Helen Lindes – Interview
Model and former Miss Spain Helen Lindes says her favourite spots are Famara and La Geria. She comes back whenever she can, believes fashion is heading in an interesting new direction and doesn’t rule out returning to live on Lanzarote one day.
Close your eyes. When you hear the word ‘Lanzarote’, how does it make you feel? Do you have any favourite places on the island?
Lanzarote means switching off. Whenever I think of the island, it conjures calm, family and nature. It’s my personal oasis where I can recharge my batteries. My favourite spots are Famara, La Geria and the north of the island. I lived for a few years in Tabayesco, a small village bursting with charm. It has spectacular views over Arrieta beach, and I have very fond memories of my time there.
They’ve just crowned you Miss Spain. How closely do the dreams racing through your mind in that moment match the life you’re living today?
Pretty closely, actually! I dreamt of travelling, walking the catwalk, appearing in magazines… and lived all of that to the full. But I never imagined that I’d also have such a lovely family and such a full life beyond the cameras and fashion. Sometimes reality really does surpass your dreams. I feel very content and proud of everything I’ve experienced and of how I’ve managed to steer my career so I can keep working in something I’m passionate about, while still being present in my personal life.
‘I never imagined that I’d also have such a lovely family and such a full life’
You’re still a beautiful woman, and the years seem to favour you. What do you ask of the next 25 years of your modelling career?
Thank you! I hope to keep working on projects that excite me, collaborating with brands that align with my values and feeling happy with what I do, without having to prove anything to anyone. I’ve reached a point in my life where I can choose the jobs I like or feel a connection with. I’d love to carry on like this for many years to come.
Fortunately, fashion has changed a lot in recent years thanks to social media. New opportunities have opened up for all kinds of projects, where age, gender or location are no longer barriers. I think the industry is taking a very interesting turn.
Do you come back often? What do you like to do when you return to the island where you grew up?
As often as I can. I usually take my children to the beaches that defined my own childhood, like Famara or Papagayo. I have a house in Tías and we try to sneak away there for little breaks during the year. The kids love it, and we do all sorts of activities. My eldest is mad about surfing, my middle one loves horse riding… there’s always something to do. Plus, my brother lives on the island too, so we really enjoy coming back to spend time as a family.
Can you see yourself moving back to live in Lanzarote at some point?
I don’t know. It’s a very special island and part of who I am, but right now I’m really enjoying everything Madrid has to offer. In the future, when I’m looking for more peace and quiet and better weather, I’d definitely consider moving back. One thing is certain, though: I’ll always keep my connection with the island and make sure my children appreciate it as much as I do.
