One of the best things about being a fashion blogger is getting to know the stories behind the faces on the runway. It’s so easy to just look at a model and just see what they are wearing. But I like seeing the models on the runway and knowing who they are, where they came from and how they got there.
I was excited to finally meet model Kevin Christie. I first saw him walking for designer Janelle Funari last year. So when I saw him again and he agreed to be interviewed, I was psyched. Funny story – we actually had to film the interview in 3 different locations to get the lighting right! Sorry Kevin! But I must say that Kevin was a trouper and I really appreciate that.
SO without further ado, here’s our interview.
Meet Model Kevin:
What did you think about the interview? Be sure to leave a comment below! Also, be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow my blog’s Instagram @newstylemode.
In a world where it is easy to lose your way, role models are so important to have. They inspire you. They shape you. They empower you. I love how model Abby-Leigh strives to not only be a model, but also to be a role model. She wants to empower other girls and give them a voice. Abby’s biggest piece of advice is “Respect people for who they are.”
“Younger girls look up to me. I want to give them power even when I feel like I have lost mine.” – Abby
The most shocking part of our interview was when she mentioned that she wants to empower others even though she’s faced nasty comments from people that she knows. I find it extremely inspiring that Abby pushes through the negativity to shine though.
Jenny A. (me): What is your hardest challenge as a teen model?
Abby-Leigh: The negativity I get from the other boys and girls. Sometimes they try to bring me down. I want to be comfortable in my own skin and lift people up. People say things about me – they call me names and make comments about my glasses. I’ve also gotten nasty messages which I have had to block or delete. Sometimes the nasty messages are from people I know. That’s the hardest part. Sometimes it’s from strangers. They are just doing it for a reaction.
Me: How do you deal with the negativity?
Abby: At first, it gets to me but then it makes me stronger and keeps me going. It makes me want to model more. Don’t let anyone get you down. Follow your dreams.
Me: Who is your role model?
Abby: I have a lot of role models but, my # 1 role model is my mom. She’s my best friend. She’s amazing and does everything. We talk about everything and even watch Prison Break together!
Me: Do you have a motto that you live your life by?
Abby: You can’t blame society when you are society. Younger girls look up to me. I want to give them power even though there are times when I feel like I have lost mine.
Me: You’ve spoken about beauty on Instagram, what does beauty mean to you?
Abby: It’s not about looks, it’s about personality. Beauty in the inside, not on the outside. Being nice doesn’t cost anything.
Me: You’re a model for Izzy Be Clothing. Tell us a little about the brand!
Abby: I love Izzy Be Clothing. It empowers girls. It lifts girls up and gives them a voice. I want to do that too.
Me: What has been your favorite modeling experience?
Abby: The time when a big crowd of people arrived for my photo shoot! It was outside and I was wearing a beautiful evening gown. I was so shocked that they all came!
Photographer: V. Howe
Me: When you’re not modeling, what do you enjoy doing?
Abby: I love reading and writing. I’m also a gamer girl. I like playing Fortnite. Sometimes people call me a tomboy and sometimes they say I’m a girly girl. I say, I’m both.
Linda: What do you hope for your future? Do you have a goal?
Abby: I want to be a really big model like Victoria’s Secret models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
Me: If you could be a fruit or a vegetable, which fruit or vegetable would you be?
Abby: I would be a pineapple just like the quote “Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.” Everyone should be a pineapple.
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.
Everyone’s been talking about it! The Victoria’s Secret Show. The Angels have been blowing up social media talking about their Victoria’s Secret fittings and having us all sitting on the edge of our seats. Even though the Victoria’s Secret models had their fittings this past week, they were still able to enjoy Halloween. Work hard, play hard. Right?! In honor of the Victoria’s Secret show and Halloween, I decided to share my top 5 Victoria’s Secret Halloween looks!
My Top 5 Looks:
Lais Ribeiro’s Storm (X-Men)
Lais Ribeiro
2. Sara Sampaio’s Vicious Werewolf
Sara Sampaio
3. Jasmine Tookes’s Foxy Cleopatra
Jasmine Tookes
4. Josephine Skriver’s Gory Purge Candy Girl
Josephine Skriver
5. Martha Hunt’s Sexy Catman
Martha Hunt
Which one is your favorite?
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“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.
Photographer: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images North America
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!
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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.
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
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!
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.
