Honestly, I have made my own career path by fumbling through the modeling world and just learning along the way. The most important thing I would say is you don’t need to wait for a top agency to accept you in order to become a model. When I was 16, I was really excited about modeling. When I first got rejected from the top New York agencies, I assumed that path was permanently closed to me. It wasn’t until I was 24, when I was living in Jordan and started freelancing as a model there for local designers, that I realized there are 100 different pathways into this industry.
You should never feel that your fate rests with a few individuals who might have the power to tell you if you have “the look” or not. Obviously, working with a top agency is ideal if that is an option for you. If not, that should not stop you from modeling. I started modeling for local designers until I built up my portfolio. I would also go to castings for runway shows which even allowed me to walk during New York Fashion Week. Finally, after a year of working on my own, I was offered representation.
For models interested specifically in walking during the Cannes Film Festival, I would advise them to attend a casting held by Andres Aquino for New York Fashion Week. He holds castings for his New York shows but not for his Cannes ones. But if you can slip into New York, you can ask about attending Cannes.
I would also advise keeping an eye out for information about castings or fashion shows in Cannes starting in April or the beginning of May. Even if you don’t see a notice that is specifically about a casting, there is nothing wrong with contacting the organizer of a fashion show and asking if models are still needed. I have ended up on the runway more than once by simply reaching out and asking.
Is it just me or is the summer flying by? I had all of these “fun summer plans” that totally didn’t happen… I was going to see Shakespeare in the Park in NYC, maybe study for the GRE and take a trip out West to visit some friends. #fail
I didn’t even have a chance to do the smaller things like go to Black Tap with my sister and get their insanely delicious milkshakes! I’ve heard so many good things about them on Instagram. I’ve been wanting to take her there all summer but now that she is going back to college, we’ll have to put those plans on hold.
What was I doing all summer? That’s a great question… That’s such a great question, I don’t even know!
All I know is that in a few weeks it will start to get really busy again with New York Fashion Week right around the corner! So I’m going to make a new “fun summer plans” list. For the next few weeks I plan that no matter what, I will have a great rest of the summer!
Now off to make that list…
What are your summer plans? Any recommendations? Share your ideas with me in the comments below!
Do you want to become a professional model? International Runway & Catwalk Coach Mandy Dyonne Lieveld shares her advice on modeling with fashion blog New Style Modé!
Model Tanasha shared her top 5 ways of how to spend the summer like a model.
Wear your outfit like it’s a statement! Whether it’s a simple t-shirt & shorts, or a sassy dress, always rock your unique style. Bring out your best self!
Go outdoors and shoot. Meet with your local photographers. If you have your own camera, bring your tripod with you and shoot in unexpected places. You’ll be in love with how amazing you feel afterwards.
Travel! Travel & modeling go hand in hand! It’s really an exciting feeling to just get out of your comfort zone and shoot with photographers from different states. Personally, I can’t wait to begin my summer travels where I will get to create and network.
Bebody positive! Always keep a light spirit. As a model, I have to be able to be myself in the best way possible. That is what brings out the beauty of a model. My authentic self is everything.
Love yourself. Before anything, know that you’re a model and love yourself in your own skin. Believe in you!
Bonnie Sofia shared what it was like to model for the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. Here’s the inside scoop!
1) How does modeling in France different from your runway experience in New York?
In France the designers took a lot more risks on the runway. They were less likely to shy away from nudity. I have some runway pictures from France that I can’t even post on social media. I never had this problem with my runway pictures from New York. Another difference I noticed is that France is more tolerant of diverse looks when it comes to models. Even though the height requirement is still strict, there is a much higher tolerance for models who are different from the “cookie cutter” look.
2) What was the craziest thing that happened behind the scenes at the Cannes Film Festival?
I consider myself a very low drama and down to earth model, but I guess even I have my limits. During this particular show, there was an organizational mistake. Usually models are not allowed to book designers who are showing their collections one after another. However, this time they did not clarify, so all the models booked back-to-back designers.
Since I hadn’t come back from the runway yet, one of the organizers told my next designer to give the dress I was supposed to wear to a different model. It did kind of break my heart because the dress was an absolutely stunning creation from German designer Luciana Adulari. I was excited about being able to wear it on the runway and have pictures in it. So when I saw another model sewed into my dress, I couldn’t hold back the tears! Someone from the hair team got me a glass of champagne while 2 other hair stylists told me jokes to cheer me up.
3) How would you describe the atmosphere? Did you like any of the fashions or designers ?
The atmosphere of the show was incredible. It was definitely one of the best that I had ever been to. Designer Andres Aquino is a perfectionist and his shows are always flawless. One of the things I liked most about the show was its diversity. There was a wedding dress collection by Hany ElBehairy, as well as a lingerie collection by Duonvlang. One of my favorite designers at the show was Kelsy Dominick from DiDomenico Design. It was inspirational talking to her and walking for her, because she is just full of enthusiasm and motivation. She is an example of how far you can go in a short amount of time.
4) Did you experience a language barrier while modeling at the Cannes Film Festival? If so, how did you manage?
Fortunately, there was not too much of a language barrier. Since most of the designers and models were international, the lingua franca was English backstage. There were a few French models who didn’t speak English, but I have enough French to get my thoughts across at least. [But even for the non-French speaking models, it was not a problem at all, because the designers and organizers spoke English. ]
5) Did you meet anyone interesting at the Cannes Film Festival?
One of the most interesting people I met was Lionel Madiou, the photographer for the DiDomenico Design team. He is absolutely phenomenal. I’ve shot with him twice since Cannes and each time I was just blown away by the results.
6) What was the most challenging part of your experience?
For me, the most challenging part of any runway show is surviving the castings. I’m considered short for a model (5’8”), so I’m not always a top pick for designers with floor length gowns who need to ensure they are not going to be tripped on by the model. Kelsy of DiDomenico Design was the first of three designers who selected me. As soon as she did, I breathed a sigh of relief. I’m also thankful to my boyfriend, who was nice enough to let himself be dragged to this casting with me. He kept telling me not to stress. I think it doesn’t matter how long I have been modeling, castings will always be stressful.
7) What was it like after the show? How did you feel? Did you go to any after parties?
One of my favorite parts of a show is after it is over. Haha. This may sound strange, but this is a very special moment where everyone–designers, organizers, and models–collectively breathe a sigh of relief, pour themselves a whiskey, and bask in their accomplishments. The atmosphere after the show was unusual because there was an after party at the venue itself. So the runway turned into a dance floor! The guests, models, and designers all mingled and danced together. It is one of my favorite memories.
I’m really excited to share my first fashion blog video with you! After taking a blogging class at FIT, I decided to make my blog a bit more personal by formally introducing myself. I thought it would be a great way to celebrate how much my blog has grown within the year.
Thank you for reading, subscribing and following my fashion blog. A huge thank you to all the models and photographers for all of your time and dedication. I also want to thank my amazing New Style Modé family and team for all of your hard work, encouragement and perseverance. Thank you for making this blog — which started off as an dream — into a reality.
Yaxin has also modeled for Style Week Swim Fashion Show, Project Runway Designer Showcase, Boston En Vogue Fashion Week, Plitzs New York City Fashion Week, and Voge Fashion Runway.
