Undeniable Charm 

with this month’s cover star Ines Trocchia / @inestrocchia 

Photographer Iuliia Gigina / @gigina_ph   

Mua / angelina_makeup_milano 

Lingerie / @honeybirdette 

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Happy to have you on FHM. Any exciting projects lined up this year? Thank you, it is truly an honor to be featured in FHM. This year feels like a turning point for me because my career is evolving beyond the traditional boundaries of modeling. Of course, fashion will always remain an important part of my journey, but I am also focusing heavily on creative projects that allow me to express a broader vision. One of the most exciting aspects of this year is the expansion of my production company, Heaven Digital, where we are developing content that blends fashion, storytelling, and digital media. I have always believed that fashion is more than just clothing. It is a form of narrative and cultural expression. Through these projects, I want to tell stories that inspire people and showcase creativity in new ways. I am also collaborating with international brands and exploring opportunities in television and media. These projects challenge me to grow creatively and personally. At this stage of my career, I am excited about building something meaningful that goes beyond individual campaigns. The goal is to create work that leaves a lasting impact. 

What does confidence mean to you personally? Confidence, to me, is deeply connected to authenticity. It is not about projecting perfection or trying to appear fearless. It is about understanding who you are and embracing that fully. In industries like fashion and media, there is constant pressure to conform to expectations or follow certain trends. True confidence comes when you stop chasing approval and start 
trusting your own instincts. I have learned that confidence grows through experience, through overcoming challenges, and through staying loyal to your values even when it would be easier to compromise them. For me, it is also about self-respect and self-awareness. When you truly respect yourself, you naturally carry yourself with a sense of strength and calm. Confidence is also about vulnerability and being open enough to learn, grow, and evolve. It is not something that appears overnight. It is built over time through resilience and self-reflection. Ultimately, confidence is the ability to walk into any room as your authentic self and feel comfortable in that identity. 

What has been the most defining moment in your journey so far? There have been several important milestones in my career, but one of the most defining moments was seeing myself featured on the cover of Vogue Jewelry. That moment felt surreal because it represented years of dedication, perseverance, and belief in my path. Coming from a small town in southern Italy, I never imagined that my journey would take me to such a prestigious platform. Seeing my image on that cover made me reflect on everything that had led up to that point. The sacrifices, the challenges, and the countless hours of work behind the scenes. It was a reminder that dreams are achievable when you stay committed to your vision. At the same time, it reminded me that success is not a final destination but a step in an ongoing journey. That moment motivated me to keep pushing boundaries creatively and professionally. It also strengthened my desire to inspire others who might come from humble beginnings. If my story shows anything, it is that persistence and belief in yourself can take you very far. 

What is a lesson you have learned that changed the way you see yourself? One of the most powerful lessons I have learned in my career is that your uniqueness is your greatest strength. When I first entered the industry, I was often told that I needed to fit a certain mold to succeed. Those comments initially made me question myself and wonder if I should adapt to what others expected. Over time, however, I realized that trying to fit into someone else’s idea of success only limits your potential. The moment I embraced my individuality was the moment everything started to change. I began to see that authenticity creates a deeper connection with people, whether in fashion, media, or everyday life. This lesson transformed the way I approach my career and my personal identity. Instead of trying to meet external expectations, I focus on expressing who I truly am. That mindset has given me a stronger sense of confidence and purpose. It taught me that authenticity is not only empowering. It is also what makes your voice truly stand out. 

What is one lifestyle change you made this year that completely transformed you? This year, I made a conscious decision to prioritize balance in my life. My career often involves travel, intense schedules, and constant creative demands, so it is easy to become overwhelmed if you are not mindful about your well-being. I started focusing more on routines that help me stay grounded both physically and mentally. Regular exercise, meditation, and moments of quiet reflection have become an important part of my daily life. I have also become more intentional about how I spend my time and energy, choosing projects that align with my values rather than simply saying yes to everything. This shift has completely transformed the way I experience my career. Instead of feeling pressured by the pace of the industry, I feel more centered and in control. When your mind is balanced and your body feels strong, everything else becomes clearer. Creativity flows more naturally, and you approach opportunities with a healthier perspective. 

What does being featured in a magazine in 2026 represent for you at this stage of your journey? 
Being featured in a magazine today represents growth and evolution for me. When I first started modeling, the dream was simply to work with great brands and experience the world through fashion. Now my perspective has expanded significantly. A feature like this represents not just the work I have done in front of the camera but the journey behind it. The challenges, the lessons, and the personal development along the way. At this stage of my career, I see these moments as opportunities to share my story and connect with people on a deeper level. Fashion has given me a platform, but what matters most is how you use that platform. Being featured now feels like a celebration of resilience, creativity, and authenticity. It reminds me of how far I have come from my beginnings in Italy and how many opportunities still lie ahead. It is also a chance to inspire others who might be pursuing their own dreams. 

If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? If I could write a letter to my younger self, the first thing I would say is to trust the journey. There will be moments when things feel uncertain or when people doubt your choices, but those moments are part of the process. I would remind her that every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser. I would also tell her not to be afraid of standing out or following a different path. Sometimes the pressure to conform can be overwhelming, especially when you are starting out. But true fulfillment comes from staying loyal to who you are. I would encourage her to enjoy the journey more and not worry so much about the destination. Success is not just about achievements. It is about the experiences and lessons along the way. I would also tell her to believe in her own voice and vision. When you trust yourself, the right opportunities naturally find their way into your life. 

What is a childhood dream you have held on to? As a child, I always dreamed of being part of a world that celebrated creativity and expression. Growing up in Italy, surrounded by art, culture, and beautiful craftsmanship, I developed a fascination with fashion from a very young age. I remember being inspired by the elegance and storytelling behind clothing and design. Even before I fully understood the 
industry, I felt drawn to the idea of expressing ideas and emotions through visual art. Modeling eventually became the path that allowed me to explore that dream. What I have held on to from childhood is the sense of wonder and curiosity that first inspired me. Even now, after years in the industry, I try to approach each project with that same excitement and creativity. Holding on to that dream keeps me motivated and reminds me why I started in the first place. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self? Looking back, I would tell my younger self not to be so hard on herself. When you are ambitious, it is easy to feel like you need to prove yourself constantly. But growth takes time, and success rarely happens overnight. I would remind her that patience and consistency are incredibly powerful qualities. I would also encourage her to embrace every experience, even the difficult ones, because they shape your character. Some of the most valuable lessons come from moments when things do not go as planned. I would tell her to trust her instincts and surround herself with people who genuinely support her. Having the right environment makes a huge difference in how you grow professionally and personally. Finally, I would remind her that confidence is something you build over time. The more you stay true to yourself, the stronger that confidence becomes. 

What do people often get wrong about you? One thing people often misunderstand about me is that modeling is the only aspect of my identity. While modeling is a big part of my career, there is much more behind the scenes that people do not always see. I am deeply interested in creativity, storytelling, and building projects that go beyond the traditional fashion world. I spend a lot of time developing ideas, 
collaborating with creative teams, and working on media and production initiatives. Another 
misconception is that success in fashion happens effortlessly. In reality, the industry requires 
discipline, dedication, and resilience. There are long hours, constant travel, and many challenges that people do not see from the outside. I have always believed in approaching my career with professionalism and purpose. Once people get to know me, they often realize that I am very focused, thoughtful, and driven by creativity rather than simply by appearance. 

Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what is it? A hidden talent of mine is my love for storytelling and creative development. While many people see me primarily as a model, I have always had a passion for conceptualizing projects and thinking about the bigger narrative behind them. I enjoy writing ideas, developing visual concepts, and working on creative direction. This is something I am exploring more through my production work. I have also always had a deep appreciation for art, design, and visual 
aesthetics. These interests influence how I approach my career and the projects I choose to participate in. Creativity has many forms, and I enjoy exploring them beyond the runway or photo shoot. Being able to contribute ideas and shape creative visions is something that excites me greatly. 

What is one lesson from your journey that you wish you had learned earlier? One lesson I wish I had learned earlier is that not every opportunity is the right opportunity. When you are starting out, you feel like you need to accept everything that comes your way. Over time, I realized that being selective about the projects you take on is actually very important. The right collaborations align with your values, your goals, and your creative vision. Learning to say no can be just as powerful as saying yes. This mindset allows you to focus on work that truly represents who you are. It also helps you build a more meaningful and authentic career. 

What makes you the ultimate partner to have? I believe a strong partnership is built on mutual respect, loyalty, and shared growth. I value communication and emotional intelligence because those qualities create a deeper connection between people. I also believe that two individuals in a relationship should inspire each other to become better versions of themselves. Ambition and support can coexist beautifully when both partners understand each other’s goals. I am someone who values honesty and authenticity, and those qualities are essential in any meaningful relationship. Being supportive while maintaining independence is important to me. A healthy relationship allows both people to grow individually while building something strong together. 

When people look back at this moment in your career, what do you hope it represents about who you are? I hope that when people look back at this moment, they see someone who was not afraid to 
evolve. My career has always been about growth, exploration, and authenticity. I want it to represent the courage to follow a unique path and to stay true to your identity even in a competitive industry. More than anything, I want it to reflect creativity and resilience. Every step in my journey has been driven by passion and curiosity. I hope people see that I embraced every opportunity to learn and expand my perspective. Ultimately, I want it to represent someone who believed in her vision and worked consistently to bring it to life. 

What is one goal you did not hit last year that you are determined to achieve this time? One goal I am determined to achieve this year is expanding my creative production projects on a global level. I want to develop content that brings together fashion, media, and storytelling in new ways. Building a platform that produces inspiring and meaningful work is something I am very passionate about. Last year, I laid the foundations for this vision, but I want to push it further now. I want to collaborate with talented creatives from different industries and cultures. By doing so, I hope to create projects that feel innovative and 
impactful. This is something that motivates me greatly, and I am excited to continue developing it. 

What new doors or opportunities are you hoping to explore in your career? I am interested in exploring more opportunities in television, media, and creative direction. Fashion will always be part of my identity, but I am fascinated by the idea of telling stories through different mediums. Working behind the scenes on creative concepts and productions is something I am excited to continue developing. I believe the future of fashion is deeply connected with media and storytelling. Exploring these areas allows me to grow not only as a model but also as a creator. I want to challenge myself by entering new spaces that require different skills and perspectives. These experiences help me evolve both creatively and personally. 

What advice would you give to someone learning to step into their confidence? My advice would be to start by embracing who you truly are. Confidence does not come from copying others. It comes from  understanding your own strengths and expressing themproudly. Everyone has something unique that makes them stand out. The key is to recognize that uniqueness and cultivate it. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and believe in your potential. Confidence grows when you take small steps outside your comfort zone. Over time, those small steps build a strong sense of self-belief. The most powerful thing you can do is remain authentic and trust your own path. 

Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work? The best place to follow my journey is on Instagram, where I share both my professional projects and personal moments. It allows me to stay connected with my audience and give them a glimpse into my creative world. Social media has become a powerful tool for communication and storytelling. Through it, I can share updates about my work, collaborations, and upcoming projects. I enjoy interacting with people there and hearing their thoughts and perspectives. It creates a direct connection that feels very genuine. Readers can follow along to see new projects, travels, and behind-the-scenes moments that shape my journey.