IN CONVERSATION WITH JOSEPHINE SKRIVER

interview by JANA LETONJA

Danish model Josephine Skriver is well known as being one of Victoria’s Secret Angels, having walked in their fashion shows for years. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her philanthropic efforts, solidifies her status as a role model both on and off the runway. Together with Jasmine Tookes, Joesphine is the co-founder of JOJA, an innovative active wear brand that seamlessly blends fashion and functionality.

Josephine, how did your career as a model begin? Tell us more about it.

My journey into modeling actually began quite unexpectedly. Growing up in Denmark, I never really set out to become a model. I was discovered on a trip to New York with my soccer team when I was just 15. Agencies started showing interest, but my main focus was school at the time. After finishing my education, I decided to give modeling a proper shot. What I think really helped me get noticed was the combination of timing and hard work. I was fortunate enough to work with some amazing designers and photographers early on, which opened doors for me in the international modeling scene. Looking back, it feels surreal how quickly things picked up, from walking in high-fashion shows to being a part of iconic campaigns. It has been a whirlwind, but I feel so grateful for all the opportunities I've had along the way.

full look LEVI’S
socks & boots DOLCE & GABBANA

You’ve been working with Victoria’s Secret, walking their fashion shows and being an Angel for years. How has this period of your career impacted your career and your life?

Becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel was a major turning point in my career. It gave me incredible visibility in the industry and opened doors to work with some of the top designers and brands. Walking in those shows and being part of their campaigns really helped solidify my presence in the fashion world on a global scale.

But beyond the professional impact, what truly made my time with Victoria's Secret special was the bond I formed with the other models and the team. For the first time in my career, I found real friendships that felt like family. The support we gave each other, whether it was backstage at the shows or traveling around the world together, created a sense of camaraderie that I hadn't experienced before. It wasn’t just about the work, as it was about the connections we made, and those relationships are something I’ll always treasure.

That combination of professional growth and personal connection made my time with Victoria’s Secret unforgettable. It was not just a career highlight, it was an experience that shaped me both as a model and as a person.

Having worked with many worldwide renowned brands and creatives in the fashion industry, which moment stands out as your absolute favorite modeling moment in your life?

It’s impossible to pick just one favorite moment because there have been so many incredible experiences throughout my career. From my first Vogue cover to closing a show for Prada, being the face of amazing beauty brands like Maybelline, to walking in my first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and later becoming an Angel, each of these moments has been insane in its own way.

Each milestone represents a different part of my journey, and they all hold special meaning to me. It’s those moments that remind me how far I have come and how fortunate I am to be part of such an exciting and ever-evolving industry.

full look LEVI’S
hat STETSON
earrings THREE ASFOUR
belt TRASH & VAUDEVILLE

When partnering with brands, what are the most important aspects of the partnership you look for?

When partnering with brands, the most important thing for me is that we connect on values and vision. I want to work with brands that not only align with my personal beliefs, but also have a strong sense of purpose. Whether it's about promoting sustainability, body positivity, or inclusivity, I need to feel proud of the message we are sharing together.

Authenticity is key. I look for brands that are genuinely committed to the causes they stand for, rather than just following trends. It's also important for me to feel a personal connection to their mission and know that I can represent them in a way that feels true to who I am. At the end of the day, I want to collaborate with brands that inspire people and make a positive impact, because those are the partnerships that resonate the most with me.

Fashion being such a huge part of your life, what role does it represent in your personal life?

Fashion is such an integral part of my life, but for me, it’s more than just what I wear. It’s a reflection of my lifestyle, my roots, and even how I design my home. Growing up in Scandinavia, I was influenced by minimalism, clean lines and an appreciation for quality over quantity, and that philosophy has stayed with me throughout my career.

In my personal life, fashion translates into everything from my wardrobe to the way I create spaces around me. I find so much inspiration from the industry, blending it with my Scandinavian roots to create an environment that feels calming, functional, and beautiful. Whether it’s finding the perfect statement piece to wear or choosing textures and colors for my home, it’s all about simplicity, timelessness, and making sure everything has a sense of purpose.

At the end of the day, fashion is a form of self-expression, but it’s also a way to surround myself with things that bring me joy, whether that is through clothing or the spaces I live in.

full look LEVI’S
bolo tie CODY JAMES
boots DUNE LONDON
cuff GURHAN

If you had to choose your favorite fashion moment from any runway or red carpet, which one that is, and why?

My favorite fashion moment would have to be walking the red carpet at the 2019 Met Gala. It was an unforgettable experience, especially because my dress was fully customized by Jonathan Simkhai. The gown was such a masterpiece. It had hundreds of hand embroidered silk flowers, crystals, beading, and feathers, all atop a custom nude silk gazar dress. The look was completed with a matching head crown and thigh-high boots. It was truly a vision come to life.

What made the experience even more magical was being involved in the creative process. From the makeup to the final touches on the dress, every detail was so thoughtfully curated. I even still have the sketches of the dress that Jonathan and his team sent me, and they’re framed on my wall at home. Being part of such a fun and collaborative creation made that night even more special, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

Beyond modeling and fashion, you are an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and work with organizations such as Family Equality Council and GLAAD. Why is this a cause so dear to you, and how do you use your platforms to advocate for it?

LGBTQ+ rights are incredibly close to my heart because I grew up in a rainbow family with two LGBTQ+ parents. This cause is personal to me, and I have seen firsthand the challenges that LGBTQ+ families can face. My upbringing shaped who I am and taught me the importance of equality, acceptance, and love for all, which is why I have always been passionate about advocating for these rights.

In addition to my work with organizations like Family Equality Council and GLAAD, in 2022 I joined PlanBørnefonden Denmark to advocate for girls’ and womens’ rights. Empowering young girls and women is another cause I feel deeply connected to, as I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities, no matter where they come from.

Using my platform, I strive to raise awareness and support for these issues, whether it's through social media, interviews, or working with organizations that fight for equality. I want to ensure that every family, regardless of their makeup, feels accepted, and that girls and women everywhere have the same opportunities to succeed. This is something I’ll always be committed to as both in my advocacy and in using my voice for those who need it.

full look LEVI’S
boots 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
earrings JOHN HARDY
hat STETSON

full look LEVI’S
cuff JOHN HARDY
bracelet STETSON
leather bracelet DSQUARED2

What is your view on the hardships and situations LGBTQ+ community faces in today’s world?

The LGBTQ+ community still faces significant hardships today, despite the progress we've made in terms of visibility and rights. Growing up in a rainbow family, I have seen firsthand the struggles LGBTQ+ families can face, whether it's discrimination, lack of acceptance, or legal barriers. While we've come a long way, there is still so much work to be done, especially when it comes to ensuring equal rights for all, no matter where they live or who they love.

One of the biggest challenges the community faces is the pushback against hard-won rights, particularly in some parts of the world where being LGBTQ+ can still result in persecution or violence. Even in more progressive countries, there are still issues with equal access to healthcare, employment, and family rights. I think it's crucial for allies and advocates to stand up and support the community by pushing for positive change and challenging the systems that perpetuate discrimination.

I believe in using my platform to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and to bring attention to these issues. Its important that we continue to fight for true equality and acceptance so that every person can live their life authentically without fear of discrimination or judgment.

In 2022, you and Jasmine Tookes co-founded the innovative active wear brand JOJA. How was the idea for it born, what is the brand's mission and its plans for the future?

JOJA actually started in 2016 as a community when Jasmine Tookes and I began sharing our workouts and fitness routines on social media. Over the years, we built a strong community of people who were inspired by our passion for fitness, and in 2022, we decided to take it a step further by launching JOJA as a physical brand.

JOJA came from both our love for fitness and fashion. We believe that a huge part of staying motivated is looking good and feeling good, whether you're in the gym or going about your day. That is why we designed JOJA clothes with that statement in mind as blending style and functionality to create pieces that make you feel confident and empowered, no matter where you are.

Our mission is to continue empowering women through activewear that supports both their physical and mental well-being. As we look to the future, we are excited to expand the JOJA community even further, offering more innovative, sustainable designs that reflect our commitment to fashion, fitness, and living a balanced lifestyle.

full look LEVI’S

Last year, you also became a mom to a little girl. How has this changed your life, and what are the foundations and values you’d like to set up for her?

Becoming a mom to my little girl last year has completely transformed my life in the best possible way. It is a kind of love and responsibility I never fully understood until I experienced it myself. She has brought so much joy and perspective into my world, and she has taught me to slow down and truly appreciate the small moments. I want to instill in her the values of kindness, resilience, and self-confidence. It is important to me that she grows up knowing she can be anything she wants to be and that she feels empowered to chase her dreams. I also want to teach her the importance of empathy and to always be compassionate and accepting of others, no matter their background or identity.

Family has always been the foundation of my life, and I want her to grow up in an environment where love and support are at the core of everything. I hope to show her that strength comes from within and that she can face the world with courage and an open heart.

TEAM CREDITS:
talent JOSEPHINE SKRIVER at IMG MODELS
photography KOLBY KNIGHT @kolbyknight
styling CHARLIE WARD at SEE MANAGEMENT
makeup TRACY ALFAJORA at THE WALL GROUP
hair CLARA LEONARD at THE WALL GROUP
location QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN