“I actually have a fondness for a more subdued backstage atmosphere,” Kendall Jenner shares with me during a Zoom interview, almost as if she’s revealing a secret. It’s a sentiment I understand, especially coming from someone in her 30s who spent the previous weekend immersed in a birdwatching board game with friends. A quiet backstage? Count me in. “It helps you focus on your upcoming performance.”
As she prepares for Paris Fashion Week, Jenner is set to commence her series of shows by walking in the L’Oréal Paris Le Défilé alongside renowned figures like Helen Mirren, Viola Davis, and her fellow model Cara Delevingne. Following that, she will conclude her slot at Schiaparelli. It promises to be a dizzying experience, even for someone seasoned like Jenner. The model and founder of 818 Tequila has been candid about her struggle with anxiety—sharing how equine therapy has aided her in managing stress. Regrettably, traveling with her horse Arizona isn’t feasible.
Fortunately, Jenner has adopted a new wellness ritual that is portable. “I’ve come to understand that the things you say can take shape in reality,” she explains. “I truly believe in the strength of self-affirmation. I have a critical inner voice that often leans towards negativity. But I’m constantly working on that. The L’Oréal motto, ‘Because you’re worth it,’ resonates with this approach tremendously.”
Research has shown that self-affirmation—whether constructive or detrimental—can significantly influence a person’s mental health and performance levels. Echoing Amelia Shepherd’s empowered stance on Grey’s Anatomy or the morning mantras delivered in front of a mirror, the practice of positive self-talk emphasizes fostering a supportive internal dialogue.
“At times, I feel as though I might be deceiving myself,” Jenner admits. “However, once you manage to trust and believe in yourself, it leads to positive outcomes.”
