Interview by Ann-Kathrin Riedl & Nicole Atieno

Radiant. Serene. Reawakening: Victoria Fawole on Becoming the Face of Jil Sander’s Sunrise

Interview by Ann-Kathrin Riedl & Nicole Atieno

As the first light of day rises, a new chapter in the legacy of Jil Sander begins. Following the cult fragrances SUN and SUNSET, the house now unveils SUNRISE — a radiant ode to the magic of early morning, where night fades and the world breathes anew. Crafted by perfumer Nelly Hachem-Ruiz, SUNRISE blends fresh bergamot, orange blossom, and warm amber into a soft, modern embrace – like golden light gently warming the skin. It’s more than a scent; it’s a feeling – that fleeting moment of calm before the world awakens, captured in a minimalist flacon that echoes the purity and elegance of 90s design. At the heart of this launch is Lagos-born topmodel Victoria Fawole, one of fashion’s most quietly powerful presences. Known for her grace, strength, and soulful beauty, she becomes the perfect embodiment of SUNRISE. In this conversation with FRÄULEIN, Victoria shares personal memories of dawn, what it means to channel light, and how the fragrance mirrors both her own spirit and the poetic serenity of a new beginning.

FRÄULEIN: First, a personal question: Which sunrise in your life has stayed with you the most, and why?

Victoria Fawole: It was in Lagos, the morning I decided to leave home and pursue a dream that I didn’t know where it would take me and the sunrise was a sign that I was on the right path.

How do sunrises in your hometown of Lagos differ from those we see in Europe?

Sunrises in Lagos are quick and bright, almost at the same time every day, warm and alive. In Europe, they’re slower and shift with the seasons. Sometimes early, sometimes late.

What was your impression the first time you smelled SUNRISE? What came to your mind?

The first time I smelled SUNRISE, I was instantly transported to those fleeting moments just before dawn – when the air is still fresh, the world is quiet, and the promise of a new beginning feels tangible. It was like catching the very first light of day in a scent – radiant, soft, and uplifting.

How would you describe the mood or energy Jil Sander wanted to capture with SUNRISE? And how did you channel that as a model during the shoot?

SUNRISE is about serenity and optimism. It’s that peaceful energy that slowly grows with the first rays of sunlight. During the shoot, I tried to embody this gentle awakening by moving with calm intention and letting quiet strength come through. It wasn’t about posing, it was about being present, grounded, and luminous.

What was the most memorable moment on set? Any behind-the scenes story that really stayed with you?

One of the most memorable moments on set for me was just sitting still, waiting for the sun to rise. There was something incredibly peaceful and beautiful about watching the world slowly wake up-it really stayed with me.

Was there a particular visual or reference – whether from film, art, or photography – that the creative team used to express the spirit of SUNRISE on set?

The concept was very elemental – the sun as a source of life and emotion. The visual language focused on natural light, softness, and warmth. The team captured me at the dawn of day, holding a golden earring in my palm, almost like harnessing the energy of the sun. It was symbolic: I wasn’t just part of the light. I was channeling it.

SUNRISE builds on Jil Sander’s iconic 90s fragrance SUN. In what ways does SUNRISE also reflect the spirit of that decade?

There’s a sense of purity and minimalism that feels true to the 90s – clean lines, emotional depth, and authenticity. SUNRISE honors that legacy through its simplicity and balance. It’s a modern interpretation that feels both nostalgic and forward- looking, much like the timeless style of Jil Sander.

If you could describe SUNRISE in three words, from your own perspective, what would they be?

“Radiant. Serene. Reawakening.”

What sets this fragrance apart from others you've experienced?

SUNRISE captures contrast in a very delicate way. It has the freshness of bergamot and the softness of jasmine and orange blossom, layered with warm amber and patchouli. It’s like the emotional sensation of morning light on your skin – subtle, textured, and comforting. That emotional nuance is what makes it stand out.

Being the face of a fragrance seems more meaningful to a model than a runway show, editorial, or even a fashion campaign. How would you describe this special kind of connection?

Being the face of a fragrance feels quite surreal, it feels like stepping into a dream version of myself.

What aspects of the fragrance resonate most with your own personality and style?

The fragrance resonates with my love for minimalism; it is refined and quietly confident. It also reflects how I express myself, subtle but very intentional elegance without been loud. I deeply connect with its simplicity. Just like my personal style it’s not about doing the most but doing it with meaning.

Describe the perfect outfit and the ideal occasion to wear SUNRISE, in your opinion.

To me SUNRISE is quietly uplifting, so the perfect outfit would be a crisp white shirt, relaxed trousers and minimal gold jewelry.

You have a close connection to the house of Jil Sander. What draws you to the brand’s aesthetic and philosophy?

Jil Sander has always felt like a home to me. There’s an honesty in simplicity that I connect with on a deeper level. What draws me to Jil is its pure understated aesthetic, there’s a quiet confidence in the tailoring and it reflects how I see style intentional, timeless and deeply personal.

Jil Sander is still one of the few women who reached the top of the fashion world as a designer. How do you still sense the female legacy of the brand?

There’s a quiet strength in Jil Sander’s world – a kind of confidence that doesn’t shout. The brand celebrates elegance through purity and simplicity, which feels deeply feminine to me. It’s not about excess; it’s about clarity, intention, and power in softness.

In many religions and cultures, the sun symbolizes femininity. What view of women do you recognize in the fragrance?

Sunrise reflects a multifaceted view of femininity: nurturing, radiant, and strong. It honors the emotional layers of being a woman – how we rise, how we balance warmth with resilience. It feels like an ode to new beginnings and the quiet, powerful beauty of morning light.

Sunrises represent new beginnings, hope, and optimism. What motivational words do you like to say to yourself – or to those you love – at the start of a new day?

Every breath is a reminder that l’m alive, and that’s already enough.