In an industry built on transformation, Coco Rocha has mastered the rare art of evolving without ever losing herself. From runway icon to educator, entrepreneur, mentor, and mother, she continues to redefine what it means to have both longevity and purpose in fashion. Today, she stands not only as one of the most influential models of her generation, but as a guide for the next one — shaping the industry from the inside out.
In this conversation, Coco speaks with clarity, honesty, and warmth about the shifting landscape of modeling, the emotional backbone young talents need, and the values that anchor her both in front of the camera and far beyond it all while slipping on delicate pieces from Klive Monaco. She reflects on teaching, parenthood, boundaries, ambition, and the humanity she believes fashion must never lose. Above all, she shares the wisdom of someone who has lived many lives within a single career — and continues to create space for others to do the same.
You've been balancing roles as a model, a mentor, and an entrepreneur for years now — at what moment in your day do you feel most like "Coco the teacher" and when do you feel like just "Coco the person"?
That's a good question. I'm not sure I can separate the roles anymore. When I'm teaching at Coco Rocha Model Camp or filming Project Runway Canada, where I'm a host and judge, "Coco the teacher" definitely shows up. Beyond that, in my everyday life with my kids, my world is focused on help them grow too. Helping them understand themselves and the world round them. I love it, it's the most important job I've ever had and one I truly treasure. At this point, I suppose that describes Coco the person as well.
Phillip Lim, denim vest; Larroude, boots; Wolford, black tights; Miu Miu, gold sequin shorts; Jewelry Klive Monaco, bracelets, rings & earrings
Model Camp has given you a closer look at the industry from the education side. What was the most surprising shift in your perspective once you started working with young talents?
I realized how much emotional mentorship young models truly need. When I started Coco Rocha Model Camp, I thought I'd mostly be teaching posing and runway, along with some legal matters. However, I quickly realized the more significant lesson was helping them understand self-worth, confidence, and boundaries. So many models arrive thinking they have to fit a mold or say yes to everything if they want to make it. My job is to show them that their individuality is their power and that if they can learn anything from me, its that there is not just one path to success.
If you could put together a modern textbook for models, what would the very first chapter be — and why?
The first chapter would be called "Know Your Worth!" Before you step in front of a camera or sign a contract, you have to know who you are, what you stand for, and what your value is, both creatively and professionally. Everything else builds from that foundation.
Phillip Lim, shirt; Larroude, shoes; Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, suit & tie; Jewelry Klive Monaco, rings, bracelets, earrings & necklace
Your background in Irish dance has always been a unique part of your story. Do you have an exercise or a ritual in Model Camp connected to movement that helps young models feel more free and natural in front of the camera?
Yes, movement is at the heart of everything I teach pose and runway wise. We have a lot of tried and tested methods I've developed over 20 years to help models losen up, feel an emotion, feel a character and worry less about how they look. When models stop performing and start moving naturally, that's when the camera truly captures them and impactful moments can happen.
The idea of "success" in modeling has changed radically over the years. How do you explain to your students that success can take completely different shapes than just a major campaign?
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I think for many people, success sadly equates exclusively to fame or fortune. Having reached the top of the industry and knowing plenty of famous and wealthy individuals, I can say with certainty that those things alone are empty goals. They might look glamorous from the outside, but they rarely bring true fulfillment. I tell my students to redefine success for themselves. What about longevity? Building a career that lasts decades instead of seasons? What about creative freedom, where you get to choose the kind of art you make and the message you share? Or something even more personal, like being able to support your family and still love what you do every day? At camp, we talk a lot about this. Success isn't one-size-fits-all, and it's not about chasing someone else's version of achievement, but discovering what purpose and peace look like for you and building from there.
You often emphasize that a model is not only the "face" of a brand but an agent of her own choices. How do you empower models today to protect their interests and own their development?
Education is empowerment. I teach models how to read their contracts, how to ask questions, and how to walk away when something doesn't align with their principles. We also discuss the business side, how to negotiate and build your own brand identity.
Phillip Lim, shirt; Larroude, shoes; Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, suit & tie; Jewelry Klive Monaco, rings, bracelets, earrings & necklace
Do you plan to evolve Model Camp into a digital space — a course or platform for those who can't travel to attend physically?
We already have! CRMC Online allows models from all over the world to train with me virtually. It's been incredible to see how connected and inspired these sessions can be. Whether in-person or online, the goal is the same, to give models the tools and confidence to thrive anywhere in the world.
What does the future of model education look like in the digital era?
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It's a blend of in-person mentorship and digital accessibility, but even with all the technology we have today, people still crave genuine, human-to-human connection. There's something uniquely powerful about being in the room when those moments of growth and inspiration happen.
You've seen the industry evolve up close. How do you teach models that their individuality matters more than fitting into a stereotype — and how does that translate into practical advice?
One of my favorite sayings in life is, "It's better to be a first-rate version of yourself than a second-rate version of anyone else." To me, that means leaning into your quirks, your personality, and everything that makes you different, because that's your power. In modeling, those unique traits aren't flaws to hide, they're your signature. They're what make you memorable, marketable, and impossible to replicate. Individuality is the one thing no one can copy.
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You've reinvented yourself several times over your career. What is one belief you had as a young model that you've completely changed your mind about?
I used to think being easygoing and agreeable was the key to success. Over time, I've learned that speaking up, setting boundaries, and knowing your non-negotiables doesn't make you difficult, but it earns you respect and helps you build a lasting career.
Phillip Lim, shirt; Larroude, shoes; Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, suit & tie; Jewelry Klive Monaco, rings, bracelets, earrings & necklace
What did motherhood teach you about ambition — did it amplify it, soften it, or transform it into something entirely new?
It refined it! My ambition didn't disappear, it just became more focused. I'm selective now, every project must serve a greater purpose. If Im spending an hour away from my children, why? Whether it's Model Camp, or my modeling career, or Project Runway Canada, I only take on work that uplifts others or advances something more meaningful.
Jewelry Klive Monaco, earrings, choker, necklace; Tom Ford, white tweed coat; Tom Ford, white plunging swimsuit
You've spoken openly about setting boundaries in the industry. What boundary are you proudest of creating for yourself — and how did it change your life?
Time boundaries! Early on, I said yes to everything I could and burned out. Now I protect my time fiercely, for my family, for my health, for the things that fill my cup. Saying no was the most empowering yes I ever gave myself.
If you could gift your younger self one skill — not a talent, but a life skill — what would it be?
Patience. I was always in a hurry to prove myself. If I'd learned to trust the process earlier, I would've enjoyed the journey more instead of racing to the next milestone.
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When you think about your legacy, what do you hope young models will say you helped them understand about themselves?
That they are more than their image. I hope they remember that I taught them to own their voice, trust their instincts, and build a career that aligns with their values.
Fashion is built on the new — but what is one thing you hope the industry never forgets?
Its own humanity. Behind every impactful image should be a person or a team with a story. I hope even in the era of technology and AI fashion continues to evolve creatively, but never at the cost of its humanity.
Phillip Lim, denim vest; Larroude, boots; Wolford, black tights; Miu Miu, gold sequin shorts; Jewelry Klive Monaco, bracelets, rings & earrings
You mentor others every day. What's the most recent lesson a student taught you?
A student at class last week was absolutely terrified to step on set, I'm talking petrified! But she still showed up. Watching her push through that fear reminded me that bravery isn't the absence of fear, it's acting anyway.
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Has there been a moment recently that made you stop and think: "This is exactly where I'm meant to be"?
Yes. Standing on set for Project Runway Canada, watching these incredible designers bring their visions to life and pour their heart into their collections, it's the spark of someone realizing their potential and seeing the vision. When Im right there with them, that's when I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.
Phillip Lim, shirt; Larroude, shoes; Tom Ford, sunglasses; Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, suit & tie;
Jewelry Klive Monaco, rings, bracelets, earrings & necklace
If you could create a future version of the fashion world that your children will step into — what would be the three qualities that define that world?
Empathy, equality, and creativity. I want my children to grow up in an industry that celebrates individuality, protects its people, and creates beauty without limits.
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Talent: Coco Rocha @cocorocha with Nomad Management @nomadmgmt
Photographer: Caleb & Gladys @calebandgladys
Stylist & Creative director: Anna Katsanis @annakatsanis with Walter Schupfer Management @walterschupfermanagement
Make-up artist: Chichi Saito @chichisaito with Art Department @artdeptagency
Hair stylist: David Cruz: @thedavidcruz with Art Department @artdeptagency
Visual artist: Daria Chernenko
Casting Director: Liubov Liubinovska @liubov.liubinovska
Creative director of Klive Monaco @klivemonaco Samuel Klive @samuelklive
Manicurist: Lesia Pyskun @piscun_lesia
Assistant: Viktoriya Lytvynova @viktoriyalytvynova