Happy Valentine’s Day from Model Kateryna Saveiko

L.O.V.E

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.”

unnamed-5 — 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.

unnamed-4 — 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.

04a3dfba-bd32-4f0f-92db-806aa9fecdf9 — Photographer @dreamglamprodny

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode. You can follow Kateryna on Instagram happy_kateryna.

Love always,

Jenny A

The Modern Day Princess: Model Rachel Sklar

25b5ed33-7428-4a09-b99b-690bcbefa5be — Photographer: Ryan Kyungrockim

Meet Rachel:

What I really admire about Rachel is that she is a strong and independent model. She strikes me as the modern day princess, a little bit sweet & a little bit edgy. One moment she can be sitting in the makeup room getting glammed up to walk the runway, and the next moment she can be taking charge of her career and booking her own fashion shows.

Here is our interview:

Jenny A. (Me) : What’s your craziest modeling experience?

Rachel: Moving to NYC this past year was crazy. In February, I signed with New York Model Management. After New York Fashion Week, I had to go back home to LA to work. My NY booker encouraged me to come back to the New York area in August – October. I was so excited that I booked my whole trip – including my flight. Would you believe that a week before my trip, they dropped the whole runway department…including me?!

Me: What did you end up doing?

Rachel: I was determined to make things work. I still went to NYC and did it all on my own! I booked myself for every day of fashion week!

f7790110-949e-4080-b816-9f0a03a1f3b1 — Photographer: Lucas Passmore

Me: What is the hardest challenge you’ve faced as a model so far?

Rachel: Taking Criticism. I’ve been told that I am too tall, too skinny, too fat, too ugly, and too old. Casting directors will comment on all of the things that they think I should change about myself. Taking that criticism and saying “thank you” is the most challenging part of modeling.

Me: Is there anything you want to say to those people who have criticized your look?

Rachel: At the end of the day, there are a lot of other designers that want my look. I can’t let those negative comments get to me.

bed6cc0f-6920-4d49-8354-0d161df67b6a — Fashion Designer: Michael Costello

Me: What do you think about when you walk down the runway?

Rachel: I think about my posture, my facial expressions and the beat of the music. I also think about making sure my arms are moving symmetrically, and figuring out where the cameras are. It’s all about getting that perfect professional picture!

Me: Have you ever lived in a model apartment?

Rachel: No, model housing is very expensive. When I went to model in New York, I stayed in Airbnbs and hotels, because they where just as expensive as the modeling apartments where I would have to share a room.

Norma C. : Did you always dream of being a model?

Rachel: Yes, I’ve always loved dressing up & being in-front of the camera. I was 5’9” at 15 years old when I signed a contract with LA Model Management. After high school, I went to college & took a break from modeling. At 25 years old, I was 5’11” & was still determined to be a model. I went back to LA Model Management & signed a new contract. I’ve been with them ever since. I am very thankful for all the work!

Me: What are your goals and dreams?

Rachel: My goal is to support myself and be independent. My dream is to do commercials, acting, and trying out stand-up comedy. I also dream that one day I can produce my own runway shows!

Me: What do you love to do?

Rachel: Besides for taking pictures, I love stand up comedy and going to shows. I started writing some jokes. I’m actually working with friends who are also models on some small comedy film projects.

“My goal is to support myself and be independent.” – Rachel Sklar

unnamed-3 — Photographer: Di Natale Photography

Me: Who is your favorite animated character?

Rachel: Cinderella because my life makes me feel like a fairytale. I always have to give my clothes back after a modeling job, just like Cinderella at the stroke of midnight.

Me: We’re exactly one month into the New Year! What was your New Year’s Resolution?

Rachel: To be more familiar with politics. I’ve been telling myself I would learn the basics. I want to watch the news more, read more, and be more involved in political conversations.

Me: If you could be a fruit or vegetable, which fruit or vegetable would you be?

Rachel: I would be a goji berry. Goji berries are expensive, hard to find, & they are great any way they’re prepared.

Thanks for reading! I want to hear from you! What does being a modern day princess mean to you?

Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode. You can follow Rachel on Instagram @Rachel_sklar.

Love always,

Jenny A.

The Model Who Never Stops Dreaming : Raven Farrington

Meet Rae:

Raven (AKA Rae) is an international model from the UK who loves to dance! When she isn’t modeling, she’s dancing. She does contemporary dancing, street dancing and technical dancing.

When I asked her what her hardest challenge was, I was a bit shocked. She said her hardest challenge was ignoring the negative comments she gets because of who she is…a model. Some of the girls in her school have said a lot of negative comments. They’ve said things like “we’re fed up with what you do,” “you make everyone so depressed,” and “you think that you’re better than everyone else.” I was really sad to hear that Rae had lost a lot of friends because of it.

Photographer: Lisa Visser @lisavisserphotography

I wanted to know how she was handling the social pressures from her schoolmates. I asked Rae what her response to those negative comments was and she said:

“When people have negative things to say, you have to move on. You should follow your dreams and no one should make you change them.”

Photographed by: Nick Dale @nick.dale

While she has had some issues at school, she gets along with the girls who she dances with at the Constellations Dance Company. “They’re really supportive and are like my family. They’re always supporting me.” The dance studio is like her second home.

Her favorite animated character is Moana because she didn’t give up on her dream even though she goes through so many challenges. At the end of the movie, Moana manages to follow her dreams. Like Moana, Rae also has a dream. Rae dreams of one day becoming a Victoria’s Secret model.

Rae’s craziest modeling moment was during her first catwalk in New York. She couldn’t get her dress to zip up! She had to squeeze in and basically not breathe while walking down the runway.

Question from Ron A. : What is a normal day for you like when you’re not modeling?

Model Rae: “I wake up and go to school. When I come home, I mess around with my little brother and have a cup of tea with some chocolate. I love chocolate. I also love watching Friends on Netflix.”

One of Rae’s favorite things about the winter is spending the holidays with her family. She’s very close to her family and adores watching Christmas movies with them. Her top Christmas movies are The Polar Express and Miracle on 34th Street. She also likes spending the winter months going ice skating.

Since it’s the beginning of the year, I had to ask her what her New Years Resolution is. Her New Years Resolution is to start working out. She’s going to start doing some sit-ups and dance more often.

If she could be a fruit or vegetable, she would be a passionfruit because it has a lot of color and a lot of seeds – “there is a lot to it just like there is a lot to me!”

Thanks for reading! I want to hear from you! What is your dream?

Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode. You can follow Rae on Instagram @_ravenfarrington13.

Love always,

Jenny A.

Dancing Queen: Model Erika Citrin Danced at New York Fashion Week

Erika Citrin was one of the models who opened up the Janelle FUNARI NEW YORK fashion show! She was dancing, modeling and doing flips on the runway to Ciara’s Level Up. She was jumping around and totally lit up the runway! I was completely gripped when she walked to the end of the runway, posed, looked at the model standing across from her (Dana Wiener) and then they both turned their backs towards the cameras and clasped hands. I felt as though they were standing together and blocking out all the noise around them. They walked back up the runway hand-in-hand before running into the distance.

ERIKA WAS FEARLESS

When the show was over, I met with Erika and she did a behind the scenes exclusive dance for us (see the video below)!

Here’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for… my interview with Erika!

– What was it like to dance at the FUNARI NEW YORK fashion show?

Dancing at the fashion show was truly an amazing experience. Both Janelle (AKA FUNARI NEW YORK’S mastermind) and I have very busy schedules so even she hadn’t seen the full final product before the show!

– How long did it take you to practice? Who choreographed the dance?

I choreographed the dance and chose Dana Wiener, who I originally met at Joffrey Ballet School to dance with me. We put everything together in 3 rehearsals! One of them took place on an extremely hot day at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

-How did you become a model for FUNARI NEW YORK?

I caught Janelle’s eye when I was doing a photoshoot with Noel Valero. Noel is an amazing person and photographer. I met him when I was dancing for Arch Contemporary Ballet and we stayed connected afterwards. I’ve done multiple photo shoots with him. I actually caught Janelle’s eye after I had my hair done in cornrows and did a test shoot with Noel in her clothing!

– What was the photoshoot like?

The shoot included modeling poses and BGirl freezes (breakdancing poses) all in one!

– As a model, what is your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?

From purely a modeling standpoint, it can be very hard to overcome the dancer stereotype. I mainly get hired to model for dance costumes, or to have a dance segment in a show but I am very interested in more fitness and lifestyle jobs. I’m a personal trainer and bodybuilder so I want to be able to showcase everything that I know how to do.

– Are you adventurous? What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

I am very adventurous! I recently went hiking in the Catskills this fall and jumped off a 40ft cliff into one of the river pools up there!

This spring, I’m taking a two week trip to Paris and London (you may see me posting some FUNARI designs in my travel attire! )

– What did you do for the holidays?

This past holiday season I mainly stayed home and rested! I visit my family more in between holidays as travel is a lot less hectic! As a freelancer, holidays tend to be a busier work season so I like to be around in the city.

– If you could be a fruit or vegetable, what fruit or vegetable would you be?

I would definitely be a fruit. I like the idea of being able to grow both from low in the ground and high in a tree! Also, fruits are the only way I satisfy my sweet tooth, since candy and sugars aren’t an option in my lifestyle!

I want to hear from you! What do you think about Erika’s dance? Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode

What to see more of what Erika is up to? You can follow her on Instagram @egcitrin

Love always,

Jenny A.

Work Hard, Play Hard: Victoria’s Secret Models Know How to Celebrate Halloween

16F2C088-E23C-4101-AE44-6A530BBFE823 — Instagram

Everyone’s been talking about it! The Victoria’s Secret Show. The Angels have been blowing up social media talking about their Victoria’s Secret fittings and having us all sitting on the edge of our seats. Even though the Victoria’s Secret models had their fittings this past week, they were still able to enjoy Halloween. Work hard, play hard. Right?! In honor of the Victoria’s Secret show and Halloween, I decided to share my top 5 Victoria’s Secret Halloween looks!

My Top 5 Looks:

Lais Ribeiro’s Storm (X-Men)

FD4C59A2-20AA-4BA2-AF7D-C4B464DF8FA5 — Lais Ribeiro

2. Sara Sampaio’s Vicious Werewolf

ACFC2FD3-ECA7-45A8-A7D4-8416C569D795 — Sara Sampaio

3. Jasmine Tookes’s Foxy Cleopatra

84B5DED6-8F44-49B2-A460-59B3278D325C — Jasmine Tookes

4. Josephine Skriver’s Gory Purge Candy Girl

9CD1DCB2-4F4A-449C-96AD-9548951514B1 — Josephine Skriver

5. Martha Hunt’s Sexy Catman

7685D600-3C3E-4EA1-9E52-7A03A104C395 — Martha Hunt

Which one is your favorite?

Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode

XOXO,

Jenny A.

Trick or Treat Yo’self: My Favorite Halloween Makeup Looks

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Halloween weekend is finally here! Are you ready? ‘Cause I am! Halloween is a holiday where you can just have fun. You can stop worrying about everything and pretend to be someone or something else.Whether you want to be the sexy cat, or dress up as the Cat in the Hat, you can be anyone or anything that you want to be.

One of my favorite things to do around this time is looking at different Halloween makeup looks on Instagram. I can spend hours watching makeup videos and just admiring the hard work that goes into each look. Some of the most creative, inspiring and gifted people use Halloween to show off their artistic abilities and I love it.

If you got it, haunt it!

Here are my top 10 looks:

Pumpkin Chick

2. Ice Cream Queen

3. Owl Empress

4. Pumpkin Queen

5. Mrs. Frankie

6. The Wall from Stranger Things

7. Poison Ivy

8. Pink Neon Skull

9. The Corpse Bride

10. Enchantress of the Sea

Which is your favorite Halloween makeup look?

Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode

XOXO,

Jenny A.

The Inside Look Behind the FUNARI NEW YORK Collection

I am always drawn to collections that have a deeper meaning. The FUNARI NEW YORK collection that walked down the runway at Style Fashion Week AKA the Fearless collection was epic! It was all about being fearless, never hiding behind a mask and being brave even if you think you might fail.

You should always be bold, strong and powerful.

I was so excited to interview Designer Janelle Funari, the heart and soul behind FUNARI NEW YORK. I wanted to find out more about her collection and touch on what makes her such a unique designer.

Here is our exclusive interview:

Jenny A. : Tell me a little bit about your Fall 2018 collection. What was the inspiration behind it?

Janelle: I was inspired by both the David Bowie exhibit I saw and also the 1980s! I loved David Bowie’s bold, daring attitude and the risks he took as a performer! This collection is about fun, bold punches of color, functionality, technology, & couture finishes. The line is inspired from the 80s where women were bold, strong, and powerful. I wanted to empower both woman and men to be who they want to be and not hide behind a mask. The collection is about freedom, excitement, and liberation! There is a nostalgic feeling of that 80s carefree attitude. Reminiscing about enjoying life, spontaneity, and dancing in the streets or at an iconic club!<

Jenny A: Tell me a little bit about yourself as a designer. What makes you stand out from the crowd?

Janelle: My newest endeavor is the couture performance market. The line stands out as it is elegant, timeless, comfortable and practical! The line can be worn all day and all night. You can go to the gym or out to dinner, just put on a pair of boots or heels! The brand is about versatility, technical advancement, and functionality. The FUNARI line is for both Men and Woman and represents quality, style, and innovation.

Jenny: What makes you fearless? What is your story?

Janelle: What makes me Fearless is trying new things and not being afraid to fail. Many people fail before they even try. They let others tell them it’s not possible. I say, “block out the noise!” I give 200% in everything I do in life! My mantra is to never look back, never regret, and to always give it your all! I believe that, in life it is better to try, then to not try at all. LIVE like there is no tomorrow & we only have today, so make it happen! Never say “no” or “it is not going to happen”

Anything and EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Put your heart and mind towards your goals and you’ll see that dreams do come true!

Jenny: What is your hardest challenge as a designer?

Janelle: Making my collection in New York City and sewing it in the USA! The cost is much higher for me because it is all made here in NYC.