Nothing is Impossible: Charlotte Smith Models for Designer Dan Liu

“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.

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!

Photographer: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images North America

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!

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

Love always,

Jenny A.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Model Sergio Delavicci

B1310494-3E36-418D-BEA5-5BBD68C3A75D — **Photography by Richard Simpson**

I was looking at the schedule for New York Fashion Week when I realized something. Valentine’s Day and New York Fashion week overlap! I was really curious what it was like to model on Valentine’s Day and what it was like to date as a model. So in honor of Valentine’s Day, I decided to reached out to model Sergio Delavicci (Gio) and ask him what his dating life is like.

Valentine’s Day… Gio Style

Jenny Alweiss (Me): As a model, what is it like to date?

Sergio Delavicci (Gio): I like to be as professional as possible. I try not to date within the fashion industry. On one hand, if I date someone in the industry, she would understand my lifestyle. On the other hand, it can get messy. She would be more likely to get jealous if she sees me taking pictures with other women.

Me: Do you believe in love at first sight?

Gio: I believe in interest at first sight. I can see someone and be interested. I think it can lead to love down the road.

Me: What is your ideal date?

Gio: A nice romantic spot. Maybe somewhere with a candlelight dinner where we can sit across the table and get to know each other.

Me: What was your most adventurous date?

Gio: Skinny dipping.

Me: What would you say was your worst date?

Gio: I met a woman through a dating website and she didn’t look anything like her pictures! We met at an expensive restaurant and started talking. First of all, she didn’t have good oral hygiene and she kept ordering all this expensive food from the menu. I’m not cheap but I was looking at the menu and the bill was going to be $175! To be honest, this girl was not my type to be splurging in that kind of way. I excused myself from the table, got into my car and drove off.

Me: What do you look for in a woman?

Gio: I have to be attracted to her. Since I take good care of myself, I want a woman who is also in shape. I like a woman with nice hair, nice skin and nice teeth. Once I’m attracted to her outside, then I get to know her on the inside. I look for someone who is spontaneous and is not afraid to do new things.

Me: Are you single?

Gio: Yes.

699C1E0C-EBE4-4C29-ACF0-F92CDBA33493 — **Photography by Richard Simpson**

Me: Have you ever modeled on Valentine’s Day?

Gio: I have been modeling on Valentine’s Day for the past 5 years. 3 out of the 5 years I’ve modeled for NYC Live which always takes place on Valentine’s Day.

Me: Is modeling on Valentine’s Day any different than modeling on a regular day?

Gio: No, it’s the same. It doesn’t feel any different to me to do fashion shows on Valentine’s Day. Modeling is a full time job. I’m focused and I want to be successful.

Me: Did it ever bother you that New York Fashion Week and Valentine’s Day overlap?

Gio: It doesn’t bother me because I’m really not into Valentine’s Day. Holidays to a professional model don’t mean a lot. There are still going to be fashion shows, even on holidays. If you don’t want to model on Valentine’s Day, you’ll just be replaced. I want to be on a level where I am irreplaceable.

Me: Are you modeling on Valentine’s Day this year?

Gio: Yes, I am. I’m modeling for NYC Live.

Me: Did you ever celebrate Valentine’s Day while you were at New York Fashion Week?

Gio: Yes. While I was at a fashion show, someone passed a Valentine’s Day card to me from the audience who is a big supporter of my work. In the card she asked if she could take me to dinner after the fashion show and be her Valentine.

You can follow my blog on Instagram @newstylemode and check out model Gio’s Instagram page @ruffryder_84

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love always,

-Jenny Alweiss

Model Darien Willardson : Part 1

C50E95FE-2BFA-4DE2-B993-A8C8B84346F5 — Photo by Jennifer Alweiss

When model Darien Willardson told me he was visiting New York, I was so excited to meet with him. I really admire his determination, energy and creativity. Even though it was snowing, he put on his cowboy boots and trudged into the city for our interview.

I loved how much energy he had both in front of the camera as well as off camera. I have to say that I really appreciate his acting experience! He was really comfortable in front of the camera. When I was testing my camera, he started making funny faces! He made the whole experience fun – we were cracking jokes and laughing during the interview.

He didn’t mind when I made him do a few versions of his video interview which personally, was a huge relief. Not only was he patient while I got all the pictures and footage I needed, he also gave me different ideas for our interview.

Without further ado… Enjoy Part 1 of our interview!

Meet Model Darien:

D Willardson 4 — Photo by Jennifer Alweiss

What is your style? A mix between country, skater and hipster. I’ll wear skater boy shoes and slim fit jeans.

Where do you love to shop? H&M, Zumiez, PacSun, Calvin Klein, J. Crew, and Ralph Lauren.

Who is your role model? Johnny Depp because he plays all of his characters really well. Also, Heather Ledger.

What is your #1 hobby? Snowboarding. I actually used to be a snowboarding instructor at Powder Mountain.

Do you have any quirks? Hmm selective hearing? Day dreaming? I would say visually creating something in my head.

What is something that you can’t you live without? My friends and family. I like having people around.

What is your greatest accomplishment? Being a model and actor. I’ve been in 6 films – My top ones are Storm Rider, The Last Straw, Wild Horses and Noctrune.

What are your goals and dreams? I want write a book about my life and my recovery of being a heroin addict. I was addicted to drugs for a year of my life when I was 19-20 years old. Since then, I’ve been clean from heroin. I want to inspire people who are addicts to better their lives and dream big. I want them to think with an open mind and an open heart. I would tell the story about the young creative storyteller that went into drugs, got clean and is now acting in movies – It’s a huge jump. I was the black sheep in my family. Even the lone wolf – I want to show that you can change.

Do you have any advice for aspiring models? Find a hobby. You should have a deeper talent and broaden your talent spectrum. For example, learn how to snowboard. Also, you should also embrace your weaknesses.

B676B553-D707-432E-A2D9-EC3B40C28115 — Photo by Jennifer Alweiss

EC7AA8EF-5B44-4388-8188-25A198272E05 — Photo by Jennifer Alweiss

94F0A879-235B-40AD-B5D5-E279980FB440 — Photo by Jennifer Alweiss

Darien has modeled for Theory Clothing Line (NY), Magnum Bikes ( Salt Lake City) and Jane.com (Salt Lake City).

You can follow Darien on Instagram here: @darienwillardson

Stay tuned for Part 2, our video interview!

Love always,

Jenny A.

New Hairstyle? New Me? Maybe Not Exactly…

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference.

Have you ever felt like you just wanted to switch things up a bit? I don’t know what came over me but, I really wanted a new look. I had bought a LMAX Salon Spa promotion for a wash, cut and dry about a couple of months ago and I thought it would be the perfect time to use it. After all, a new hairstyle can make you look like a new person.

For weeks I was googling all types of hairstyles trying to figure out the best one. Did I want to try something completely extreme and chop off all my hair? Nah. Did I want to have shoulder length hair? Too frizzy. Maybe I should get bangs? Nope, too much work.

What I really wanted something beautiful, classy and fit my face.

When I finally sat down in the chair and the hairstylist asked me what I wanted, I still hadn’t made up my mind. After chatting about all the different trendy hairstyles, I decided to go with “long layers.” The hairstylist looked at me, looked at my hair and then back at me. “You already have long layers!” she laughed “They’re just really long layers!”

The hairstylist trimmed my hair and curled it at the bottom for some volume. When she was done, I looked at myself in the mirror and my hair looked so healthy. I had gorgeous long layers cascading down my shoulders and onto my back.

Before After

While my hair didn’t look so different, I definitely felt different. It’s amazing what trimming a few inches can do!

What are your thoughts? What do you think?

Be sure to subscribe to my blog, follow my Instagram @newstylemode and like my Facebook page!

Love always,

-Jenny A.

Model Carina Castagna Gets Real About Being a Model

Carina Miami Swim 2017-9672-57-2 (1) — Photographer: Joe Harary

As a model, Carina Castagna’s biggest accomplishment was when she walked the runway for Style Fashion Week at Madison Square Garden. It was around her 18th birthday and she was praying that she wouldn’t fall on the runway. She looked out into the crowd that filled Madison Square Garden and felt her adrenaline rush. She decided to use her nerves and channel them into positive energy so that she could perform her best. And she did!

Carina lives her life by the saying “pressure makes diamonds” which her mom has always taught her. She says you need to put yourself out there even if it’s uncomfortable because, at the end of the day, you’re growing. “Everyone goes through pressure. You just need to be positive and grow from it.”

Although Carina has walked the runway in New York Fashion Week for a few years now, she hasn’t always had an easy time modeling. While Carina is a size 2 and is 5’10”, which sounds like a great fit for the runway, she’s experienced being called “fat” based on her athletic build. She has developed strong toned muscles from playing sports, where she has a strong core, and fit thighs. She shared that during one of her modeling castings, she had to measure her thighs with a tape measure to see if they were too big. “Honestly, it dehumanizes the model. We’re human.”

If someone says she can’t do it, she’ll turn around and say “watch me.” She’s competitive with being her best self and takes that mindset from her athletics. Carina says that in modeling you have to have a “business self” and a “personal self.” When you hear “no,” you can’t take it personally. She believes hearing a “no” in a casting is the same as hearing “no” in a workplace. “It’s a job,” she explains “you cannot bring home negative energy about yourself, there is nothing positive that can come from that and it’s honestly not healthy.”

Carina explained how intrigued and happy she is with France’s new laws where models need to give a doctor’s certificate to show that they are overall physically healthy. She says that models shouldn’t have to starve themselves to be thinner. Every individual is an individual, and they shouldn’t be compared to one another. “A rose can never be a sunflower, and a sunflower can never be a rose. All flowers are beautiful in their own way, and that’s like women too.”- Miranda Kerr, Australian Victoria’s Secret model.

Carina Miami Swim 2017-9778-163-2 — Photographer: Joe Harary

Carina’s role model is Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima. One of the reasons why Carina admires Adriana is because she also has an athletic build like Carina. She’s happy that Victoria’s Secret promotes working out and being athletic.

Carina looks forward to finding a big modeling agency to sign with. She is excited for what her future endeavors are.

You can follow her on Instagram @Carinacastagna6 and on Twitter: @AngelCarinaC

Love always,

-Jenny A.

Happy New Year!

2018 — Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash

3…2…1…The countdown begins! Everyone keeps asking me what is on my New Years resolution list so I decided to share my list with you! I feel like it’s going to be a great year filled with a lot of hope and wonderful opportunities. For me, 2018 brings a lot of excitement, happiness, and growth.

Just like a countdown, I counted down my top 5 New Year resolutions:

5. Interview more models – While I have interviewed a lot of fashion models, I would love to do more interviews in 2018. I would also like to interview and feature more international models.

4. Buy new equipment- I really want to get a good external camera light for my pictures and videos.

3. Host my first New Style Modé fashion event – I would like to network more and maybe even have my own event!

2. Create more videos – This past year, I focused a lot on my writing. I would like to make more short videos in 2018.

1. Grow my readership and blog – I want to thank all of you for reading and following my blog! If you haven’t already, be sure to follow the blog on Instagram @newstylemode

Happy New Year! 🙂

So tell me, what’s on your New Year’s resolution list?

Love always,

-Jenny A.

Happy Holidays from Model Darien Willardson

I met up with model Darien Willardson in the middle of New York City to find out what he loves about the holidays! Between all the holiday festivities and decorations, New York City is such a beautiful place to celebrate the holidays. Fun fact: Believe it or not, I was really excited that it was snowing in the background during our interview. What better way to feel swept away by the spirit of the holidays as the snowflakes start to fall?

You can follow Darien on Instagram: @darienwillardson

Love always,

-Jenny A.