Anas Khabir: Welcome, Natalie. It’s wonderful to have you here. Could you share a bit about your background and your journey to becoming Miss Europe Switzerland?
Miss Europe Switzerland’s Queenissima of Sustainability: Natalie Spivak’s Red Carpet Revolution
Natalie Spivak: Thank you, Anas. It’s a pleasure to be here. I’m Natalie Spivak, and it’s an honor to represent Switzerland in the Miss Europe pageant. Competing for this title is a significant privilege, and I’m truly grateful. My fashion career started at the age of 14, and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to appear on major billboards in the U.S. and Europe and attend red carpets at film festivals in Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Zurich.
Anas Khabir: That’s quite an impressive journey! What motivated you to enter the Miss Europe pageant?
Natalie Spivak: Participating in such a prestigious event has always been a dream of mine. Beyond the glamour, it offers a platform to support important causes. I’m particularly passionate about environmental issues and sustainable fashion, which I believe deserve more attention.
Anas Khabir: You’ve mentioned a commitment to environmental causes. Can you tell us more about that?
Natalie Spivak: Certainly. The fashion industry generates an enormous amount of waste—1.92 million tonnes of textile waste annually. Out of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills. This has a significant environmental impact, including water pollution and CO2 emissions. To address this, I started a sustainable fashion art project called Queenissima, which creates unique, hand-painted wearable art from existing clothes.
Anas Khabir: That’s fantastic! How has Queenissima been received so far?
Natalie Spivak: The response has been very positive! I debuted my first outfit, “Red Carpet Star,” at the Venice Film Festival in September 2023. It received a lot of praise and media coverage, which has motivated me to continue and grow the project. Art lovers can now wear unique pieces and make a statement about sustainability.
Anas Khabir: It’s inspiring to see your combination of fashion and environmental advocacy. What is the main message you want to share with your supporters and the world?
Natalie Spivak: My main message is one of gratitude and hope. I want to bring the Miss Europe crown to Switzerland to show appreciation for the incredible support given to Ukraine during these tough times. Additionally, I aim to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry and inspire sustainable choices. I believe we all have a role in protecting our planet.
Anas Khabir: You mentioned a special thanks to various people and organizations. Can you elaborate on your support system?
Natalie Spivak: Yes, I’m incredibly grateful to my entire team for their unwavering support and encouragement. This includes celebrity designer Guzal, photographer Sandro Moesli, jewelry designer Gavivi, backstage manager Renata Schurch, and many more. Their support has been invaluable, and I cherish every person I’ve met on this journey.
Anas Khabir: Switzerland is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. How does representing such a country influence your approach to the pageant?
Natalie Spivak: Representing Switzerland is a great honor and deeply influences me. Switzerland is a paradise for nature lovers, with its stunning mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque towns. Everything in Switzerland runs smoothly, and the people are known for their kindness, hospitality, and precision. This Swiss ethos of valuing a pure environment has inspired my advocacy for sustainable fashion.
Anas Khabir: Lastly, what are your aspirations for the future, both in the pageant and beyond?
Natalie Spivak: I hope to win the Miss Europe crown and use this platform to continue promoting environmental sustainability. Beyond the pageant, I plan to expand Queenissima and encourage more people to adopt sustainable fashion practices. As Coco Chanel said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” I strive to embody this philosophy and make a positive impact on the world.
Anas Khabir: Thank you, Natalie. Your passion and dedication are truly inspiring. We wish you all the best in the Miss Europe pageant and in your future projects.
Natalie Spivak: Thank you, Anas. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. Sending my love from Switzerland to everyone. You can follow my journey on Instagram: @queenissima. Many thanks to you all
