Model Behaviour: Bette Franke

Dazed's April issue fashion pivots on the idea of enduring models – Bette Franke, Frankie Rayder, Lindsey Wixson and Vlada Roslyakova. We caught up with the girls to talk more about their experience and recurring influence on fashion.

I don't think about anything when I walk, unless I have a very long dress or difficult shoes, then I just keep repeating in my head: 'Don't fall, don't fall'

Dutch model Bette Franke appears in Animal Attraction by Jeff Bark and Katie Shillingford, a dreamy, sherbet-hued story of excess. With pompadour hair. She has walked in shows for the likes of Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Chloé, Hermès, Lanvin, Balmain, Viktor & Rolf, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Dries Van Noten, Dolce & Gabbana, Versus, Emilio Pucci, Bottega Veneta and many more. This season she can be seen in campaigns for Hermès and Valentino.

Dazed Digital: Do you remember your first show? Were you nervous?
Bette Franke: My first show was Jil Sander. I remember it very well, I was super nervous because I had to open and close the show. When I turned around the corner to enter the runway I just heard all the camera flashes. I was happy when I was backstage again.

DD: What shows did you enjoy walking for A/W12 and what runs through your mind when you're walking down a catwalk?
Bette Franke: I loved all the shows I did. The people were all so nice. I like DSquared because it's always a party. I don't think about anything when I walk, unless I have a very long dress or difficult shoes, then I just keep repeating in my head: 'Don't fall, don't fall'.

DD: What's the secret of your enduring appeal?
Bette Franke: I try to maintain a fresh appeal by living healthy – I don't smoke and I try to go to bed early when possible. Also, when I'm in New York I take my bicycle wherever I go – to shoots, castings, shows; it's the easiest way to stay fit and the fastest way to get where I want to go!

DD: Are you a mentor to any of the newer girls?
Bette Franke: I don't think I'm a mentor figure. But I do like hanging out with them and sometimes they will ask me questions about the industry and how to deal with agents/clients/family and stuff like that. And I try to answer them.

DD: Tell us something we wouldn't expect of you...
Bette Franke: I play the saxophone.