By Maria Athanasopoulos

IXenia has graced fashion spreads for Roberto Cavalli, J-Lo swimwear, Signora Militare Watches, Becks Beer and many others. In addition to modeling, Xenia is an up and coming film actress. She scored the lead female role in numerous music videos for MTV and FUSE Networks, appeared on ABC’s One Life to Live and had parts in movies such as Shallow Hal, If Looks Could Kill, and Spiderman 3.

Xenia may soon become a household name and based on a recent NEO Magazine poll, the majority of Greek-Americans still do not know who she is. I must confess that I’m also guilty of being in the dark on this. I was immediately intrigued when a mutual friend brought her up in conversation and was utterly confused as to why I, a slave to fashion, had not heard of or read about the stunning Greek goddess. So I took it as a personal responsibility to introduce Xenia Siamas to the Greek community.

---

MA: How does a young Greek-Canadian from Montreal start modeling and acting in the US?

XS: Destiny had it that I was at the right place at the right time while vacationing in South Beach .I was scouted by the infamous photographer Patrick Demarchelier’s assistant who sent my photos to Elite Modeling Agency in New York City. They immediately offered me a contract and two weeks later I was living in NYC.

MA: Are you a first generation Greek-Canadian?

XS: I’m a 2nd generation Greek-Canadian, but I still consider myself very Greek since I can speak it, read it and write it.

MA: What Greek meal are you crazy for? How about your favorite non-Greek meal?

XS: I’m a real Greek when it comes to food! Love the cuisine, it’s the best in the entire world! Nothing beats our fresh and healthy ingredients, but if I had to choose one dish I couldn’t. My mom’s pastitsio is the best, my dad’s spanakopita is world class and my grandma’s tsipoura rocks.

Non Greek dish would have to be sushi!

MA: Has the Greek-American community been supportive of you as a model/actress?

XS: Yes, the few that do know me have been very supportive and intrigued. I have tons of fans straight out of Greece emailing me daily. I was featured in STATUS magazine earlier this year and that launched my name directly into Greek media

MA: Have you ever strutted down the runway for any Greek or Greek-American designers?

XS: Yes and proud to say I did for Vassilios Kostetsos.

MA: The economic environment has painfully turned many of us into “recessionistas”; can you share some frugal fashion tips and secrets?

XS: You can say that again! Style isn’t about WHO you’re wearing, but HOW you’re wearing it. I like to mix up old designer items with new affordable ones and combine them. I love my true religion jeans with a wife beater from H&M, paired with a cute blazer - you can’t go wrong.

MA: How would you describe your personal sense of style?

XS: My style is all about rock! Cool Frye boots with a studded belt on skinny low riding jeans and my leather jacket! Of course the leather jacket –never leave home without it.

MA: Tell us what a typical day is like for you.

XS: Depends, when I’m filming a movie its rehearsals and straight to the set where I work nonstop, 12 to14 hour days for about 2 to 4 weeks. Otherwise my day starts at 7 am with a healthy egg white mushroom and turkey omelet, then off to 3 to 6 castings a day and meetings. I also have lots of parties and networking events I attend. I feel like I’m always working, normal days end around 8pm or 9pm while late days end around 2am.

MA: The pressure to be thin is obviously to the upmost extreme in the world of modeling. For most fashion designers, models are like hangers, the thinner a model is the better clothes will hang. How do you stay so thin while continuing to be fit and healthy?

XS: I eat a lot, more than the average girl and always have. I do have a faster metabolism than most. I was diagnosed with a hyperthyroid very early on in my life and still struggle with this today. I take daily medicine, but must say that I am very healthy.

I eat a lot of protein and veggies. My secret is cooking mostly all my meals, that way I know what goes into them and therefore I control it all.

MA: What is your best beauty advice?

XS: Don’t over pluck, stay away from heavy foundations and always blend. Avoid direct lines; instead blend eye shadows and lipstick with your fingers! Ohh... and stay hydrated! Drink lots of water and eat plenty of asparagus and parsley, this will help drain excess fluid from your body.

MA: What motivates or inspires you to achieve your goals?

XS: I am motivated by what the future holds, I envision myself succeeding and achieving all my dreams. I visualize success everyday. When preparation meets opportunity, that is when success happens, and I am always prepared. I know my hard work is paying off and that the people in my life support and love me .They keep me strong and lift my spirits. I love my family and am grateful to have a supportive man in my life –they are all amazing.

MA: What current projects are you working on?

XS: I am currently working on 3 feature films: El Chico Blanco with Peter Facinelli, Alpha Numeric and Forever Dead. Updates on my site will be available soon: www.xeniasiamas.com

MA: Controversy sells. What is controversial about you?

XS: I am all for gay marriage and gay rights. I work with, love and accept gay people. They are normal to me and I’ve always thought this about them. Gay people have been around throughout the ages, society just kept it hush. Now it’s time we all woke up and realized that by denying them basic rights we are refusing to evolve as a society.

MA: What is one thing about you that not many people know?

XS: I speak 4 languages fluently: French, English, Greek and Italian. And that I get emotional easily, I’m a mush.

MA: What are your best words of advice for young ladies who aspire to be models and/or actresses?

XS: There are plenty of scams out there, especially here in NYC. The main thing to remember when you are an aspiring model or actor, is not to believe the hype. Nothing comes easy and if someone is telling you that they can make you a star, it’s probably a scam. Remember stars aren’t handed out; they are born out of hard work and dedication.

MA: Any specific advice for young Greek Americans?

XS: Stick together and never forget your values and traditions. We must support one another and stay united as a community!

MA: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

XS: Accepting an academy award with a pregnant belly!