The Modern Day Princess: Model Rachel Sklar

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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!

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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.

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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

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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 @newstylemodeYou can follow Rachel on Instagram @Rachel_sklar.

Love always,

Jenny A.