Getting To Know… model Tess Georgia Dimos

June 29, 2011

As well as being a finalist for the Sussex Model of the Year Award 2011, Tess Georgia Dimos is an all-round lovely human-being. So we thought you’d want to learn a little about her. Here goes:

Modelling is not what I expected it to be. When I first started getting into modelling seriously with catwalk shows and photoshoots, I expected all the models to be competitive and bitchy, just like they are portrayed to be… Designers to shout at size four girls telling them they are too fat and photographers to come-on to any female model that walks in front of their lens. I’m pleased to say that nine times out of ten this isn’t the case. Modelling is what I’d call the perfect job; not for all the clichéd reasons of getting made-up to look pretty and perfect. I have gotten to meet the most talented, artistic and humble people. Modelling has opened so many doors for me and my mind; I couldn’t be more grateful. I have made lifelong friends, been lucky enough to have seen some beautiful places and, of course, had the most fun ever these past two years.

I am half-Greek. I lived in Ilioupoli, Athens until I was nine years old. I love the culture, speak the language fluently and adore my Greek family and friends, as they are all very open and close. Everyone is aware of each others feelings. If there was any bad feeling it would be resolved quickly and I love that – unlike my English family who would keep their problems to themselves and deal with it. I think that’s very unhealthy.

Aside from my modelling work, I dream. A lot. I dream about the future and make up little scenarios in my mind. This is going to sound very ‘Miss Universe’ but helping and saving animals is something I’ve always been passionate about and I wish I could do it fully. Since a very young age I helped raise money for various different animal charities, including helping the working donkeys in Egypt. I used to raise money through organizing cake sales at school and sending money off to various animal charities monthly. I dream that one day I’ll have my own charity and help make a difference, as an animal is defenseless when it comes face-to-face with a human. Something I’d also love to do when I’m older is open my own nightclub, or a nice beach bar, in Greece

I am currently listening to The Black Keys, 22-20’s, Broken Bells, Muse (old stuff), Bob Marley, Radiohead and Pyx Lax (Greek Rock band).

I’m really inspired by art and music. My mother is an artist and growing up beside her work has played a huge part in what I’ve become today. I see beauty in a different way. My mother captured moments and just painted them. Even if the object she was painting wouldn’t cross your mind as ‘beautiful’ if you saw it in front of you, in a picture or a painting it can look stunning and change the way you viewed that object originally. Music, also, is something I simply couldn’t live without, I love listening to sad songs – music that has meaning and moves you from the inside.

It might surprise people to learn that I used to be a huge stamp collector and that I still flick through my collection occasionally! Maybe that’s something I shouldn’t admit.

In the future I want to be successful, still smile at the little things in life and always be grateful for the life I’ve had. I always go by this Leonardo da Vinci quote: “As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death.”

Tess is represented by www.motmodel.com and www.freshagents.co.uk. Why not check her out as the face for the Ophelia Fancy Out Of Control collection, and have a squizz of some of her other work with uber-talented photographer, Kevin Mason. Also, you can keep up to date with all the good stuff she has got going on by following her on Twitter.