NAAR ABSINTHE The LONGEST-SERVING LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR

Interview by Aria Absinthe 

Naar Absinthe is the longest-serving LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR winner still active on the grid, a distinction that reflects both her enduring presence and influence within the fashion house. 

Appointed LUXE Paris Ambassador in 2017, she has remained a close partner and friend of the brand ever since, serving as a member of the jury for the prestigious style competition and mentoring many of its finalists. 

FASHION as STATEMENT 

PRESENCE, DISCIPLINE & AUTHENTICITY

Naar Absinthe’s presence in fashion has never been about noise. It is about purpose. From the runway to the classroom of her In-Nova Modeling Academy, her work reflects a deep respect for craft, discipline, and self expression. Her journey is one of evolution, not away from fashion, but deeper into it. In this interview, Naar speaks candidly about confidence built through experience, authenticity over visibility, and the responsibility that comes with influence. 

What emerges is a portrait of a woman who understands fashion not as decoration, but as language, power, and purpose. Fashion has never been something Naar Absinthe simply wore. It has always been something she lived. 

Long before titles accumulated and roles expanded, fashion was already her language, a way to speak without asking permission, to express identity through purpose rather than volume. Today, when titles are stripped away, she defines herself simply: a model deeply passionate about her work.

A PASSION THAT NEVER FADED

That passion has never faded. The excitement remains. The butterflies still arrive backstage before every runway walk. Nervousness, she believes, is not weakness, it is proof of care. Proof that the work still matters. 

What has changed is fear. In her earliest days, fear was loud. Fear of mistakes. Fear of looking foolish. Fear of not being enough. Experience transformed that fear into perspective. Confidence didn’t arrive as arrogance, but as acceptance, the understanding that perfection is not required, that everything can be learned, adjusted, repaired. 

Today, she steps forward knowing that mistakes do not define her. Growth does. A stylist’s soul from the beginning, Naar was never meant to be just a model. Her teachers saw it early: a stylist’s soul, an instinct to turn clothing into statement. Every look carried her personality. Every choice said something. Fashion was never decoration, it was declaration. 

That belief crystallized during her first styling assignment. Asked to create a look that said “this is me,” she chose gothic while others leaned casual or minimal. When her teacher described her as dramatic, she bristled, until realization set in. Gothic is drama. The message had landed. The vision was clear. 

OWNING THE RUNWAY

From that moment on, Naar committed to fashion with purpose. No styling without meaning. No look without intent. Her runway presence, often described as controlled, intentional, powerful, was forged in fear. 

A mentor once told her to fake confidence until it became real. She did. Fear turned into energy. Energy into power. Power into presence. What once terrified her became addictive. 

Today, when she walks, she feels strong, confident, almost invincible, a balance of instinct and discipline earned through years of owning space. Authenticity over visibility.  

Authenticity, for her, has never been negotiable. In an industry driven by visibility, she defines it as consistency with self. On the runway, authenticity means honoring the design while maintaining identity. Off it, it means living honestly, without bending to trends or expectations. Authenticity is not pleasing everyone, it is respecting yourself. 

TEACHING WITH RESPONSABILITY

Teaching entered her life not as a side role, but as responsibility. She understands what it means to shape others in an industry that demands much and forgives little.

Her mentors taught her discipline, humility, professionalism, and respect, values she now passes on without compromise. She is clear about her mission: she does not create little models. She develops strong ones. 

She sees clearly where many go wrong. Success is often mistaken as a finish line rather than a practice. Visibility mistaken for permanence. 

Fashion is relentless. It rewards those who remain disciplined, humble, and committed. Those who forget this are often left behind. Balance is everything. Individuality gives a model presence. Professionalism gives them longevity. Naar teaches both, encouraging essence while demanding responsibility. One makes you memorable. The other keeps you standing.

Technical mastery, Naar insists, is no longer optional. Presence alone is not enough. Understanding the mechanics of Second Life, construction, editing, performance, is what separates those who adapt from those who falter. 

A strong foundation allows professionalism under pressure. 

FINDING HER VOICE

One of Naar’s most defining moments came quietly, without applause. When Naar chose to create her own academy without partners, she was told she would fail. Dismissed. Diminished. 

That rejection became fuel. Naar stopped seeking validation and began building for herself. In doing so, she found her voice, and refused to let it be silenced again. 

Naar’s definition of success has evolved. Once measured in milestones and recognition, it is now rooted in authenticity, growth, and impact. Success is not a moment. It is alignment. 

HER INSPIRATIONS:

GRACE JONES & LADY GAGA

Naar’s inspirations cross worlds. Grace Jones shapes her runway presence, strength, command, and unapologetic ownership, while Lady Gaga fuels her styling with fearless creativity and rule-breaking artistry. Together they remind her that fashion is communication, play, and the power to surprise. 

There is no divide between Naar's real-life self and her Second Life presence. They share the same essence and truth. Her fashion statement today reflects independence, creativity, and confidence, a belief in forging your own path while respecting the craft. 

What continues to excite her is possibility: reinvention, mentorship, and growth. Helping others find their voice while refining her own. 

Above all, she holds to a lesson that never fades, when humility is lost, excellence soon follows. Vanity may belong on the runway, but off it, respect defines greatness. And the day the nerves disappear is the day the passion has faded. 

Naar Absinthe reflects on fashion as more than style, it is discipline, identity, and purpose. From overcoming early fears on the runway to becoming a mentor and educator, her journey is rooted in authenticity and respect for the craft.

Inspired by icons, she views fashion as a powerful form of communication. For Naar, true success is not measured by visibility alone, but by growth, integrity, and the ability to inspire others. For Naar Absinthe, fashion is not about being seen. It is about being true, and letting that truth walk.