Tori Praver

By: Interview by Susan Michals | Photographed by Steven Lippman | February 09, 2010 |

Model/surfer Tori Praver could be easily described as the girl next door — if you lived next to a Sports Illustrated-swimsuit-model, surfing-beauty enclave. Maui-native Praver began surfing at an early age, so it’s no wonder she is now the face and image of Billabong worldwide. Suffice to say, hers has been a life synonymous with all that is the beach and the world around. Discovered at the age of 11, Praver, now 23, has traveled the world working on both beaches and runways, and has been photographed by some of the most famous photographers in the business including Bruce Weber and Patrick Demarchelier. These days, Praver is one busy girl. Yet between creating the second collection of her swimwear line, working with the Save the Children foundation and keeping up with her Billabong responsibilities, she took a little time out to talk with Malibu Magazine and do a little time in front of the camera.

Let’s talk about your swimwear line. Knowing what you know from working in fashion thus far, wasn’t this venture a little daunting?
This is something I have always wanted to do since I was a little girl. I knew it would be challenging and far from easy, but that’s actually what inspired me to make it happen. I like a challenge.

You’re now working on your second collection. What’s the focus and do you have a particular favorite?
The theme of the collection is “Nirvana.” It’s all about mixing and matching different prints, colors and styles. My favorite suit is “The Betty” — it’s a high-waisted suit and bandeau top with a vintage feel. I love to incorporate the ’50s pinup style with current trends.

You originally wanted to be a fashion designer and transitioned into modeling while still a young girl. Wasn’t going into designing a dream come true for you? And now that you’ve realized your dream, what do you want to create next?
Definitely! A lot of my dreams have come true, and it’s incredibly rewarding. I look forward to someday moving home to Hawaii and settling down and traveling less. Eventually, I would love to start my own foundation and help the children of Hawaii learn about drug [abuse] awareness.

Describe the inspiration behind your swimwear line this season and what you learned from creating that first round.
The biggest thing I learned was that there is no right or wrong when designing. For me, it’s more about making it a personal experience. I’m really excited about the diversity of the collection. Mixing and matching colors, prints and styles allow women to get creative and choose what really fits their lifestyles. Confidence is most important when it comes to swimwear!

What’s the best part of your job as a model?
I’m from a little town in Hawaii, so traveling internationally was a bit of a culture shock for me. The first time I went to Europe, I was 16 and lived in Spain for a couple of months. I experienced so many things that were so foreign to me — the language, food, the lifestyle.

You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in fashion. What photographer has had the biggest impact on you?
Patrick Demarchelier is such an amazing photographer, and it was an honor to work with him so many times. The fact that he believed in me was an inspiration in itself.

You have been to some of the most exotic locales in the world. Where do you go to relax and chill?
Bali is one of my favorite places in the world. I have been going every summer for years now. I love to drive up to Uluwatu; the most beautiful and secluded beaches are located in that area. It’s a small town, about a 45-minute drive from the center of Bali. I usually spend the day watching the waves and sunsets, which are magical!

I understand you primarily call Venice home, but in all of your travels, is there a particular place that really spoke to you.
Venice and New York City have been [the cities] where I have lived for the past few years, but Maui will always be home. I try to spend as much time as I can in Hawaii and will eventually be back in Maui for good.

Bookmarks: Page 1 of 1 pages