Frida Aasen’s ascent from a small seaside town in Norway to the dazzling runways of Victoria’s Secret is a tale of serendipity and self-discovery. Known for her striking beauty and poise, Aasen’s path to becoming a top model is as intriguing as her career itself, including an unexpected detour through military ambitions.
Aasen hails from Kristiansand, a tranquil city with a close-knit community of around 100,000 residents. Growing up by the beach, her childhood was marked by a sense of calm and connection with nature. “I had a really good childhood, growing up by the beach. We used to go on the boat all the time,” she reminisces. Her early life was spent in the company of a horse and a cat, leading her to dream of becoming a veterinarian.
The idea of modeling was not on Aasen’s radar during her formative years. “I don’t think I even knew what modeling was,” she admits. Shyness and a preference for a quieter life made the spotlight seem distant. At one point, Aasen seriously considered joining the military, a common path in Norway. “So in Norway, everyone has to apply to be active in the military, but you can opt out as a girl,” she explains. Opting in, Aasen went through the rigorous selection process. “I was so skinny at the time, they were all joking about me carrying the heavy backpacks,” she recalls with a laugh. However, her modeling career quickly took center stage, sidelining her military aspirations.
Aasen’s entry into modeling was fortuitous. While shopping for Christmas presents at a mall, she was approached by a scout. At just 14 years old and standing 5-foot-9, Aasen was initially hesitant about pursuing a modeling career. “I was so shy and the idea of modeling scared me,” she says. Despite her initial reluctance, she eventually traveled to Milan with her mother to meet with the agency that had scouted her.
“We met everyone and did some test shoots, and it didn’t feel so scary anymore,” she recalls. Her first shoot was a formative experience. “I was so awkward,” she admits. “Everyone was really nice about it. I didn’t know how to wear heels and felt weird in makeup and fancy clothes.” Aasen’s background of riding horses had prepared her for a different kind of attire, making the transition to modeling both challenging and transformative.
Aasen’s journey took a significant leap when she landed a spot in the prestigious Victoria’s Secret fashion show. The casting process for the show is notoriously competitive, and Aasen navigated it with a blend of preparation and nerves. “There’s the first casting where you meet the casting director, John Pfeiffer, and his team.
Then if you get to the next round, that’s the callback, where the Victoria’s Secret people and TV team are present,” she explains. Having experienced a callback the previous year, Aasen was somewhat familiar with the process but still found it nerve-racking. “You come into the room and there are cameras everywhere, and there are all these people sitting behind a long desk. They’re all really nice people, though, so they make you feel as comfortable as you possibly can be in that situation.”
Unlike typical go-sees, Victoria’s Secret castings are designed to assess not only a model’s physical attributes but also their personality and energy. “For the VS one, they want to get a sense of your personality. On the runway, they want to see that side of you, your energy and personality,” Aasen notes. The questions asked during the casting were straightforward, focusing on her workouts and recent travels, which Aasen found pleasant and engaging.
Fitness plays a crucial role in Aasen’s modeling career, and she maintains her physique through various workouts. “I do Pilates at SLT. It’s so tough!” she exclaims. She also enjoys SoulCycle, particularly the hip-hop-themed rides. “I love the hip-hop-themed rides; they’re my favorite. I just did one that was about the evolution of Rihanna. It was incredible.”
Frida Aasen’s journey from a quiet Norwegian town to the global stage of Victoria’s Secret is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Her initial foray into the world of modeling was driven by chance, but her success is the result of dedication, hard work, and an evolving sense of self. From military aspirations to fashion runways, Aasen’s story reflects a unique blend of serendipity and ambition, making her a standout figure in the modeling industry.
As she continues to make waves in fashion, Frida Aasen’s career serves as an inspiring example of how unexpected paths can lead to remarkable destinations. Whether navigating the rigorous demands of a Victoria’s Secret casting or enjoying a challenging workout, Aasen embodies the spirit of a model who has embraced her journey with grace and determination.
