Hair & makeup: Lisa Opie (Miami, USA) | Photography by: Franz Orban (Miami, USA | Supermodels Unlimited Magazine NY)
Robbie Canner is a force to be reckoned with in the modelling world, proving that age is no limit to ambition and success. As a former Ms. World (2018/19) and Ms. World Universal Elite (2020/21), she has achieved a level of prestige in both international and national modelling. Her journey has not only seen her crown titles but also taken her worldwide as a global model, judge, and fashion week host.
Canner’s involvement with Supermodels Unlimited in New York has opened numerous doors, leading to prominent opportunities across global fashion scenes. From hosting major fashion events to walking the runway at New York Fashion Week, Canner has cemented her presence in the international fashion community. Her career has since taken her to stunning locations, including a recent photoshoot in Iceland, where she braved an eleven-hour shoot at -2°C on the Atlantic Coast. Despite the icy temperatures, Canner embraced the challenges and marvelled at the landscape’s wildlife, waterfalls, and volcanoes, all set against the dramatic Icelandic backdrop. Working with a top-notch film crew, this experience has profoundly impacted her outlook, boosting her confidence and deepening her love for modelling.
Earlier this year, Canner travelled to Monroe, North Carolina, for a highly anticipated fashion event, adding another notable appearance to her portfolio. Next up on her itinerary is Connecticut in January 2025, where she’ll be walking in a unique fashion show hosted within an aircraft museum. This one-of-a-kind event promises to be as innovative as it is stylish. In addition to modelling, she also writes for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine and has been featured on iconic billboards in Times Square and Hollywood. With the chance to join a US-based modelling agency on the horizon, Canner’s international career is rapidly expanding.
Canner believes that age is no barrier to achieving one’s dreams. Her journey is a testament to the idea that life can be full of surprises and unexpected adventures at any stage. Whether six or sixty-six, she encourages everyone to follow their passions wholeheartedly. “Sometimes life surprises you and takes you off to many exciting adventures,” she shares, inspiring others to believe that dreams have no expiration date.
With discussions underway for her participation in Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, Canner’s calendar shows no sign of slowing down. She hopes to walk the runway and host shows, further establishing her presence on the world stage. Robbie Canner’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience, passion, and limitless possibilities that come from pursuing one’s dreams.
GEQ magazine recently caught up with Robbie to discuss her journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:
What inspired you to pursue modeling and hosting runways worldwide at this stage of your life?
I had a voice, and it was one that many wanted to hear. Age is no barrier, yet it still seems to be for many of the older generation. I was given this opportunity—I put myself out there, succeeded, and realised it could be the beginning for many others as well. Life is too short, and as we age, we often lose our voice and the courage to put ourselves out there. But no more—let’s all keep stepping out of our comfort zones. Review what we did and what made us happy in our younger days, and make a difference.
Could you share a memorable moment from your 11-hour photo shoot in Iceland? How did braving the Atlantic Coast in freezing conditions influence your outlook on life and work?
A memorable moment in Iceland was truly the entire shoot—choosing just one is difficult. The freezing conditions hovered around 2 degrees, with spray from the Atlantic waves and black sand (more like a rock) under bare feet. All that fades away during the shoot as I focus on the work. Changing outfits in the open becomes inconsequential as I enter work mode, able to block it all out until reality hits during breaks. It showed me that mind over matter and giving 100% in such adverse conditions is key to who I am, where I am, and why I am there. It reveals my internal strength and determination to grow as a model and a voice as well as myself.
When I lost my son to cancer, I lost a part of myself. But these extraordinary environments have given me the courage to grow and expand. I feel empowered to grow even stronger, ready to face any challenges ahead.
Hair & makeup: Lisa Opie (Miami, USA) | Photography by: Franz Orban (Miami, USA | Supermodels Unlimited Magazine NY)
What did it feel like to host fashion shows at New York Fashion Week and to walk in iconic locations like Times Square?
Hosting fashion shows was never something I intended to do. But while backstage at a show in New York, they needed someone to introduce the young pageant queens section. As a former Ms. World, they asked me to step in—with only five minutes to prepare. Never one to turn down an opportunity, I quickly read through the basics of the script and went out, mostly ad-libbing. After the fabulous applause, I realised I loved being on the microphone. As both a guest in the audience and a model on the runway, I knew what I wanted to hear from a host, so I brought that perspective with me. Every hosting experience is different and brings its own challenges. I don’t enjoy holding or reading directly from a script, so I prefer to memorise. For events that require a script, I use it as minimally as possible. Hosting has become one of my biggest challenges to date, and I absolutely love creating my own show within the show to give the audience a truly fabulous experience.
How do you physically and mentally prepare for intense modeling sessions, especially in challenging climates or unique locations?
Preparation for intense modelling sessions starts with deciding on my hair and makeup looks and considering what might work best for the shoot. If I need to bring specific clothing, that preparation, along with planning for the location, is paramount. Location plays a major role—I prefer warmer locations, which I find easier to work in. However, colder locations, like Iceland, are more challenging to prepare for until I’m actually mentally in the shoot. Once I’m looking at the camera or surroundings and start moving, I go into work mode, and my mind seems to block out the extreme weather. But when we finish that stage of the shoot, reality hits hard. It takes mental strength to regroup, even with jackets and blankets and my husband there for support. I see this challenge as part of my personal growth, building strength and determination within myself.
Hair & makeup: Lisa Opie (Miami, USA) | Photography by: Franz Orban (Miami, USA | Supermodels Unlimited Magazine NY)
You’ve mentioned that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s dreams. What message do you have for individuals who may feel limited by age in achieving their goals?
I was initially limited by the age factor when I stepped into the spotlight with Ms. World. But being myself, I’ve always approached a challenge with eyes wide open and a bit of excitement. As I grew through experience, I learned to handle my limitations better. To be honest, age can still be a mental hurdle at times, but I see it as another challenge. Age isn’t just a number; it’s about using the opportunity to break down stigmas and show others what’s possible. We should all be proud of who we are, where we can go, and how we can challenge ourselves. After all, the experience that comes with age is the best experience.
What are you most excited about for the Connecticut fashion show in January, and what unique challenges does a venue like an aircraft museum bring?
I’m thrilled about the Connecticut fashion show—aircraft are my number one love! I’m a former flight attendant, currently learning to fly, and I’m married to a retired airline captain. Aircraft are a true passion for me, so the combination of walking a runway and being in an aircraft is a dream come true. I couldn’t be more excited!
What excites you most about the prospect of joining a US model agency, and what kind of work do you hope to accomplish with them?
I have always dreamed of being with an international agency. After doing the photo shoots, appearing on billboards in Times Square and Broadway, and meeting all the fabulous friends I’ve made, I now find myself thinking, “I have a New York agent.”
For me, this is such an emotional and mental achievement—a “Wow, I’ve done it” moment. From where I started, battling thoughts of suicide after losing my son to cancer, to realising that there are so many positive things I can do. I have a voice, and now, an international agent. My voice has been heard! This platform also serves as a voice for others just like me. Follow your dreams—they may be tough at times, but they’re never out of reach.
Hair & makeup: Lisa Opie (Miami, USA) | Photography by: Franz Orban (Miami, USA | Supermodels Unlimited Magazine NY)
With discussions underway for Paris Fashion Week, what are your hopes and goals for modeling and potentially hosting shows in one of the world’s fashion capitals?
If Paris becomes a reality, it aligns with my hopes and goals, which are personal first and foremost. After that, the exciting challenges will lead to the next unknown step—perhaps the cover of a major magazine.
You’re writing for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine and appearing on billboards. How has stepping into these diverse roles enriched your experience in the fashion industry?
Writing and billboards are all forms of expression and self-achievement. Many times, I have wanted to put my thoughts into words. Writing this article is my way of expressing my voice through the written word, allowing me to convey my message differently and achieve a different outcome. I’m very excited about this!
