Behind the model: If you think international modeling is a cutthroat pursuit, try being a child piano prodigy. “I started playing around the age of three and continued until I was about 15,” says Carla. “I would travel to different colleges and compete against other kids playing classical pieces. I have trophies. It was intense, but I’m really glad I had the experience.” The high life: Since relocating to New York, and now Paris, southern-born Carla has taken full advantage of cosmopolitan culture but still misses down-home comforts. “Fried oysters are my favorites,” she says. “I’ve searched and searched, and I can’t find a place that competes with what I ate in the South. And I also love cobbler for dessert. Try finding that in Paris.” Extra exposure: Carla has graced a load of women’s magazines, but don’t worry—she also stars in the new Victoria’s Secret campaign. Tales from the shoot: “We took photos in the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, a beautiful place with a really spiritual ambiance. It was very peaceful, at least until a tourist group hiked up to where I was posing in a bikini. They certainly seemed curious.” Eyes wide shut: “At the beach, European men seem to favor the Speedo look, but that’s not really my taste—you just see too much,” Carla declares. “I definitely prefer trunks on guys.”