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Redhot throws the spotlight on a regular Virgin Express traveller
Thirtysomething model and TV presenter Phaedra Hoste is used to jet-setting around the world. The Bruges-born daughter of Belgium’s most famous stand-up comedian, Geert Hoste, has lived all over Europe and now splits her time between homes in Bruges and Antwerp. She tells Redhot about her career and why she loves to travel on Virgin Express
Where do you live and what do you like about it?
I spent my childhood in Bruges but since becoming a model at the age of 17 I have lived all over the world; Paris, Milan, Germany, Greece and France. It’s necessary for work, as a model you need to be where it’s happening. I currently have a home in Bruges and Antwerp, and I travel between the two.
Did you always want to be a model?
No. My parents were really against me becoming a model, they wanted me to go to school and study, and learn a profession. But occasionally model scouts or fashion photographers would spot me on the street and offer me work, it was my grandmother that finally encouraged me to take it up.
What do you love about your job?
I used to love travelling to new places but now I enjoy the variety of work.
Are there any negative things about your job?
You have to make big choices sometimes. In reality, your modelling career can be over by the time you’re 30 years old, so I had to make some headway with my TV career and also think about long-term employment. That has been my real goal.
How do you keep in good shape for your job when travelling?
I eat well and I don’t drink much, although I enjoy the occasional glass of champagne. I actually had my first glass of wine at the age of 24 years because I had to live a really disciplined life as a young model; going to bed early, not going out too much... but now as I’m nearing the end of my modelling career - I’m catching up!
Do you often get recognised in public?
I have been appearing on TV for 16 years now and am currently in Swing Palace, a musical game show on every Friday night in Belgium. I have also appeared on a lot of talk shows, so I am recognised for this work quite often.
How often do you use Virgin Express?
Well, my ex-boyfriend was Spanish, so I used to jump on a plane like some people would use a bus, mainly to Barcelona. I suppose with all those journeys and the travel I have done with my modelling work I should have shares in the company by now!
Where do you go out in Brussels?
Brussels has so many nice restaurants, but one of my favourites is quite exclusive. It’s very smart restaurant called Comme Chez Soi (23 Place Rouppe, tel: +32 (0)2 512 29 21). There is also a really nice Italian restaurant, Bocconi, that’s part of the Amigo Hotel (Rue de l’Amigo 1-3, tel: +32 (0)2 547 447).
Would you like to live anywhere else in Europe?
Anywhere, as long as it’s hot all the time of course!
Which is your a favourite city?
It has to be Barcelona, it just has an atmosphere that is incomparable to anywhere in Europe for me, it’s the nightlife, the music, the people...
What has been your career highlight so far?
I don’t think there can be just one highlight, if modelling had been the highlight of me life then, now that’s over, I would be sad. My feeling is that there is still so much more for me to do.
What are your plans for 2006?
To carry on working hard and keep finding the positives in life and just enjoy it.
What do you like best about travelling with Virgin Express?
In the days when I was travelling the most on Virgin Express, I always appreciated how easy it was; you just go visit the internet, book your ticket and go!
Phaedra’s favourite restaurant in Brussels in the art nouveau Comme Chez Soi
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