Living the American Dream with Model Lyndz Tuyishime

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.

Designer @dur_doux Photographer @phelanmarc

“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.

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.

Royal Wedding Inspired Evening Gowns by Designer Alina Petra

Congratulations to

Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle!

Did you have a chance to watch the Royal Wedding? From walking down the aisle to seeing the way that they looked into each other’s eyes, it was a wedding out of a fairytale. To celebrate, I thought it was the perfect time to share Alina Petra’s evening gown collection with you. Did you know that it was inspired by the Royal Wedding?!

When you need a little inspiration, put on a beautiful dress and channel your inner Princess.

Ever since I was little, my mom used to dress me up in beautiful dresses and make me feel like a Princess. When I saw Alina Petra’s evening gown collection, I felt like I was in a dream. I remember sitting at Style Fashion Week in awe. Each model who walked down the runway looked like she walked right out of a story book.

Designed in Los Angeles, Alina’s gowns are made from Italian lace. While this is her first evening gown collection, she’s been known for her sexy swimwear. She’s turned the beach into a runway with her steamy bathing suits. “This is my first evening gown collection and a definitely big step forward from being only a swimwear designer.” – Alina Petra

Personally, I think it’s inspiring to see her try something new and design evening gowns. I like how she channeled her energy into creating chic yet romantic looks. I can help but imagine what it would be like to walk down a grand staircase or attend a lavish garden party in one of her gowns.

My Top Looks:

451B0118-2847-478D-9A89-6DFBF436A6EA — Photo from: Alina Petra

F628085F-EE40-4EDE-A561-B6AFD566B991 — Photo from: Alina Petra

1E471421-4976-49C1-AFEF-D12B9F1D074E — Photo from: Alina Petra

C4E53A26-8284-4D6C-A772-C29FF6E38083 — Photo from: Alina Petra

Get to know more about designer Alina Petra and her collection through our exclusive interview:

Jenny Alweiss (Jenny A.): What was the inspiration behind this collection?

Alina Petra: The Royal Wedding. I wanted to create a very chic and romantic look.

Jenny A.: What was your biggest challenge with this collection?

Alina Petra: The only real challenge was moving the gowns from LA, where they were made to NY. I was freaking out though the entire flight thinking that my dresses are ruined!

Jenny A.: What made you decide to design evening gowns?

Alina Petra: Designing gowns was my longtime dream, so it was about time to start doing it instead of dreaming it.

Jenny A.: When did you first become a designer? How long have you been a designing for?

Alina Petra: I basically started making clothes at age 5 for my dolls, but professionally I have been doing it for about 3 years

Jenny A.: What was your favorite memory from your fashion show at Style Fashion Week?

Alina Petra: Style Fashion Week was an amazing experience for me! Mainly, because how they made me feel during the preparation for the show when things got very stressful and were feeling like everything could go wrong. But I had so much fun instead. Everyone was very cool and supportive.

I want to hear from you! What did you think about the Royal Wedding? Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode

Are you getting ready for summer? Check out Alina Petra’s swimwear collection at https://alinapetra.com/

Love always,

Jenny A.

Switching It Up with Model Terence Ingram

When I first saw Terence Ingram walk down the runway at PLITZS Fashion Marketing, I was really intrigued… I suddenly wanted to know more about him. I thought he had a very striking look and when I met him, he was very sweet. Fast forward. I interviewed him for my blog. Fast forward. I took an FIT blogging class. Fast forward. I decided to make this feature more like a conversation. Fast forward. Then I realized that I never asked him for any of his personal modeling stories … whoops. Fast forward. I guess it’s time for round 2 for Terence’s interview. Fast forward. Now I’m sitting on the subway trying to edit this while stuck in the tunnel because there is “train traffic ahead of us.” Why is there always train traffic ahead of us?! Anyways, while I’m waiting for my subway to kindly move forward, I hope you enjoy my interview!

Meet Terence:

Jenny A: What do you love to do?

Terence Ingram: I love taking selfies and going shopping.

JA: Are you really into social media? What’s your favorite social media?

TI: Yes. I love Instagram. I look at it like an art. I think of which photos to post. I also love Twitter.

JA: I really thought you were going to say Snapchat since there are so many filters!

TI: Yeah, well I love Instasnap. My favorite is the dog filter.

JA: Where is the craziest place you’ve selfied?

TI: A haunted house! All these people were chasing us and I just thought this would be a great time to take a selfie!

JA: That’s really funny! Speaking of funny…What’s the funniest thing that happened to you while modeling?

TI: hmmm I think it was in either 2011 or 2012… before I went onto the runway I had my clothes on backwards! They actually stopped me right before I went out and turned my shirt around so that I could walk.

JA: I’m looking at one of your modeling photos where you’re holding a rose in your mouth. What was it like? What were you thinking about during this photo-shoot?

TI: I was actually laying in a tub of water. It was nerve-racking. I was thinking “Okay this is a cool idea” but I was nervous at the same time.

JA: Do you like doing adventurous modeling gigs?

TI: I love doing something out of the box that I’ve never done before. One time I did a fashion show in New York for designer Harold Wright and I had to wear very dramatic eyeliner …. I even had to wear a choker. It was a very out there look. I loved and hated it.

JA: Is there something you live by?

TI: “Dreams don’t work unless you do”[by John C. Maxwell]. I am always busy. I am constantly reaching out to different modeling agencies and designers just to get my face out there.

JA: So, what are your goals and dreams for modeling?

TI: I really want to be signed to a modeling agency. I want to be a runway model and be different in a model feel.

JA: What do you mean by that?

TI: I have Vitiligo and it’s not the “ideal” model look. But I want to offer a different side to modeling.

JA: Do you think your skin will help you in the fashion world?

TI: Yes and no. It might not be what they’re looking for. On the other hand, my skin might bring something new and different to the table.

JA: Do you have a model that you look up to?

TI: Winnie Harlow. She is confident and comfortable in her own skin. She doesn’t stop herself because of her skin. I think of myself the same way… nothing can stop me.

JA: With your crazy schedule what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

TI: I hang out with my friends and family. We love going to Dorney Park! One time my whole family took like 5 cars and we just went! We love the water park and the roller coasters.

JA: That’s awesome.

TI: Yeah! I go on all the craziest roller coasters. I’m the one who sits all the way in the font of the roller coaster.

JA: Great! Earlier you mentioned that you love shopping. Where do you like to shop? What’s your style?

TI: I shop at ZARA, H+M and Urban Outfitters. My style is natural, simple and urban. I’ll wear a white shirt, stretch jeans and a pair of Chelsea boots with my Gold God necklace chain.

JA: What is your secret to keeping in shape?

TI: I go to the gym. I love running, climbing and swimming. Actually I used to be more of a gym rat but now I casually go to the gym. When I was younger, I used to run track. Now when I go to the gym, I run on the treadmill.

JA: If you could be a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

TI: An apple. Everyone loves them and you can’t go wrong with an apple!

You can follow Terence on Instagram: @modeltji

-Jenny A.

Glamour Magazine’s Lauren Chan Made Her Dream Come True

You’ll never guess who came to my blogging class! Lauren Chan, the Fashion Features Editor for GLAMOUR MAGAZINE! Not only does she work for Glamour Magazine, she is also a former plus-size model! I was so excited to meet her! I love how lively and down to earth she is. She just tells it as it is. When she mentioned to the class that magazines can look at different blogs for content, it really opened my eyes to how important blogging is.

Back in March, I decided to take a blogging class at FIT so that I could work on my blogging skills and meet other bloggers. I figured that it would be a great experience and I just wanted to surround myself with people also starting their own blogs. I never thought that we’d have a guest speaker from Glamour Magazine, let alone a former model.

I love that.

A lot of the models that I interview for New Style Modé have so many different interests. I’m so glad that Lauren is able to use her experience as a plus-size model and follow her dreams to write for fashion. Believe it or not Lauren actually writes about trendy plus-size fashion, models and body diversity! You go girl!

I decided to do a little bit of homework and read some of Lauren’s articles. Personally, I loved her article about the interview she had with supermodel & plus-size model Ashley Graham. It was a great interview where they talked about Ashley’s experience as a plus-size model and some of the challenges she faced. What spoke to me the most was that even though Ashley faced a lot of obstacles, she didn’t give up…she still pushed forward and followed her dreams. I won’t go into too much detail about the interview but if you’re interested, you should definitely read it. Please note that some of the content in the article is a bit mature. [Click here for the link to the article.]

It might be cliché to say but keep follow your dreams. Just look at Lauren. She started off as a plus-size model for Ford Models, she kept working on her dreams and now she is an editor at Glamour Magazine.

What are your dreams? Are you still following them? Tell me about them in the comments below! I’d love to hear them. 🙂

-Jenny A.

Model Jessica Shea Zeletes

Meet Jessica:

“As a model, my major focus is (1) being a role model and (2) being fearless. I am a brand, a boss and a business.”

Jessica Shea Zeletes is a model who is all about trying new things! You can find her hanging out on an airplane or reading in Barnes & Nobles. Whether she is traveling to different cities or tasting different foods, Jessica enjoys living life. She loves playing volleyball, flipping through fashion magazines and taking professional photos.

She dreams of becoming an international petite supermodel. Even though she is a petite model, her ultimate goal is to be a Victoria’s Secret model.

“Modeling is my life.”

She hopes to one day walk for designer Philipp Plein. Jessica’s top role models are Hillary Duff, Tyra Banks and Ava Capra from America’s Next Top Model. If she could be a fruit or vegetable, she would be a pineapple because it is tasty, juicy, tarty, and interesting looking with a hardcore in the middle.

Jessica’s style is a mix between chic and eclectic. When she is in Florida, her go to outfit is shorts, a tank top and a pair of Converse shoes. When she visits New York, you can find her wearing a turtleneck, pants and snow boots. She is obsessed with fashion, purses and shoes. Her favorite perfume is Hillary Duff’s With Love.

“Nothing stops me.”

Jessica doesn’t let fear stop her from achieving her goals. Back in January 2017, she was in the airport waiting for her flight to New York when the Fort Lauderdale shooting happened. Instead of panicking and going home, she boarded her flight so that she would be able to compete in the 2017 PLITZS Fashion Marketing’s Emerging Model of the Year. Even with all the stress of the traumatic shooting, her determination pulled her though allowing her to win the petite model of the year.

You can follow her on Instagram: Jessicasheamodel

-Jenny A.

Grace DiDomenico

Photographed by: Matthew Cacace @bo2m_photography

Meet Grace:

Grace DiDomenico is an energetic and creative model who loves to have fun. She enjoys dancing, cheerleading and talking on the phone. Her best friend and role model is her mom. Her favorite family trip was when she went to the Grand Ole Opry tour in Tennessee.

She dreams of living in Paris and walking the runway there. Grace’s style is wearing trendy clothes with an urban twist. She likes collecting makeup from Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner, BH Cosmetics and Mally Beauty.

Photographed by: Brittany Diaz @Brittanythemakeupgoddess

Grace is a girl scout. Her troop sang songs to the elderly and packed gift boxes for children. In the spring, they are going to Rocking Horse Ranch to learn how to care for horses. After all, she loves horseback riding.

While she doesn’t really like fruits or vegetables, if she could be a fruit or vegetable, she would be a kiwi…tart yet sweet. She likes watching Grey’s Anatomy, listening to 21 Pilots and snacking on some s’mores.

Grace was a finalist for the PLITZS Fashion Marketing’s 2017 Model of the Year Competition. She also competed in the 2017 PLITZS Fashion Marketing Kid’s Fashion Democracy show. Grace said that she gained a lot from both shows.”Backstage is a lot of fun!” It was a great experience where she was able to make friends in the fashion world.

You can follow her on Instagram: grace.didomenico

-Jenny A.