"I don't think I owe anyone an explanation," says model Eden Fines after a wave of online comments slammed her for posting photos in a revealing dress.
In June, she announced on social media that she had broken off her engagement with Norwegian soccer player Mathias Normann, prompting many online comments. "I decided to end it now before it gets harder and I completely lose myself," she said.
We met Eden at the launch of the first IL MAKIAGE robotic station in Tel Aviv. She spoke about the recent breakup and canceled wedding, her reaction to her ex's support for the Palestinians during the war, and the stir she caused with her revealing photo.
You called off your wedding with Mathias. How are you doing today?
"I've returned to my life, back to friends, family, and business—things that are truly important to me right now. Yes, it happened. My whole life is on fast-forward; no matter what, I'm going at 250 km/h; a week feels like a lifetime. What happened? I don't want to get into it; it's not relevant, it's not interesting, it's behind me. I've already moved on. Breaking up isn't easy, but I tried to focus on what really matters and healed well."
There's a kind of embarrassment in saying "I canceled my wedding."
"You're right, I thought about it a lot. I think that's what kept me in that place a bit too long, but because of shame, I won't stop myself from doing what I believe is right for me in life. No matter what, I'm glad I always stand firm in my truth, and in the end, I choose myself. I recommend that every woman and man do the same."
Mathias posted pro-Palestinian content on his story. What did you make of that?
"It caught me when I was in Ibiza, sunbathing, and I had to deal with it. Honestly, since the beginning of the war, the number of people I've lost—friends—because I'm Israeli, is very large. That's how it is, and I'm a proud Israeli. I have no problem with them staying behind, and he's part of that; he just joined that group of people, so I don't have much to say about it. I wish him luck in life, truly."
Last Saturday, you posted a revealing photo of yourself, causing another storm.
"What has changed in the last 12 years that I've been working in this industry? It's not like I decided—now I'm making an image change. No. When I posted it, I said, 'Okay, this is my job, I'm a model, I've been like this my whole life, this is my persona.' And Israelis love the drama, so together it creates a big explosion. But I really live in peace with it, embracing, loving everyone, those who love the situation, those who don't love the situation. It's not like my entire chest was exposed. I was wearing a dress. Let's breathe. You know, in the past year, I've really dressed very modestly. I swear, truly."
So are you compensating?
"What do you mean compensating? I was hot, okay? That's all I have to say, I was hot. I didn't strip; I was wearing a dress. I also don't think I need to provide explanations for it. What I understood from the reactions is that I have an army of people behind me, mainly girls, which surprised me, and I'm crazy about them. I was so excited. I just posted a picture, didn't think too much because I am who I am and what I'm used to."