“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’” – Audrey Hepburn

I can’t tell you how proud I am of model Charlotte Smith. She’s made something that might have seemed impossible into a reality. She walked for her favorite designer Dan Liu during New York Fashion Week. Here is the inside scoop of what it was like!

Catching up with Charlotte Smith:

Jenny Alweiss: How was modeling for Dan Liu?

Charlotte Smith: Absolutely incredible! He’s my favorite designer. What I love about Dan is that he cares about every model. He won’t put a model in a dress he doesn’t think fits. He wants the model to look incredible. He puts heart and soul into every look and it shows!

Jenny: What inspired the collection?

Charlotte: The Spy Who Loved Me movie with James Bond. His collection was a powerful Bond girl. It was sexy. We wore sunglasses and a headscarf on the runway which was based off of Audrey Hepburn. I adore her.

Jenny: What is Dan Liu really like?

Charlotte: He’s so talented. He has a strong vision and brings out your confidence. He told each model “this is what you’re doing” and explained what he wanted. He boosted the overall moral and he’s very enthusiastic. He was so excited to be there. He told us for this collection, “no smiles, you’re dangerous – you’re a badass spy!”

Jenny: What was it like to be on the runway?

Charlotte: I was on cloud nine the whole time! I wore one of his signature pieces – a jacket with a bird on the back. Dan chose me to be the one to rip off my sunglasses and wink at the end of the runway.

Jenny: What were you thinking about when you were on the runway?

Charlotte: I was imagining myself as a spy. I kept thinking “I am a spy. I am a bad ass. I’m so happy to be here.”

Jenny: Were your outfits comfortable to wear on the runway?

Charlotte: Yes! His clothes are incredibly well made.

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Jenny: Speaking of being a spy, do you have a favorite spy movie?

Charlotte: I love the James Bond movies. They’re great!

Jenny: Were there any funny moments at the fashion show?

Charlotte: Yes – Madeline, one of the models needed to borrow my heels even though were in the same show! It was chaotic. Also, there were like 5 people working on me at the same time –  spraying my hair,  touching up my makeup, and helping me get into the clothes. They were just zipping up my dress right before I had to go.

Jenny: What were the other models like?

Charlotte: They’re so sweet. We were all supportive of each other. We got waffles together after the show with all of our hair and makeup still on!

Jenny: Question from Igor in the audience: What drives you?

Charlotte: I have a mantra “I’m working to be the best version of myself.” You can’t change yourself for a designer. You have to stay true to yourself. You are enough and if a designer doesn’t like you, don’t take it personally. Always keep your options opened. Be your best self.

 

Check out my first blog post about Charlotte and her sister, Natalie Smith. You can follow her on Instagram @charlotte.smith

I want to give a special thank you to photographer Frazer Harrison / Getty Images North America for the photos. Thank you! 

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Love always,

Jenny A.