sedaris or Leonard Cohen in space and be good to yourself.

For more from our “Beyond Here Lies Nothing” series, click here.