From our vantage point, a model's life can often seem nothing short of otherworldly. They jet-set and have the ability to practically transform clothing into art. But really, when you get right down to it, they usually have super messy closets, eccentric book collections, and way too many pairs of ankle boots, just like us. Or at least, the ones we love do. Twenty-year-old Behati Prinsloo is just such a lady. Prinsloo, who's graced campaigns for H&M; to Marc by Marc Jacobs and has strutted for everyone from Chanel to Louis Vuitton, considers herself a "jeans and T-shirt" kind of girl, but there's more to this budding fashion star than meets the eye.


The Namibia-born beauty just designed her own line of swimwear for Victoria's Secret called Behati Loves PINK, which is inspired by the landscape and lifestyle of her home in Africa. The playful, print-heavy line launches this week in 15 Victoria's Secret stores around the country, so it was good timing that we got an invitation to this local's East Village digs where she shacks up with her pretty kitty Golem. The apartment, which mixes up vintage wares, a hookah den, a giant Kid Robot sculpture, and various other curiosities reveals another side of this fashion plate...just read on for a sneak-peek into Prinsloo's downtown crash-pad.






The big ring was a find from a recent trip to Mexico. Enlarge Image


You just launched a line for PINK Victoria's Secret. Did you enjoy the design process?

"Designing this was so fun, because I was able to put a little bit of myself, a little bit of Africa, and a little pink into it. I loved picking out patterns and colors and fabrics and the PINK team was amazing to work with."

Downstairs in the den, Behati wears a Dolce & Gabbana dress she once wore to a friend's wedding. Enlarge Image

What are your favorite pieces in the line?
"My favorite suits are the one-piece black-and-white one, the tiger one, and the checkered one! I love all the cover ups—I dont know which one to choose! They all have a personal connection with me and some have African patterns, which I love."

Describe your style:

"It's very easy, a bit rock-and-roll and punk with a little tomboy sometimes. But I have my hippie side as-well, which comes out now and then."

What would you say your five key wardrobe pieces are, things you wear constantly?

"My cut-off jean shorts, my black jeans, my leather jacket, all my T-shirts, my tie-dye long dress, my velvet coat, oh, and my Doc Marten boots! I guess that's a few more than five."


See the rest of the images of Behati's apartment on Refinery29.


Photos by Kava Gorna www.kavagorna.com