THE TRANSCRIPT

SIR: What does the word muse mean to you?

Maya Stepper: The word muse for me personally means that you don't have to necessarily be someone else's muse. You could also be your own muse and be inspired by yourself and by exploring yourself.

SIR: What do you think makes someone memorable?

MS: I think memorable is when someone is really passionate about something and that little spark people have in their eyes when they talk to you about something that they are passionate about. I always remember people for that.

SIR: What are you creatively interested in right now?

MS: Right now I'm really into making art and I have just finished working on my second collection, which has been really inspired and I've traveled to create it.

SIR.: Where did you travel?
MS: India.

SIR: Do you prefer making something beautiful or something strange?

MS: I think there is beauty in strangeness, so I think the two go together for me, so I think it's both.

SIR: Do you make everything for yourself or for somebody in mind?

MS: Again, I think both, because everything I make comes from me, so it is for me or born out of my own vision and can be for anyone who relates to it or feels drawn to it.

SIR: Would you say you are a collector or a minimalist?

MS: I am a minimal collector because I love to collect things, but I'm very picky.

SIR: What are you drawn to in other women?

MS: I am really drawn to personalities that don't ask for permission. I'm really drawn to brave women and I feel incredibly inspired by them.

SIR: And how do you feel that ties into the SIR. woman and your relationship with SIR.?

MS: I have created with SIR. for many years when I’d just started modeling and they were just in the beginning of their brand. We worked together and I think, there was a lot of newness and a lot of trying out and they were really brave and they just went for it.

SIR: Can we talk about you being one of their key muses yourself, and a collaborator? How has that relationship kind of changed over time, and that dynamic?

MS: I think year by year of me working for the brand and us working together, there was always a new inspiration, a new growth. I think it's incredible being able to witness that. As talent, you know, I don't often get to follow a brand that long. And I'm incredibly proud of the team and what they achieved, and it's such an honor to be part of all that. So many memories to look back at.

SIR: Do you have a key favourite memory from working with SIR.?

MS: Perhaps when we went to Hawaii and it felt more like a holiday than us shooting. We were just having such a beautiful time being on the beach at sunset. And yeah, it felt more like a girl's trip than anything.

SIR: Where did you grow up?

MS: I grew up in the Black Forest in Germany which is on the border to France.

SIR: What do you love most about your hometown?

MS: It's like a fairyland. It feels like there is a lot of magic in the woods and every time I come back I'm kind of reminded of my connection to nature which feels very healing when I'm there.

SIR: Is that where you feel the most at home?

MS: I think I feel the most at home spiritually there. But as an adult now, as the person I am now, I feel very at home in New York, where I've lived for so many years.

SIR: If you could only take three items to an island for the rest of your life, what would they be?

MS: I mean, we need much less than we think we do. It would likely be... A journal, because I feel if I was isolated, I would have really interesting ideas or maybe revelations. It could be interesting to write those down. Maybe a machete, so I can chop some wood to make fire. I think that would come in very handy. Maybe a fishing rod.

SIR.: Would you say that you're a practical person?

MS: I'm a very practical person. Growing up, again, in the forest, I feel like I'm a bit of a survivalist. I can make a fire from scratch. I can build a shelter. I just need the tools.

SIR: When was the last time you changed your mind about something?

MS: Oh, constantly. I love changing my mind. I think it is beautiful to change your mind. It's actually quite empowering because whatever decision we make, you know, it's not permanent. Nothing is permanent, really.

SIR: Do you have any words that you live by?

MS: I do have a tattoo that says... to sign on self be true. It's in my mother's handwriting. I just really firmly believe to be true in yourself, and that's my words to live by.

SIR: Would you say that your mother is a muse to you?

MS: Yeah, she's my ultimate muse, actually. Everything I do is inspired by her.

SIR: Whose taste do you trust more than your own?
MS: I trust my boyfriend's taste a lot. He's my favorite person to bounce ideas off with and create with. And I think he sees me and understands me quite deeply while having often very different opinions. And I always feel that he's the first one I ask for advice or for an opinion.

SIR: Do you have a guilty pleasure?

MS: Yes, many. I love a good donut.

SIR: What is your most controversial fashion opinion?

MS: I hate jumpsuits. I just don't find them very inspiring.

SIR: Can you describe where we are in three words?

MS: Ancient, mythological, late summer. That's more than three words.

SIR: What is the last note on your iPhone?

MS: Movies to watch: Prisoners, Equilibrium, The Master, Watchers, The Town, Stay, and All that jazz.

SIR: What is a daily ritual that you stand by?

MS: Don't listen to your thoughts when they are not kind to yourself.

SIR: What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

MS: That I used to be in the circus, and I know how to spit fire. I can probably still juggle, and I’m good on the trapeze.

SIR: Do you prefer creating or being captured by a creator?

MS: I think I prefer creating because I always have so many ideas in my own mind. And even when I work, with someone, creating for someone, I think I always try to put a little bit of me in it.

SIR: What’s your favourite shoot that you’ve ever done?

MS: I couldn't decide. It's like picking a favourite child, you know.