New York Fashion Week is one of the best times of the year! I love seeing the shows and going behind the scenes. I spoke with model Mara Cifuentes just as she was getting ready to walk the runway for swimsuit designer BFYNE.
Model Mara Cifuentes shares her thoughts with us right as she was getting ready to walk for Arts Heart Fashion. Watch Mara’s video here:
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One of the best things about being a fashion blogger is getting to know the stories behind the faces on the runway. It’s so easy to just look at a model and just see what they are wearing. But I like seeing the models on the runway and knowing who they are, where they came from and how they got there.
I was excited to finally meet model Kevin Christie. I first saw him walking for designer Janelle Funari last year. So when I saw him again and he agreed to be interviewed, I was psyched. Funny story – we actually had to film the interview in 3 different locations to get the lighting right! Sorry Kevin! But I must say that Kevin was a trouper and I really appreciate that.
SO without further ado, here’s our interview.
Meet Model Kevin:
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Born and raised by a single mom in Rwanda, Africa, model Lyndz Tuyishime left her family to go to America to 1) further her education and 2) to become a top model. She followed her heart and left everything she knew and loved to chase her dreams.
Lyndz came to America all by herself. She wanted to learn about the fashion industry and bring it back home to Rwanda.
She spent the first couple of years living in Maine and studying for her associates degree. While she was in school, she was modeling and taking pictures with her friend, a fashion photographer. She started doing photoshoots and posting her photos on Instagram. She began falling in love with the camera.
Even though Lyndz was modeling, she still felt like she was still living outside of the fashion world. She thought back to her dream…. the reason why she left Rwanda to become a top model… and decided it was time to take action. She was going to move to Atlanta, Georgia and try out for DC Fashion Week.
The moment she broke out of her shell was when she walked for fashion designer Ean Williams, the Director and Producer of DC Fashion Week. Ever since then, she hasn’t stopped! She’s modeled for Couture Fashion Week 3 times. I actually met her at Couture Fashion Week!
What really stood out to me is that Lyndz strives to give back and help people first-hand. Last year, she decided to have her own runway show fundraiser to raise money for women’s education back home in Rwanda. She went to the drawing board. She knew models and designers from her modeling career, and she knew the hotel industry from her day job. It put her in the perfect place to bring the community together to support her cause.
She reached out to her dear friend, model Ritha who loved the idea! That’s when Fashion 4 Hope was born! They got 5 designers together to showcase their collections at the runway show. Between the money Lyndz raised with Fashion 4 Hope’s runway show and her own savings, Lyndz was able to send one young talented woman to the University Libre Del Kigali.
“Fashion 4 Hope is about building each other up, supporting each other and standing together.”
I’m in awe of how Lyndz was able to 1) create her own fashion show and 2) bring the fashion world together to make a difference. Models and designers were working together to further women’s education. How incredible? Lyndz came to America to further her own education and now she is using fashion to help another young woman back home also further her education?! To me, that’s inspiring.
“We can make a big difference in communities and daily lives.”
“God put me on earth to be a voice for the hopeless”
Without further ado, here is Lyndz’s interview:
What inspires you?
My family. My mother. My brothers – Yves and Luc – and my cousin Isimibi who is part of our family. I want to make them proud and I want to make my country proud.
What was modeling for Couture Fashion Week like?
It was very tiring, stressful and a lot of waiting. A lot goes on behind the scenes…like waiting for hair and makeup. You have to be patient. If you leave to go get a sandwich, they might take another model.
What advice do you have for aspiring models?
Do your research. Look at the designer’s clothes and their makeup styles. Prep yourself mentally and see what the designer likes in terms of how their models walk. You have to practice, train, and go with the flow.
What is your hardest challenge?
Accepting that not everyone will like you and understanding that if a designer doesn’t like you, not to take it personally. Back in my country, I am too skinny. Body shaming is real. I’ve heard “you’re too skinny…you’re not beautiful”. When I lose weight, my shoulders bones show. Some designers love it. Some think I’m too skinny. It can give you a meltdown.
How do you deal with that?
I’m a positive person and look at life as a second chance. There are so many designers who love me and have become my friends over the years.
What was your most embarrassing modeling experience?
One time, I was so nervous that I walked the wrong way during the runway show… and I kept walking!
If you could be a fruit or vegetable, what would you be?
A carrot. Its’ good for your skin and I like them. You can eat them raw or cooked.
Who is your hero?
My mom. She has unconditional love for me which has saved me as a person. Even if we aren’t in the same country, we are still close. She’s a hardworking, single mom who inspires me everyday.
“Even if I can help one person have a better life, that will be enough for me”
Lyndz is currently working on another fashion show to raise money for more young women to go to college.
Are you inspired by Lyndz? Be sure to leave a comment below on what you think! Also, be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode.
Photographer: Ron Alweiss; Jenny A. (left) Designer Janelle (right)
Dreams do come true!
I just want to start by saying how proud I am of designer Janelle Funari. Last year, I asked her what she hoped to achieve within the next year. You know what she said? “To open my first FUNARI store in NYC!” Guess what?! She did it! Janelle opened up her very own store in DUMBO, Brooklyn. I had the honor of attending her fashion show. As I watched her cut the red ribbon, all I could think about is how dreams really do come true.
Beautiful. Dynamic. Indestructible.
Last week I wore the FUNARI tank top that I received from the fashion show to my spin class and I was on fire! I was peddling up this really tough “climb” and I really thought I wouldn’t last through the song. My heart was racing and I could feel the sweat dripping down my neck. I looked at the woman staring back at me in the mirror wearing my FUNARI tank top and thought ” I can do this.” Seeing myself wearing FUNARI gave me the extra push to work harder, be better, and be on fire.
So without further ado, here is the my exclusive interview with designer Janelle Funari.
Jenny A. (Me): Tell me a little bit about the collection that I saw on the runway. What is the collection about? Was there a message behind it?
Janelle: The collection is called Fire! It was the launch of the men’s and woman’s swim line. The collection is all inclusive with unisex styling and gender neutral pieces that can be worn by all. There is something for everyone in this collection! The message behind the collection was about showing diversity in size, shape & color! We want you to feel good in your skin, good about where you are in your life & good about your fitness journey. Beauty comes from within! We want to empower both men and woman to feel confident, sexy and bold.
Me: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Janelle: My inspiration comes from living and breathing the NYC lifestyle. Being around this multicultural city which is constantly moving, keeps my mind spinning towards new styles and designs! Living in NYC has inspired me to want functionality, practicality and amazing edgy styles.
Me: It was so exciting watching you cut the red ribbon at your store’s Grand Opening! What was it like to cut the red ribbon on the runway?
Janelle: Cutting the red ribbon was a BIG moment in my career! I have waited a long time to open a store and cutting this ribbon made me realize all I have overcome in this life. I now know and believe that with perseverance and determination, dreams can come true!
Me: Just like the people who live in New York, I felt like your models were very diverse. How do you find your models?
Janelle: The model selection is very important to me. I am always looking for confidence and an athletic look. I feel the models now understand my vision and that the universe sends them to me. There are models I find on Instagram and request them to walk in my fashion shows. I am always ecstatic when they say “yes”! I love working with dancers because it shows that movement is possible in my brand. I want clients to know my products are beautiful, indestructible and can stretch and move with you!
Me: What was it like to have your very own fashion show?
Janelle: Having my own show was a great experience! I was able to control the concept and really put my heart into it. It was nice to be able to show my inspiration and not have anyone hold me back from my vision. I know I can have outlandish ideas but I believe I can always create a bigger and better experience. I think shows can only improve. It is important to a brand and the designer that it needs to feel authentic and genuine for someone to buy the brand; they need to feel a connection. This is what I am trying to accomplish with my presentation.
Me: Which outfit from your collection was the most challenging to create / design?
Janelle: The most challenging piece would have to be the tailored athletic looks. For this collection that would be the 3/4 camouflage coat. I was mixing (1) a water proof denim bonded fabric with (2) a recycled textured poly backed with (3) wool lined with (4) cashmere with (5) a leather trim. The cut had to be tailored to the body and fit well. It is very complicated and challenging to sew together fabrics that stretch and don’t stretch. It’s a slow and steady process but in the end it is very rewarding!
Me: Do you have any advice for upcoming designers?
Janelle: Always follow your dream. Push yourself to be different then the rest, constantly sketch, and learn “The Business”! I always tell students that it is best to learn the business side of fashion and to also be creative. Take a job in a store or intern with a business. With both of these things you can be successful!
Be sure to check out Janelle’s store which is located at:
145 Front Street, Dumbo, Brooklyn. (Right off the F train York stop)
Hours: 11-6pm.
Right now they are appointment only. In spring/summer, the hours will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday with NO appointment necessary from 11-7pm.
A special congratulations and thank you to Janelle Funari for her fabulous fashion show! Check out my top looks from the Fire collection here. If you want to see her other collections, check here.
Also a special thanks to photographer Noel Valero for capturing the moments with his spectacular photos.
Like this post? Be sure to leave a comment below on what you think! Also, be sure subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode.
One of the top highlights from New York Fashion Week was FUNARI New York’s fashion show. I was so excited to be a VIP guest that I came early and hung out on the red carpet with the fashion dogs. I couldn’t resist! They were so cute walking around and posing on the red carpet in their stylish FUNARI apparel. I actually sat on the red carpet posing and petting the fashion dogs who would later be walking on the runway in the FUNARI collection. There was even a dog wearing sunglasses, chilling and putting his front paws up on the bar!
The collection is called Fire and it was lit. One of my favorite parts of the fashion show was when model Jeremy Soriano started the show off with breaking two concrete breeze bocks with a sledgehammer! I felt like he was breaking down the barriers between gender roles and making way for designer Janelle’s dynamic unisex collection. I like how the models walked down the runway leaving the crushed debris behind them. It was as if they were blazing a new path. Janelle’s swimwear collection is all about inclusion. Her diverse gender neutral pieces can be worn by all. She wants you to be sexy, bold and empowered.
These are my top looks from Janelle FUNARI’s Fire Collection:
Photographer: Noel Valero Model:Photographer: Noel Valero Model: Sydney Stipanovich & BentleyPhotographer: Noel Valero Model: Jade MingPhotographer: Noel Valero Model:Photographer: Noel Valero Model: Jeremy SorianoPhotographer: Noel Valero Model: Morelle Momo ThomasPhotographer: Noel Valero Model: Kevin ChristiePhotographer: Noel Valero Model: Kevin Jatos Robinson & Xolo (The Hairless Dog)Photographer: Noel Valero Model: Maxine the Fashion FrenchiePhotographer: Noel Valero Model:
A special congratulations and thank you to Janelle Funari for her fabulous fashion show! If you want to see her other collections, check here.
Also a special thanks to photographer Noel Valero for capturing the moments with his spectacular photos.
Like this post? Be sure to leave a comment below on what you think! Also, be sure subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode.
In a world where it is easy to lose your way, role models are so important to have. They inspire you. They shape you. They empower you. I love how model Abby-Leigh strives to not only be a model, but also to be a role model. She wants to empower other girls and give them a voice. Abby’s biggest piece of advice is “Respect people for who they are.”
“Younger girls look up to me. I want to give them power even when I feel like I have lost mine.” – Abby
The most shocking part of our interview was when she mentioned that she wants to empower others even though she’s faced nasty comments from people that she knows. I find it extremely inspiring that Abby pushes through the negativity to shine though.
Jenny A. (me): What is your hardest challenge as a teen model?
Abby-Leigh: The negativity I get from the other boys and girls. Sometimes they try to bring me down. I want to be comfortable in my own skin and lift people up. People say things about me – they call me names and make comments about my glasses. I’ve also gotten nasty messages which I have had to block or delete. Sometimes the nasty messages are from people I know. That’s the hardest part. Sometimes it’s from strangers. They are just doing it for a reaction.
Me: How do you deal with the negativity?
Abby: At first, it gets to me but then it makes me stronger and keeps me going. It makes me want to model more. Don’t let anyone get you down. Follow your dreams.
Me: Who is your role model?
Abby: I have a lot of role models but, my # 1 role model is my mom. She’s my best friend. She’s amazing and does everything. We talk about everything and even watch Prison Break together!
Me: Do you have a motto that you live your life by?
Abby: You can’t blame society when you are society. Younger girls look up to me. I want to give them power even though there are times when I feel like I have lost mine.
Me: You’ve spoken about beauty on Instagram, what does beauty mean to you?
Abby: It’s not about looks, it’s about personality. Beauty in the inside, not on the outside. Being nice doesn’t cost anything.
Me: You’re a model for Izzy Be Clothing. Tell us a little about the brand!
Abby: I love Izzy Be Clothing. It empowers girls. It lifts girls up and gives them a voice. I want to do that too.
Me: What has been your favorite modeling experience?
Abby: The time when a big crowd of people arrived for my photo shoot! It was outside and I was wearing a beautiful evening gown. I was so shocked that they all came!
Photographer: V. Howe
Me: When you’re not modeling, what do you enjoy doing?
Abby: I love reading and writing. I’m also a gamer girl. I like playing Fortnite. Sometimes people call me a tomboy and sometimes they say I’m a girly girl. I say, I’m both.
Linda: What do you hope for your future? Do you have a goal?
Abby: I want to be a really big model like Victoria’s Secret models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
Me: If you could be a fruit or a vegetable, which fruit or vegetable would you be?
Abby: I would be a pineapple just like the quote “Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.” Everyone should be a pineapple.
I love Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a day to celebrate your partner, your friends or even yourself…it’s all about love. In honor of Valentines Day, model Kateryna Saveiko shared her guide to self love with us! Here it is!
Model Kateryna’s Guide to Self Love:
First things first. “You have to love yourself. When you love yourself other people will love you too.”
Give yourself the confidence you need. “You should wake up every morning, look in the mirror and say “I’m beautiful.” Tell yourself that you are beautiful. You have a beautiful soul, you have a beautiful heart, you are kind, and you are a great person.”
Take care of yourself. “Your body will be grateful for you.”
Have a positive outlook on life. “If you think your life is horrible, then it will be horrible. If you think your life will be great, then it will be great.”
Photographer: Amit Singh Chauhan
Jenny A: Thank you so much for your guide. So tell me, what is the dating scene like as a model?
Kateryna Saveiko: It’s not easy. In New York, guys don’t take it seriously. You really have to find the right person.
Jenny A: What is the ideal Valentine’s Day present?
Kateryna: Writing a poem for your partner or even making them a collage of pictures.
Jenny A: What is the hardest challenge you’ve faced as a model so far?
Kateryna: Fighting with myself. I always thinking about what I look like… like if I gained weight. I’m always watching myself. I love food but I have to run everyday.
Jenny A: What advice would you give people who struggle with their weight?
Kateryna: Everyone needs to take care of themselves. America is bigger. You have to keep a diet. Even if it’s for 2 – 3 weeks at a time. If you want to live longer, you need to start watching yourself. Your body will be grateful for you.
Jenny A: What was your craziest modeling experience?
Kateryna: When I was 15 years old, we went for a body art festival in Odessa. When we won 3rd place, a Russian agency invited us to work with them for a month in Russia. During that time we went to one of the lakes for 10 days. We lived there in tents. It was the middle of the summer and it rained every day. There were no restrooms and I had mosquito bites everywhere.
During one of the photoshoots, I stepped in an ant hill and there were ants all over my foot! They were crawling all the way up my knee! I was professional about it and finished the shoot.
Jenny A: What do you think about when you walk down the runway?
Kateryna: My body. You have to control your back, your legs, your face…even the muscles in your face! Lots of people are looking at you when you are on the runway. You need to talk with your eyes.
Jenny A: Do you have a goal for this year?
Kateryna: I want to start a modeling blog with my friend who is also a model. Our blog will be about the modeling life in New York. I love this city and I want to help people to see New York positively. People think that the life of a model is easy but, there’s a lot to it. You’re hungry. Your heels aren’t comfortable. Your feet might be bleeding. You have to smile even when feet hurt or you are tired. You always have to be awake and fresh.
Photographer: Amit Singh Chauhan
3 Fun facts about Kateryna:
Favorite hobby? Writing Russian poems
Favorite animated character? Catwoman. She’s strong, sexy, smart and she has her own opinion about everything.
If she could be a fruit or vegetable she would be… A grape because it can turn into a healthy juice or a fine wine.
