Goodbye T-Shirts & Sweatpants. Hello Athleisure! My Thoughts on Janelle FUNARI New York’s Collection

“Give a girl the right activewear and she can conquer the world”

P1080486 — Models: Nélia Martins, Aislinn Ennis, Maddie Kirkland, Sofija Singer, Bre Gail

Active wear isn’t just for the gym anymore; it’s becoming the new fashion statement. From cute sports bras to chic leggings, athleisure is the “out of the day.” To sum it all up, athleisure is basically fashionable clothing that is made for working out. But you don’t have you don’t have to workout while wearing it, you can wear it anywhere – sitting in class, taking a walk or just hanging out with friends.

During New York Fashion Week, I saw Janelle FUNARI New York’s performance wear on the runway at Couture Fashion Week. It’s modern. It’s sexy. It’s stylish. Oh, and it just so happens to be designed for the “city warrior” A.K.A the busy New York City girl. Which is what I am.

Screen Shot 2018-03-01 at 6.09.57 PM — Designer Janelle Funari (middle)

How cute?! Some of the models walked onto the runway with adorable little pugs. They were wearing designer outfits from Janelle FUNARI New York, showing off the collection’s fashionable dog apparel. Just imagine… you and your dog can look stylish together! #twins

Screen Shot 2018-03-01 at 6.09.30 PM — Model Bre Gail (left) ; Model Aislinn Ennis (right)

While I typically don’t walk out of the house in just a sports bra and leggings, I could really imagine myself wearing the Janelle FUNARI New York collection. The collection spoke to me. It’s an all-black women’s collection which gives off a feminine yet edgy vibe. I really like the outfits – between the blazers and leggings – It’s definitely something I would wear while walking down New York City.

“Our Couture Athleisure collection was created to empower all who wear it and inspire woman to feel confident, comfortable and elegant! We want our fans to be able to wear our line day to night and to feel like a warrior!” – Janelle FUNARI New York

I really like how this collection can be worn both in the day time and at night. Most of my days are pretty jam-packed so having an outfit that would be perfect for all times of the day sounds like a dream.

My Top 3 Looks on the Runway:

This is my favorite look from this collection. When I saw model Madison Puricelli walk down the runway, I saw myself.

Model Madison Puricelli

2. Matching outfits?! Just imagine you and your dog are both wearing designer apparel. How cute? But seriously … adorable

Model Maddie Kirkland

3. To me, this outfit says “Don’t try and mess with me. I am fierce.”

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If you love this collection, you can check out all of their collections on their website Janelle FUNARI New York

A special thank you to Janelle FUNARI New York for providing the gorgeous runway pictures in this feature.

Love always,

Jenny A.

The Tougher Than Diamonds Collection by Emuleos at New York Fashion Week

tougher than diamonds 1 — Photographed by Emuleos

“Upon the onslaught of doubt, lift your chin and raise your gloves.” – Emuleos

Channel your inner boxer because designer Emily Prozinki’s Tougher Than Diamonds Collection by Emuleos was kickin’ ass at New York Fashion Week. My jaw dropped open when the first model strutted onto the runway and modeled like a female boxer. She wore boxing inspired hand wraps and threw some “punches” in front of the cameras while wearing a beautiful off the shoulder black dress with diamonds on the side of her torso.

Glamour meets a fighter. Each piece was a mix between a stylish diva and fierce warrior. I noticed that all of the models were wearing either wearing boxer inspired hand wraps or bedazzled boxing gloves. Every model wore a sparkling visor protecting her eyes along with one of the shimmering outfits from the collection. I really love the fact that each outfit has a killer name like Dimond Class, Rival, Monarch and Showstopper.

When I saw Emuleos’s collection on the runway, I immediately knew that I needed to get the inside scoop. The collection represents facing yourself and shattering your inner demons. Designer Emily Prozinski asked me “what’s tougher than diamonds? Women are!” She explained to me how as woman, we often doubt ourselves and we shouldn’t. We should say “I can” and not the words “I can’t.” All of her pieces were influenced by female boxers who fight their battles. The message behind her collection was extremely empowering.

Her collection really spoke to me since the past few months have been challenging for me both personally and professionally. I have to remember that I am tougher than diamonds and no matter what comes my way, I need to stand my ground. Sometimes you just have to raise your gloves and fight for what you believe in. I can tell you that I might not literally be wearing boxing gloves but there is a fighter inside of me. I am so glad that Emuleos expressed the female warrior though her collection.

Behind the Scenes:

Here’s an exclusive interview I had with designer Emily Prozinski where she explains the inspiration behind her collection. Standing next to Emily is model Alicia Ann, modeling the outfit named Diamond Class, the collection’s signature look. This is the first time that I added subtitles to one of my videos, so if you would like to use that feature, it is available to you. Just click the little “cc” button on the bottom of the video and the subtitles will appear.

My Top Runway Looks from this Collection:

Rival

tougher than diamonds 3 — Photographed by Jenny Alweiss

2. Monarch

tougher than diamonds 2 — Photographed by Jenny Alweiss

3. Showstopper

Maggie Malone 6 — Model Maggie Doyle, Photographer Sean McCoy

If you want to check out more of the Emuleos collection, you can click here to see more!

I’d love to know… What are your thoughts on this collection?

Love always,

Jenny A.

Starting 2018 with Model Carina Castagna

B7FCA520-2C85-4FA3-93D1-C32EF4308286 — Photo (left): Justin Photography; Photo (right): Joe Harary

Meet Carina:

Carina Castagna is a model who lives her life between 2 worlds: her high fashion lifestyle in the city and her outdoorsy country style in the mountains (aka her home). She describes herself as a tomboy who loves to embrace her femininity. When she’s in her hometown, she’ll wear sweatpants, an oversized flannel shirt and a beanie. But when she’s in New York City, she’ll wear a trendy Calvin Klein dress and a pair of heels.

Raised in a small household surrounded by nature, Carina loves to spend her free time doing outdoor activities. You can find her out on her boat, hiking in the woods, and even going horseback riding. “I’m nature’s wild child!” Did you know that Carina has won trophies for her horseback barrel racing? In the summer, Carina likes to hang out on the beach. She enjoys playing beach volleyball and surfing the waves. Amidst her love for the beach, it is interesting to know that out of all the seasons, her favorite is winter; after all, she is a January baby! She loves the snow almost as much as she loves snowboarding in it. “A good winter is one that snows a lot!”

Carina is obsessed with music – she simply can’t live without it! If given the choice of becoming deaf or blind, she would rather become blind then to never hear music again. She listens to everything from Pop and EDM to Country and Hard Rock. When asked what her favorite music genre, she exclaimed that she loves it all! “I listen to everything! It just depends on the mood I’m in or the activity that I am doing that dictates what I am going to put on.” She has attended numerous concerts over the years and recommends experiencing either a concert or a music festival at least once within your life. “Music is more than a sound, it is an experience and it brings people together. It’s also a great outlet for people to express themselves or even ‘get lost’ for a moment in time. It’s a beautiful experience to create music or even listen to music, especially first hand at a concert.”

“Nature’s Wild Child,” Carina has a big heart for animals and is a big advocate against animal cruelty. At one point, she had 6 rescue animals from either abusive situations or life or death. She has even nurtured 2 squirrels, a turtle and a bunny back to health! “Loving an animal releases a certain part of the soul, it’s a fantastic experience. I don’t understand how people can be so cruel to living creatures.” She has a dream, or rather a goal, that one day she will own a ranch and have the ability to save even more animals over the course of her lifetime.

If she could have 3 items in her bag it would be her rescue dog, her perfume collection, and a devotional book because you have to be kind, humble and remember who you are and where you came from.

She loves modeling because it takes her to places she’s never been to before. She says that for her, modeling is an artistic outlet. She compares herself to an art piece that walks down the runway.

Carina’s role model is Adriana Lima, Victoria’s Secret Brazilian model. Like Carina, Adriana also comes from a small town, has humble beginnings and has an athletic build. Carina admires Adriana because she has a lot of confidence, is mysterious, and commands attention & respect.

If she could be a fruit or vegetable, Carina would be a pineapple. “Be sweet on the inside, stand tall and wear a crown.” She says to always respect yourself and treat others properly.

You can follow her on Instagram: @Carinacastagna6

Twitter: @AngelCarinaC

Love always,

-Jenny A.

My Interview with International UK Model Sophie Levine

19987337_10209272192672900_258288294_n — **Sophie Levine modeling for Andres Aquino. Photographed by: Lionel Madiou**

Jenny A. (Me): Do you have a favorite supermodel that you look up to?

Sophie Levine: Tyra Banks. She has an incredible look and she’s dynamic! She’s soft in photo-shoots and then fierce on the runway.

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

Sophie Levine: Dolce & Gabbana or Louis Vuitton.

Me: When you’re not dressed in high end designer fashion, what are you normally wearing? What is your style?

Sophie Levine: A leather jacket, punk rock shirt, and leggings or denim trousers. I have a rock ‘n’ roll look.

Me: Do you wear makeup on the daily?

Sophie Levine: I don’t wear too much but when I do, I’ll wear eyeliner, mascara and occasionally lipstick.

Me: What are you favorite makeup brands?

Bobby Brown (top) + M.A.C

20046038_10209272192712901_53607388_n — **Photographed by: Jerry Levine**

Me: What are your hobbies? Please explain.

Sophie Levine: I play lacrosse, tennis, netball and I love horseback riding. I’m very sporty. I have 2 horses and I love cross country jumping. My mom was a show jumper and now I’m a show jumper. I ride both Western & English.

Me: Are you adventurous? What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done that you’re willing to have posted on my blog?

Sophie Levine: I’m not really adventurous although I did go to the Cannes without speaking a word of French. I loved it!

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

Sophie Levine: Celery because it’s long, slim and incredibly tough.

I’m tough.

I won’t show when I’m hurt and won’t cry in front of people. I still got a goal when I injured my pinky during my netball game.

I went to America for a lacrosse game. I was hit on the head 5 times and the last time I got hit, I put my finger in the air and said “I’m good”. I’m surprised I didn’t get a concussion! Now I understand why girls wear goggles. In England, you don’t have to wear them.

I’m also protective. If I see a girl walking on her own and a guy is following, I’ll walk with the girl to make sure she’s okay. I’m very anti-violent. I always try to stop fights and sort them out.

20068215_10209272192752902_1756741148_n — **Photographed by: David McGirr**

Me: What is something that people don’t know about you that you are willing to share?

Sophie Levine: People think I am a confident person. But if I meet a cute guy, I get very nervous.

Me: What are your goals and dreams?

Sophie Levine: To become an actor and a model – I want to do film. I’ve done theater and a few student films. I would love to do an old time war… maybe with swords! Did you know that I can sword fight? I actually started out fencing.

You can follow Sophie on Instagram : levine.sophie

-Jenny A.

Interview with Model Sergio Delavicci

New York Couture Fashion Week; Photography by @dennismadigan; Designer Vanyo Fashion by @vannytousignant

The first time I saw model Sergio Delavicci (A.K.A Gio) was when he walked the runway at Couture Fashion Week back in February. He was modeling for designer Vanno Fashion wearing an emerald green jacket, black pants with a matching black hat. I was impressed with how Gio was able to capture the audience with his fierce walk. I really wanted to introduce myself but I didn’t get the chance to.

Fast forward…

6 months later I’m watching the Unique Blend Models fashion show and guess who I see walking down the runway?!

GIO.

I told myself no matter what, this time I am going to introduce myself… and that’s exactly what I did. After the show, I found him speaking to a photographer while holding the bunch of red roses. When I told him I recognized him from Couture Fashion Week, he gave me a rose.

Meet Gio:

Catou suit collection by @jochampagne; Photography by @kharisamerica

Jenny A. (Me): What is your favorite part of being a model?

Gio: It’s inspiring and motivating. It gives me an opportunity to travel, meet different people and open doors for muscular models with tattoos such as myself. I love the energy and the feedback I get from the crowd when I walk on the runway. I get excited whenever a designer tells me that someone wants to buy their clothes because they saw me wear them.

Me: What do you think about when you’re on the runway?

Gio: I really don’t think about it. I just have fun doing it. I’ve been modeling for a long time and at this point, it comes naturally. It’s all about selling the clothes and I enjoy doing it.

**Photography by @stylographybiz ; Fashion event @nysummerfashionexplosion Designer @clavonswear by @clavonleonard ; MUA @crown_artistry**

Me: What is your biggest challenge in the modeling world?

Gio: I’m not a big fan of wearing makeup. Also, sometimes my modeling schedule interferes with my acting schedule.

Me: Random question… Who is your favorite Disney character?

Gio: I love Mickey Mouse because he’s positive, popular and always happy.

Me: What is something that is interesting about you?

Gio: I am Channing Tatum’s stunt double! I am also an actor, a boxer, a masseuse and a tennis trainer. Recently, I was also in a Steven Spielberg movie, Nor’ester.

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

Gio: A watermelon. I like the fact that it’s healthy, juicy and good for your immune system.

Me: Is there anything else you wanted to share?

Gio: I’m very poetic, romantic and very spiritual.

This year Gio walked the runway for New York Fashion Week, Miami Swimwear Fashion Week, Atlantic City Fashion Week, Bronx Fashion Week, Fashion on the Hudson and Rainbow Fashion Week. He was voted as the Top Male Model of the Year during Atlantic City Fashion Week 2017.

You can follow Gio on Instagram: @ruffryder_84

-Jenny A.

New York Fashion Week with Model Joi Simoné

It’s New York Fashion Week and what better way to celebrate than to introduce you to Joi Simoné?! I met Joi back in February during last New York Fashion Week. She was wearing a beautiful long black dress with butterflies on the top and flowers cascading down the dress.

Meet Joi:

1.) What was your favorite part of modeling for Couture Fashion Week?

My favorite part was meeting all of the wonderful people from different parts of the world!

2.) What was it like to be the last model to walk on the runway for a fashion designer at Couture Fashion Week?

It was absolutely amazing! Initially, I was somewhat nervous. However, I knew I could do it. I felt very honored to walk for a celebrity designer Cory Couture Tran. Ultimately, I knew I had to work the runway and I did it!

3.) Do you wear makeup every day? Do you have a favorite brand?

I don’t wear makeup every day but I do enjoy wearing makeup occasionally. Some of my favorite cosmetics brands are L.A. Girl, NXY Cosmetics and BH Cosmetics.

4.) Who is your favorite animated character?

Lola Bunny because she is all about girl power. She may look beautiful on the outside but she never let the cute face fool anyone. She says girls can do just as much as boys can. She stands up for us girls. #girlpower #bossbabe

5.) Are you athletic or on any teams?

Yes, I dance. In high school I was on the “Basketball Dance Team” where we performed during the halftime games. Dancing definitely keeps me in shape and energetic!

6.) Are you adventurous? What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done (that I can publish on my blog haha) ?

Yes! I went zip lining. It is so incredible just to feel the adrenaline rush through your body while you are above the trees just looking at the beautiful skyline. It’s amazing!

7.) What are some of your hobbies?

Dancing – Dance has always come naturally to me. At the age of four, I started taking ballet. I worked my way up to Modern dance, African dance, Jazz (which is my favorite), and Hip Hop. Throughout high school I participated in the Tri-Cities High School Dance Magnet Program.

Creating different fashions – “Fashion Is My Passion.” Fashion has always been a part of my life. As a young child, my parents dressed me in beautiful fashions. Sometimes I spend my day on a fashion website named “Polyvore” where I create different fashion styles.

Making videos – I love to make videos for my “YouTube” channel [“Ms.Joi Simoné” ]. I mostly create makeup tutorials but in the future, I plan on including different activities.

CFW17AQ — Photograph from Couture Fashion Week

8.) If you could be a fruit or vegetable, what fruit or vegetable would you be?

I would be a kiwi because most people don’t expect it to look so beautiful on the inside. It’s kinda like judging someone before you actually get a chance to know them.

9.) What are your goals and dreams?

To become successful in the modeling and fashion world. I want to secure agency representation and become a featured high fashion model in editorials and campaigns. I also dream of walking the runway internationally. Lastly, I would like to be a mentor to females globally.

You can follow Joi Simoné on Instagram: @joisimone_

-Jenny A.

10 Fun Facts about Model Yaxin Han

new image - 6r61l — Photographer @street_views MUA & hair @rissasally Designer @stephj.etfashion

Meet Yaxin:

10 Fun Facts

#1 Not only is Yaxin a model, she is also a boxer! She shared that she boxes to give her more power, energy and some stress relief. #beast

#2 You can find her on the basketball court shooting some hoops and playing basketball. Did I mention she’s very athletic?!

#3 She loves to belly dance!

#4 She enjoys hanging out with friends and watching animated movies.

#5 She likes to hop on a bus or a train and travel to different places.

#6 She is bilingual! She speaks both Mandarin and English.

#7 She defines her style as street style. Her go-to outfit is jeans, a shirt and a pair of sneakers.

#8 She looks up to Brazilian fashion model Giselle Bündchen and American fashion model Gigi Hadid.

#9 If she could be a fruit or vegetable she would be an apple because it’s amazing, smart and fresh.

#10 Yaxin walked the runway for Banana Republic, ZARA and Ann Taylor during the Boston Fashion Week Fall 2016 show!

new image - gevco_meitu_3 — Photographer @imaginator_deto Designer @rebekahsilverdesigns

new image - zd07e_meitu_1 — Photographer: @imaginator_deto Designer: @_williambradley MUA:@trendtye

new image - y7sj0 — Photographer @imaginator_deto Designer @qsnewname

Yaxin has also modeled for Style Week Swim Fashion Show, Project Runway Designer Showcase, Boston En Vogue Fashion Week, Plitzs New York City Fashion Week, and Voge Fashion Runway.

You can follow her on Instagram: yaxinhan

Which is your favorite fun fact? Write to me in the comments! I’d love to know!

-Jenny A.