Full Page: America I AM

My full page ad in Sunday's edition of the LA Times (November 8).

October Rundown

Photo by Karla Ticas: Fighting tooth and nail just to stay afloat.

I know I haven't actually written anything in a while.  LA's Fashion month had me running around all over the city like a crazy person.  I needed to relax and access the situation.  

This fashion month was not like previous fashion weeks.  I felt like the old gal on the block, but not in a good way.  I saw girls who were still in their training bras going to runway castings.  No one had taken the time to develop them or show them how to walk.  I wanted to pull them aside and show them the ropes, but that felt weird.  There was also this air of disorganization floating around.  I was misinformed about fittings and actually booking a show or two.  And I can't blame my agent, because I know she's on top of her game.    

The shows that I previously posted pictures from were absolutely great.  Meeting and working with Lizz Wasserman of Popomomo was refreshing.  It's nice when you can have a conversation with someone who's been around the industry for a bit and isn't completely jaded by it.  The Future Heretics show was like a family reunion complete with Colt 45s and sushi. Bryden Lando of FH said to me that the problem with LA fashion is that we try to be something we're not.  So for the Spring line he decided to keep it real and show 'em how LA really does it.  I respect and admire that.  

So, cutting to the chase... here's the breakdown:
Castings: 7

Casting/Fitting: 1- and it didn't work out too well. I had no idea it was a casting, when I'd been told it was only a fitting.  This made me feel like I was already booked for it. It's not that the clothes didn't fit, because they fit like a glove.  I guess the client thought I was too "edgy" for the show.  

Fashion Shows: 4- though 3 were more like fashion installations. Video from the shows is still to come.
Shoots with old friends: 1 - another one for LuLu's with Kristin and Jiro.  It was exactly what I needed to calm down from all the craziness of the previous night.

The most important thing I learned from the month is that you should always stay true to yourself.  Forget all the facades and be who God made you to be.  

Xoxo,

 Model Liberation

Catwalk Confessions: Future Heretics Spring '10

SMG Models Now Representing Nikia

 As my career grows, so do the opportunities. I am so happy to announce that I am now a part of Seattle Models Guild.  It's a blessing, and I can't wait to work with everyone connected with the agency.

XOXO,

 N

Catwalk Confessions:Popomomo Spring '10

From Teen Vogue's blog thanks to Jazzi McG

Is Blackface En Vogue? Part Deux

The latest blackface culprit: French Vogue, October 2009. Photos by Steven Klein. It's just unacceptable, and not fashionable.  Please refer to previous post Is Blackface En Vogue.

UPDATE: CNN jumps in with this....

To LuLu's With Love

      Sometimes people try to say that not much good can come from modeling.  I've been told that what I do doesn't really have an impact on anyone.  If anything, critics say that models make others have a negative self image.  Well, I'm here to prove the naysayers wrong. 

    Good things come from even the smallest things.  Weeks ago, I did a vintage shoot for Lulus.com.  The wonderful ladies at LuLu's blog got word to me that they wanted to do an interview.  I was super excited.  I mulled over the questions for a few days and finally came up with some good, honest answers.  

    The interview went up on the blog Friday, and the response has been wonderful.  I've gotten great feedback from others who say they've struggled with accepting who they are.  It's tough out there when you're different, but you are different for a reason.  We all have to work through our adversities, and it's how we handle those hardships that define who we really are.  Let your inner beauty radiate in everything you do.

  Read more of the interview and my obsession with sweets at LuLu's Blog.  

Xoxo,

 Model Liberation