One of the top highlights from New York Fashion Week was FUNARI New York’s fashion show. I was so excited to be a VIP guest that I came early and hung out on the red carpet with the fashion dogs. I couldn’t resist! They were so cute walking around and posing on the red carpet in their stylish FUNARI apparel. I actually sat on the red carpet posing and petting the fashion dogs who would later be walking on the runway in the FUNARI collection. There was even a dog wearing sunglasses, chilling and putting his front paws up on the bar!
The collection is called Fire and it was lit. One of my favorite parts of the fashion show was when model Jeremy Soriano started the show off with breaking two concrete breeze bocks with a sledgehammer! I felt like he was breaking down the barriers between gender roles and making way for designer Janelle’s dynamic unisex collection. I like how the models walked down the runway leaving the crushed debris behind them. It was as if they were blazing a new path. Janelle’s swimwear collection is all about inclusion. Her diverse gender neutral pieces can be worn by all. She wants you to be sexy, bold and empowered.
These are my top looks from Janelle FUNARI’s Fire Collection:
Photographer: Noel Valero Model:Photographer: Noel Valero Model: Sydney Stipanovich & BentleyPhotographer: Noel Valero Model: Jade MingPhotographer: Noel Valero Model:Photographer: Noel Valero Model: Jeremy SorianoPhotographer: Noel Valero Model: Morelle Momo ThomasPhotographer: Noel Valero Model: Kevin ChristiePhotographer: Noel Valero Model: Kevin Jatos Robinson & Xolo (The Hairless Dog)Photographer: Noel Valero Model: Maxine the Fashion FrenchiePhotographer: Noel Valero Model:
A special congratulations and thank you to Janelle Funari for her fabulous fashion show! If you want to see her other collections, check here.
Also a special thanks to photographer Noel Valero for capturing the moments with his spectacular photos.
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I love Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a day to celebrate your partner, your friends or even yourself…it’s all about love. In honor of Valentines Day, model Kateryna Saveiko shared her guide to self love with us! Here it is!
Model Kateryna’s Guide to Self Love:
First things first. “You have to love yourself. When you love yourself other people will love you too.”
Give yourself the confidence you need. “You should wake up every morning, look in the mirror and say “I’m beautiful.” Tell yourself that you are beautiful. You have a beautiful soul, you have a beautiful heart, you are kind, and you are a great person.”
Take care of yourself. “Your body will be grateful for you.”
Have a positive outlook on life. “If you think your life is horrible, then it will be horrible. If you think your life will be great, then it will be great.”
Photographer: Amit Singh Chauhan
Jenny A: Thank you so much for your guide. So tell me, what is the dating scene like as a model?
Kateryna Saveiko: It’s not easy. In New York, guys don’t take it seriously. You really have to find the right person.
Jenny A: What is the ideal Valentine’s Day present?
Kateryna: Writing a poem for your partner or even making them a collage of pictures.
Jenny A: What is the hardest challenge you’ve faced as a model so far?
Kateryna: Fighting with myself. I always thinking about what I look like… like if I gained weight. I’m always watching myself. I love food but I have to run everyday.
Jenny A: What advice would you give people who struggle with their weight?
Kateryna: Everyone needs to take care of themselves. America is bigger. You have to keep a diet. Even if it’s for 2 – 3 weeks at a time. If you want to live longer, you need to start watching yourself. Your body will be grateful for you.
Jenny A: What was your craziest modeling experience?
Kateryna: When I was 15 years old, we went for a body art festival in Odessa. When we won 3rd place, a Russian agency invited us to work with them for a month in Russia. During that time we went to one of the lakes for 10 days. We lived there in tents. It was the middle of the summer and it rained every day. There were no restrooms and I had mosquito bites everywhere.
During one of the photoshoots, I stepped in an ant hill and there were ants all over my foot! They were crawling all the way up my knee! I was professional about it and finished the shoot.
Jenny A: What do you think about when you walk down the runway?
Kateryna: My body. You have to control your back, your legs, your face…even the muscles in your face! Lots of people are looking at you when you are on the runway. You need to talk with your eyes.
Jenny A: Do you have a goal for this year?
Kateryna: I want to start a modeling blog with my friend who is also a model. Our blog will be about the modeling life in New York. I love this city and I want to help people to see New York positively. People think that the life of a model is easy but, there’s a lot to it. You’re hungry. Your heels aren’t comfortable. Your feet might be bleeding. You have to smile even when feet hurt or you are tired. You always have to be awake and fresh.
Photographer: Amit Singh Chauhan
3 Fun facts about Kateryna:
Favorite hobby? Writing Russian poems
Favorite animated character? Catwoman. She’s strong, sexy, smart and she has her own opinion about everything.
If she could be a fruit or vegetable she would be… A grape because it can turn into a healthy juice or a fine wine.
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!
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.
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
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 @newstylemode. You can follow Rachel on Instagram @Rachel_sklar.
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
I am always drawn to collections that have a deeper meaning. The FUNARI NEW YORK collection that walked down the runway at Style Fashion Week AKA the Fearless collection was epic! It was all about being fearless, never hiding behind a mask and being brave even if you think you might fail.
You should always be bold, strong and powerful.
I was so excited to interview Designer Janelle Funari, the heart and soul behind FUNARI NEW YORK. I wanted to find out more about her collection and touch on what makes her such a unique designer.
Photo by Style Fashion Week
Here is our exclusive interview:
Jenny A. : Tell me a little bit about your Fall 2018 collection. What was the inspiration behind it?
Janelle: I was inspired by both the David Bowie exhibit I saw and also the 1980s! I loved David Bowie’s bold, daring attitude and the risks he took as a performer! This collection is about fun, bold punches of color, functionality, technology, & couture finishes. The line is inspired from the 80s where women were bold, strong, and powerful. I wanted to empower both woman and men to be who they want to be and not hide behind a mask. The collection is about freedom, excitement, and liberation! There is a nostalgic feeling of that 80s carefree attitude. Reminiscing about enjoying life, spontaneity, and dancing in the streets or at an iconic club!<
Jenny A:Tell me a little bit about yourself as a designer. What makes you stand out from the crowd?
Janelle: My newest endeavor is the couture performance market. The line stands out as it is elegant, timeless, comfortable and practical! The line can be worn all day and all night. You can go to the gym or out to dinner, just put on a pair of boots or heels! The brand is about versatility, technical advancement, and functionality. The FUNARI line is for both Men and Woman and represents quality, style, and innovation.
Jenny: What makes you fearless? What is your story?
Janelle: What makes me Fearless is trying new things and not being afraid to fail. Many people fail before they even try. They let others tell them it’s not possible. I say, “block out the noise!” I give 200% in everything I do in life! My mantra is to never look back, never regret, and to always give it your all! I believe that, in life it is better to try, then to not try at all. LIVE like there is no tomorrow & we only have today, so make it happen! Never say “no” or “it is not going to happen”
Anything and EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Put your heart and mind towards your goals and you’ll see that dreams do come true!
Jenny: What is your hardest challenge as a designer?
Janelle: Making my collection in New York City and sewing it in the USA! The cost is much higher for me because it is all made here in NYC.
Photo by Style Fashion Week
I want to thank Janelle Funari for inviting me to her fashion show. It was fantastic. You can check out her collections here .
Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode
In celebration of my fashion blog’s birthday, I wanted to do a special post on FUNARI NEW YORK.
I was so pumped after watching the FUNARI NEW YORK collection at Style Fashion Week. All I could feel was the energy and excitement flowing through the air. The show left me dancing in my seat and wishing that I was also up on that runway.
I’m no stranger to FUNARI NEW YORK. Last season I saw her show and was very impressed. This season, designer Janelle Funari took it to the next level with her Fearless collection.
When I asked Janelle what makes her fearless she answered, “I try new things and I’m not afraid to fail. Many people fail before they even try. They let others tell them it’s not possible. I say, “block out the noise!” I give 200% in everything I do in life! My mantra is to never look back, never regret, and to always give it your all!” – Janelle Funari
My absolute favorite part of the show was when 2 of the models opened the show by dancing on the runway. They were doing flips and splits! They were jumping around and just lighting up the runway. I was completely gripped when they walked to the end of the runway, posed, looked at each other, 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.
They were fearless
I wanted to be them.
Photo by: Noel Valero Photography
The couple’s outfits were so cute! The Fearless collection is elegant, comfortable and practical! It can be worn all day and all night. Can you imagine you and your partner going to the gym together and then going out to dinner in these matching outfits?!
“In this crazy world, we all need someone to turn to.” – Designer Janelle Funari
After seeing the collection, all I wanted to do was rent a boat and sail off into the sea. All of the pieces in the collection have a feel-good vibe. I think they are a lot of fun. I love the message behind this line: shatter the norms and redefine the way you see beauty.
“Sea The Beauty of a soul’s depth and the surface will never again be enough.”
The Sea the Beauty collection is all about seeing the beauty within yourself. Loving yourself. Knowing that you are beautiful.
Photographer : Red Bird Photography LLC
Nick Santonastasso was the opening model for the line. Everyone around me stood up when he walked down the runway. He was fierce. He was captivating. He was inspiring. “The most attractive thing you can be is different”- Nick Santonastasso
Shatter the norms. Redefine beauty.
“I am immensely proud of the brand I have created. I am proud of the unique designs but equally proud of the positive message I attach to them. I want to make a difference in the world. I want to leave the younger generation with a positive message and a positive image about themselves.” – Designer YDAMYS SIMO
These are my top looks from this collection:
Photographer : Red Bird Photography LLCPhotographer : Red Bird Photography LLCPhotographer : Red Bird Photography LLCPhotographer : Red Bird Photography LLCPhotographer : Red Bird Photography LLC
What do you think about this collection?
I want to thank Red Bird Photography LLC for capturing YDAMYS SIMO’s collection. All photos in this blog post were taken by Red Bird Photography LLC.
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