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.

Aspiring Model Maggie Doyle Captures the Runway

Maggie Malone 3 — Photographer: Sean McCoy

“….Beauty is being able to walk a runway and silence a room by your presence…” – Victoria Whetzel

When model Maggie Doyle walked down the runway at the PLITZS Fashion Marketing’s model competition, captured my attention. I remember sitting at the Judges’ Table and looking into the chattering audience. The moment Maggie walked down the runway, the room they were silent. All eyes were on her.

Even though the PLITZS Fashion Marketing competition was Maggie’s first runway experience, she held herself like professional model. She was able to capture the room.

Almost a month later, when I was at New York Fashion Week, I was very happy to see her walking for Emuleos’s Tougher Than Diamond Collection. It’s really exciting to know that I was there to see the first step towards her modeling career. She walked for PLITZS Fashion Marketing during New York Fashion Week!

Maggie Malone 2 — Photographer: Deno Imaginator

Meet Maggie:

Jenny A (Me) : What was it like to win the Women’s Model of the Year Award at PLITZS Fashion Marketing’s model competition?
Maggie: It was such an incredible feeling! I had no prior experience modeling but I worked hard leading up to the show. I practiced my walk and selected outfits for each category that would best represent me and that would look good on the runway. When I heard my number being called [as the winner], it was surreal. It inspired me to pursue further modeling opportunities.

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

Maggie: Before stepping onto the runway, I think about what I need to do in order to best model the clothing. As I take my first step onto the runway, the only thought I have is to exude confidence. I know what I am supposed to do as a model and once I’m on the runway it’s all about delivering that. If you’re not confident, people will notice, and they won’t buy what you’re ultimately trying to sell in both a figurative and literal sense.

Question from Kristy my followers: What was your favorite item to model?

Maggie: My favorite look that I modeled in the PLITZS’s Model of the Year competition was the black formal outfit. I chose a versatile black romper with an attached skirt and heeled booties. It was a bold look and made me feel very confident on the runway.

Me: What is the hardest challenge you’ve faced so far as a model?
Maggie: I think the hardest challenge I have faced as a model is accepting that I may not always like the way the clothing looks on me or how the photos turn out, but it’s part of the job. In order to be a good model, you have to wear the clothing with confidence and make it look the way the designer intended on the runway. You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone.

Me: What was your craziest modeling experience?

Maggie: With the little experience I have had, the PLITZS New York Fashion Week show was my craziest modeling experience. Modeling for twelve different designers in the span of 6 or so hours was hectic. I had no idea what it would be like beforehand! It was crazy walking off the runway to a team of people waiting to help me change outfits, makeup, and hair for the next designer.

Maggie Malone 6 — Photographer: Sean McCoy

Me: What are your goals and dreams?
Maggie: My goal in life is to help others. I plan to graduate with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Social Innovation. There are far too many people in this world whose needs are not fulfilled and I want to change that. My dream in life is to one day see my photos in magazines.

Me: What are your hobbies?
Maggie: I like to cook. I love cooking for friends and coming up with new & healthy recipes. I also like to paint! When I’m visiting home, my mom and I paint together in her studio.

Me: What is your favorite superhero or animated character?

Maggie: My favorite animated character is probably Remy, the rat from Ratatouille. He’s so determined to be a chef despite the fact that he’s a rat. I love his determination!

Question from Gabriella my followers : Do you have a certain workout routine?
Maggie: I have a very busy schedule between work and classes so a lot of the time my workout is speed walking through Grand Central to make a subway or train! But when I do have time, I go for a run or take a SoulCycle class. However, I do follow a pescatarian diet and try to cut out any processed foods which helps make up for my erratic workout schedule.

Me: If you could be a fruit or vegetable, what fruit or vegetable would you be?
Maggie: I would probably be a mango since it’s delicious and versatile. It also reminds me of being at the beach, which is my favorite place.

Maggie Malone 4 — Photographer: Sean McCoy

Maggie modeled for New York Fashion Week at PLITZS in Feb 2018. You can follow her on Instagram @maggiedoylem

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

Love always,

Jenny A.

Model Marcus Killebrew’s Advice for Facing Your Fears

52759DE1-BDB6-4509-A422-F5AE903FB0D9 — Photo by Melissa Whitely

It was almost 11:00pm and everyone was getting ready to go home from the Unique Blend Models fashion show. It was such a long day but I didn’t want to leave without speaking with model Marcus Killebrew. So there I was sitting in the lobby with Marcus while he opened up about his modeling career.

After speaking with Marcus, I was inspired. He said that fear is an illusion and it only prevents you from moving forward. Very wise words. While there are many things that might be scary, I decided that right now I am going to focus on my own fears.

Meet Marcus:

“Take more risks and see what happens.”

Model Marcus Killebrew is a personal trainer who believes in the power of takings risks and not letting fear stop him from accomplishing his goals. He shared that when he was younger, he used to be bullied and that lifting became a type of therapy for him. It helped him build up his confidence. Through his experience as a personal trainer, he is constantly tring to help others break through their fear and anxiety.

Marcus’s top goal is to grow himself into a strong brand for both (1) his modeling career and (2) as a coach. He shared that some of challenges he’s faced as a model has been trying to better understand the business side of the modeling world and adopting to all of the politics. Even through all of the challenges, he is always trying to learn and grow from his experience.

Marcus likes to hang out in the comfort of his own home. You can find him watching an episode of Game of Thrones or playing some video games. When he goes out, he likes to check out the different eateries and dessert spots which NYC has to offer. One of his most recently discovered places is Tipsy Scoop, which serves ice cream with a boozy twist. Cheers!

973973A3-E76E-40CC-8696-498219169BC1 — Designer: @jagandco Photo by: @katlow257

Fun Facts about Marcus:

His favorite weight training exercise is the deadlift.
If he could be a fruit or vegetable, he would be a raspberry because it is both sweet and tart.
Rush Hour 2 and The Matrix are his favorite movies.

Marcus modeled for the PLITZS Fashion Marketing and for the Unique Blend Models fashion show.

You can follow him on Instagram: @flexykilla

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Love always,

-Jenny A.

Model Natali Pillgrim : Never Give Up

CB4D526D-5FD9-4C33-92B3-C2FB9D6C9782 — by @bklynborn81

“If you want to be somebody, never give up and always be true to yourself.”- Natali Pillgrim

I love model Natali Piligrim’s piece of advice – “If you want to be somebody, never give up and always be true to yourself.” As a fashion blogger, I am always faced with different challenges. One of them is time. Since I conduct a lot of interviews with fashion models from all over the world, my calendar can fill up pretty quickly. Sometimes it can be hard to find time to schedule an interview. So when Natalie and I had to keep rescheduling our interview, we were patient with each other. We just had to keep on trying to find a time that worked for the both of us. I stayed true to myself and never gave up.

I was so happy when we finally sat down to chat! We spoke about her personal fashion experience as a model, her challenges and what makes her unique.

0908F92B-EFB8-40B3-9EBC-A771FA91A8A7 — Photo by @badjoe

“If you want to be somebody, never give up and always be true to yourself.”- Natali Pillgrim

Here is our interview:

Meet Natali

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

Natali Pillgrim: When I did an underwater photo shoot. I had to stay underwater, keep my eyes opened and look both comfortable and hot. Did I mention, I don’t know how to swim!?

Me: How did you do an underwater photo shoot if you can’t swim?!

Natali: Using my imagination plus my strong belief that everything is possible. There was a pole that I could held onto in the water, just in case (laughs). From time to time, I had to grab onto the other models who were in the photo shoot with me…just to breathe. (laughs)

6DB9CB56-0E89-4708-A63D-A16551D1F9B5 — **“Underwater Shoot” by Mary Durante Youtt**

Me: What was it like to pose underwater?

Natali: It was hard to stay still. (laughs) The heavy dress kept pulling me up!

Me: As a model, what do you think is the biggest challenge?

Natali: To believe in yourself. Just because a designer tells you that you’re not good for a show or their clothes, don’t give up. It is just one person’s opinion.

Me: What do you think makes a successful model?

Natali: Someone who (a) never gives up (b) learns from their mistakes / experiences (c) is social and (d) always listens. Even if someone tells you are good, always keep practicing and growing.

Me: Where did you learn to model?

Natali: I learned through YouTube tutorials and videos, I looked at other model’s photos and asked people with more experience. Some photographers are very helpful and will guide you. Never be afraid to ask what you did wrong. It’s better to ask a question and look like a “fool” for five minutes rather than keeping silent and looking like a “fool” for your whole life. It’s very important to work as a team and communicate with your photographer. You can learn faster and have better results by working together with your photographer.

Me: Which fashion shows have you modeled for?
Natali: I was a part of last year’s FIT fashion show called “4 elements.” It was amazing! It was my first experience as a runway model and I grown a lot from then. There were so many talented students. I really enjoyed it and I am so thankful. When I was a part of NYFW ( Couture Fashion Week ), I was so impressed and happy with my designer, Pamela. It took her a several weeks to make each swimsuit. I also modeled in Tech Fashion Week, Brooklyn Fashion Week and many more.

53114FB8-15BE-4DC0-9B69-A8BCCE761BEB — **Photo by @saudkh**

Me: I noticed that you have a nose ring and a lip ring. Have your facial piercings ever affected your modeling career?

Natali: When I walked for New York Fashion Week, I took out both my nose ring and my lip ring since the fashion show wanted a more conservative look. Depending on the fashion event, some people don’t care about piercings or even want a punk rock look.

What do you live your life by?

Natali: My greatest inspiration is Leonardo da Vinci’s quote “Realize everything is connected to everything else.” If you want to be successful, you have to learn a little bit of everything each day.

Me: What do you like to do for fun?

Natali: I like to dance, travel, walk around and explore the city. I also like rafting and indoor ski diving.

53A0A420-2117-4EA6-97E7-2E1645398657 — **Photo by @Red Dream Factory**

Me: If you could be a fruit of vegetable, what would you be?

Natali: Broccoli because it is unique, healthy and makes you feel good.

Me: When’s your next fashion show?

Natali: I am modeling for the FACE THE SWEET FASHION SHOW 2017. It is a charity event to help raise money for diabetic supplies for people who have suffered from the effects of 2017’s natural disasters. The show will be held this Saturday, November 18th in New York City. For more information, please click here.

You can follow Natali on Instagram: @nataliat666

Love always,

-Jenny A.

Victoria’s Secret Models Show Off Their Halloween Costumes

FDAA54AE-2AF7-4F7F-A8B1-54E8552BBB76 — Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show; Picture from @hoskelsa

Happy Halloween! One of my favorite Halloween “traditions” is scrolling through my newsfeed on Facebook and Instagram to see what people decided to dressed up as. Between the selfies and group photos, I love seeing how much creativity goes into each costume. I have to admit – this year’s costumes are inspirational. I love seeing the imagination and thought behind them. SO when I saw that some of the Victoria’s Secret Angels went all out for their Halloween costumes, I just had to share them with you!

Sara Sampaio

Yikes! I wonder what the other guy looked like… #YouShouldHaveSeenTheOtherGuy

FCCF8FE8-DAD1-4645-A76A-B2FD86185D31 — **Sara Sampaio; Picture from** @sarasampaio

2. A hot mess or a bloody mess?!

DAD4CC3D-B116-4322-BA01-A6E5CE2CD30A — **Sara Sampaio; Picture from** @sarasampaio

Alessandra Ambrosio

3. Alessandra’s rockin’ the 70’s look

CD24235A-14FD-49B8-90FC-2E5C5B351866 — Alessandra Ambrosio, Picture from @alessandraambrosio

Behati Prinsloo

4. Is this Mama and Baby bones?

1BE93E8F-8093-4F87-97A4-7A3613F03B55 — Behati Prinsloo; Picture from @behatiprinsloo

Stella Maxwell

5. My eyes are up here

97D50F81-934D-49DB-AE3A-F930033CF161 — Stella Maxwell; Picture from @stellamaxwell

Josephine Skriver

6. Tired eyes much? Maybe some beauty sleep can help 😉

35E96B6A-D1A9-4263-A580-BD140D255836 — Josephine Skriver; Picture from @josephineskriver ; Halloween make up by @morgane_martini

7. Pretty in white

1935B14E-D78F-43C1-8144-95BFD49DB530 — Josephine Skriver; Picture from @josephineskriver

Jasmine Tookes

8. Two and a Half Hotdogs

9. Sexy cat vibes 😉

E805AD75-DDE0-4E72-A785-52A6C38716D4 — Jasmine Tookes; Picture from @jastookes

Lais Ribeiro

10. Lais shape-shifted into Mystique!

3B93ED2B-23E4-40AD-AE52-747C5750BD9C — Lais Ribeiro; Picture from @laisribeiro

97B308B2-3373-41FA-BC77-5BE631CDA9E1 — Lais Ribeiro; Picture from @laisribeiro

11. Scared of clowns? Not anymore! Face your childhood fears with Lais’s Sexy IT costume.

Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Love always,

-Jenny A.

NYFW with Fashion Model Tommy Maksanty

As New York Fashion Week comes to an end, I thought it would be the perfect time to publish my interview with 2016 Mr. NYFW Model of the Year, Tommy Maksanty.

Meet Tommy:

Jenny A. (Me): Which celebrity do you think you look like the most?

Tommy (TM): People say I look like Edge the Wrestler if I were to put on weight.

Me: What is it like for you behind the scenes of a fashion show?

TM: I’m pretty much laid back. I just watch and take a lot of things in.

Me: Does it ever get hectic?

TM: I live in Virginia but I travel up to New York for fashion weeks. Some days I’ll overbook myself. In September 2015 I had 9 fashion shows back to back. I would go to a fitting where I would hop on my longboard and travel to the next fashion show. Last February 2016 during the snowstorm I snuck backstage during Style Fashion Week and ended up walking for M the Movement and accidentally closing Style Fashion Week for Richie Rich @richirichworld.

**Credit: @amconyc @soulmodelmanagement @clickmodelny**

Me: What’s your worst fashion experience?

TM: Back in April 2016 I had a fashion show up at the UN and my taxi cab drove off with my knapsack, longboard and all my stuff. It was a complete nightmare. I lost everything from February New York Fashion Week.

Me: If there was one designer you could model for, anyone in the world, who would it be?

TM: Tommy Hilfiger.

Me: How would you describe your style?

TM: I wear what fits and I make it work.

Me: What are your hobbies?

TM: Walking on the runway, longboarding, traveling and other outdoor activities.

Me: Where do you like to hangout?

TM: Anywhere by the water, somewhere on a mountain and sitting VIP at fashion events.

Me: What are 3 things you always carry with you?

TM: When I’m in the city I always have my longboard since I don’t like to walk –it’s too congested. I’ll also have my Bluetooth headset and portable phone charger on me.

Me: What’s your dream job?

TM: Getting paid to work out and smile.

Me: Who inspires you?

TM: My father. He gets up around 5:00am for work every day and doesn’t come home till late. He taught me how to be a hard worker.

Me: Who is your favorite demigod?

Hercules. I like the way people idolize him. He’s pretty cool.

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

TM: A watermelon – because everyone loves watermelon and it’s my favorite fruit.

Me: How would your friends describe you?

Tommy actually had his friend Ben answer this question.

Ben: Tommy is like Johnny Depp’s stunt double. He’s smart, good looking, and has a great body with cut muscles. You can put him on any billboard and any product will sell– he’s the real deal.

Photographer: @sarosh_photography ; Designer: @imalandrinibeachwear

Tommy won the September 2016 Mr. NYFW Model of the Year by ASC Productions. He was even featured on a billboard in Times Square for winning! He was awarded Model of the Millennium by the King of Fashion, Andre Galliano. Tommy has modeled for New York Fashion Week in 2015, 2016 & 2017. Tommy also promotes onemama.org lolafo.com luminousworldwide.com eznethaircare.com.

You can follow him on Instagram: @TommyMaksanty

-Jenny A.

Modeling Advice from International Runway & Catwalk Coach Mandy Dyonne Lieveld

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!

For more information about Mandy Dyonne Lieveld’s classes, please visit: http://www.runwaycoachnyc.com/