Lou Schoof

PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN BRYLLE. MODEL: LOU SCHOOF/NEW YORK MODEL MANAGEMENT. CASTING: DAVID CHEN. SPECIAL THANKS: FAST ASHLEYS.

“When I was a child, I compared a lot to people around me and wished I could live their lives,” recalls German model Lou Schoof. “My father said: ‘You would have to live their whole identity—don’t just think about one aspect. Would you rather have their family, their health situation, their habits, their friends, their schedules, their outlook, their social life?’ If you look closely, no existence is flawless and easy,” she continues. “With distance, most things seem attractive. I would rather work on my own life than chase after others.”

At 21 years old, Schoof has a mature outlook on life. She’s been modelling professionally since being scouted on a train two and a half years ago:  “Time spent modelling and traveling goes by so fast,” she says. “A lot has happened since [I started] and it is hard to imagine myself without being surrounded by all this.”

THE PEOPLE I ADMIRE THE MOST:
My two younger siblings—perfect, pure, and honest creatures.

QUESTIONS I CAN’T ANSWER:
“Whats your favorite…?” It’s so hard picking favorites in general.

EVENTS I WISH I’D WITNESSED: 
I would love having met my parents when they were young. It’s interesting that i have spent my entire life with them but they have experienced so much more.

MY GREATEST ADVENTURE:
Life is a big adventure. Every situation is a part of your story and one thing leads to the next, often unexpected and game-changing challenge. You just have to open your eyes and see that you constantly are part of your own unique and extraordinary adventure.

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT:
Keeping in contact with the people I love. It’s so hard with distance, but worth it.

THINGS I’LL BE REMEMBERED BY:

My healthy eating habits. They confuse and drive people crazy. 

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