This list includes the likes of Brooklyn Decker, Anne V. and Kate Upton (you may have heard of them) and as of March 2013, a fresh-faced stunner by the name of Kate Bock. I caught up with the Vancouver-based centerfold in between snaps to get her take on newfound fame.
Julie Bensman: Congrats on being named Sports Illustrated’s Rookie of the Year! How did you find out?
Kate Bock: Thank you! I knew the date it was being announced so I was checking the SI swim website constantly. All of a sudden, the video of me thanking everyone for voting showed up! It was so exciting.
JB: The Rookie of the Year alumni includes some major names. How do you feel about now being included in the club?
KB: It’s really such an honor — an exciting and amazing list to be added to. I hope and wish and pray I can one day be a major name for another girl to look up to.
JB: How were you first discovered?
KB: At the pool in my hometown by my mother agent, Liz Bell.
JB: Many models are now crossing over between swimsuit, editorial and runway. How do you see your modeling career progressing?
KB: I really love this profession — especially the fact that every job is totally different from the last. I want to do amazing, creative fashion editorials, but I also love beachy swim shoots and family catalog clients. I like to stay busy with a mix of things.
JB: Describe your personal sense of style.
KB: I’m into basics…most of my closet is black, white and grey. To add to those, I have my favorite jackets, scarves or shoes. They make a classic outfit more exciting, like adding a little bit of spice.
JB: Who are some of your favorite designers?
KB: I love Isabel Marant, Rag and Bone, Iro. I also love Aritzia, Theory and Zara for basics.
JB: Top beauty secrets?
KB: Sleep!! Nothing works magic like good sleep. That, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
JB: I know you travel quite a bit [Editor’s Note: Kate was filming an ad campaign at Joshua Tree when we spoke]. What are your top travel essentials?
KB: I do travel so much — I have packing down to an art! I always make sure to have a great moisturizer, lip balm and eye mask for any flight. Planes get so dry…I bought those light Nike running shoes that weigh nothing so I throw them in my carry-on. I feel a sweat after a flight helps to make me feel refreshed. And I always make sure to drinks tons of water.
JB: What have you found to be the biggest misconception about the modeling industry?
KB: I find that most people assume models are constantly surrounded by an entourage of friends and family. We do travel a lot and meet new people at jobs but all the coming and going (which is many hours!) is a solo job. So we’ve all had to learn be good, strong independent girls.
JB: What’s the last thing you Googled?
KB: I met Gilbert Gottfried at a Rangers game the other night and knew he was going to be on Wife Swap, so I googled what date and time to tune in – hah!
images: Sports Illustrated
