Model Profiles

19 May, 2009 by Jasdeep Kundi

London Alternative Fashion Week 2009
Photography by Adeyinka Adepitan, Set Photography and MO-ST Photography

The weather was remarkable and the sun was glistening, it was a day of perfection right from the start to the very end of the day. The event was a free, open to everyone there was a lively atmosphere and I thought it was a perfect opportunity for me to interview the models specifically from 'The I Feel Experience'.

The first model I interviewed was called Reine Modd who was 21 years old. Reine heard about Alternative Fashion Week through Model Mayhem. Reine explained to me a little about her path into modeling "I had one year's experience and I moved to London from Belgium for studies as I wanted to study Law. I am now living with my aunty and she is very supportive of the work I am doing". She had a few word of advise for people keen on getting into the modeling industry and was happy to share her thoughts with me, "In this industry you need to be careful as there will be bad people who can try to manipulate people will want to use and exploit you. Exploitation can come sometimes in many undercover ways so you need to be wise and always think twice before you get involved in projects and ensure your knowledgeable and that way you know what and who you are modelling for".

The second model was Rochelle Elise, she was 18 when she first starting modelling. "I have been mainly doing photo shoots and fashion shows. I also took part in Charity Show fashions this show was designed to raise money for Breast cancer. People started talking to me about modelling and the castings for the fashion week in Liverpool and it went from there". Very clam and collected Rochelle continued on with her insights, "When modeling you have to be ultra confident and you must learn hide your nerves".

Annick Guehi age 22 was the third model I interviewed, she has been modeling for 2 years. "I went to the casting for The I Feel Experience models", she told me in a slight American ascent. "I've worked in Urban America for Jim Jones, and Nostic Clothing live and I am also signed to MTS Production". Annick was extremely confident and had a killer walk and presence on the catwalk. She when on to explain to me how she does it, "I love the runway and catwalk when I was modelling in America they taught me how to catwalk. They tell you how to half turn right, cross, full turn, pose 3 times, 3 seconds when you get to the end of the runway. 3 seconds pose in front of the camera then move on". Annick was a definite star on the catwalk and her love for modeling was very apparent.

Rita Kalala a model aged 22 years also took part in the show on behalf of The I Feel Experience. She heard about the event through a friend and I has been modelling for 2 years. Meeting new people, photographic shoots, and catwalk is what attracted her to the industry I discovered as we spoke but being the level headed young lady that she is modeling is not only her entire focus for her career. "I am currently studying International Business at London Metropolitan University and I am in my second year I am pursuing modelling as a career. I would love to do more Catwalk and Editorial modelling in the future. I am inspired by Tara Banks and Jordan Dunn. You must have determination and stay focused especially with regards to rejection".

Liliana Wielspetz 23 years of age has been modelling since the age of 10 in Jamaica and is what we could consider to be an original 'I Feel Experience' model. Working alongside Bukola and Benjart clothing in 2008, she was featured in the 'I Feel Exposed' Exhibition in February and has taken part in numerous events with the project. The Alternative Fashion Week show was her first high profile catwalk show and she brought the house down.

Denise Coleman aged 24 was studying in America at one point and has gained some experience over the past few years, modeling in hair magazines, Afro Hair and Beauty Show 2007 amongst other things. "I graduated in African American studies University of Essex and I have been modelling on and off for 2 years". Denise went on to give a bit of an insight into how things started for her "People approached me naturally, I was involved in dancing Street dance with Boy Blue Entertainment and the East London Industry, I have also worked as a model with Jason Grant (JPG Photography). My best tips for anyone is that you can't be nervous and you must try to be extra confident as it is all about you. You are selling the product, you are the manikin, you are the blank canvas".

Lastly I spoke to 22 year old Ese Etetefia. She has many achievements modeling for magazines and has participated in shows such as London Fashion Week (LFW) and for Fashion TV. Still well grounded with education as a focus she had this to say "I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in modelling and I totally enjoy myself. I am in full time education and I am studying Communications and Media Studies. You need to have confidence and that is the key essence in order to pursue catwalk modeling. You cannot have tattoos, or nail polish and no piercing for many castings. There can be strict requirements that must be met depending on the client".

The London Alternative Fashion Week was my first fashion show that I have attended and I was deeply inspired. The world of fashion is amazing and the clothes were unique and fabulous. Just to think I wouldn't have dream of wearing a Tesco carrier bags as a skirt and Krispy Creme doughnuts as an entire outfit, but it worked for them. I guess it's all in the delivery. The models looked amazing and the show was absolutely flawless. It just goes to show innovation, creation and acceptance to new ideas is the future and beyond especially in the fashion world.