Hey guys,
I have finally got my tearsheet from Nifty Magazine, Fall/Winter 2010 Volume iii, issue 2.
My feature was titled Sexiest Figure #8.
Image Credits: IMS FotoGrafix, Model/Hair/Make-up: me đ
The photo was taken a while back, and I was very happy that Nifty Magazine editors chose this image.
It was taken in the cold ocean water of Victoria, BC.
Cheers,
Aviva
Photo by IMS Photographic
Since I worked at the Victoria Comic Convention on October 31, 2009 representing Dragon Impact.
It was a lot of fun, I met some pretty cool people, including actresses Chase Masterson & Margot Kidder, actor William Katt, Lloyd Kaufman of Troma Entertainment, and others.
So, as a Halloween anniversary,so to speak, I decided to post a few older photos of me in the Princess Leia slave costume…
Above: Me in the booth đ
Above: Chase Masterson and I
Above: William Katt and I đ
Do you have any photos with celebrities?
Cheers,
Aviva
Faye Smith is a Make-Up Artist and Hair Stylist originally from the UK, currently residing in Vancouver. She has always excelled in art and knew that she would enjoy make-up artistry. Faye is now working as a freelance makeup and hair artist in all areas of the industry from beauty, bridal, photo shoots and fashion shows to films, commercials, musicals and much much more.
She is amazing at what she does, and has the drive to succeed. Faye has already worked on multiple fashion spreads in magazines, and I truly believe that there will be more to come!
I’m very happy that I was able to interview Faye for this feature đ Enjoy!
Image Credits:
Vouture Magazine Cover
Makeup & Hair Artist-Faye Smith
Clothing Designer- Amanada Ventura
Photographer-Anthony Bortolussi
Model-Sarah Stephenson
Dresser-Jen Cameron
AVIVA: How long have you been a make-up artist/hair stylist?
FAYE SMITH: I began my training as a makeup and hair artist in England at the beginning of September 2008. I had my first job assisting my teacher on the set of an Opera in January 2009. So I guess I officially began my career almost 3 years now! Time certainly flies by these days!
AVIVA: What got you into make-up/hair artistry?
FS: I have always been most interested and achieved my highest grades in creative subjects such as art and design and textiles. I did my A-Levels in England so I could go to university if I want but the only thing I had interest in studying was art and I was a little worried about what I could actually do with an art degree in terms of a clear career path. I took a year off working a few different jobs while I did some part time courses; photography and makeup artistry. It all began there!
Image Credits/Queen:
Makeup & Hair Artist-Faye Smith
Photographer, Clothing Designer and Dresser-Nina Pak,
Model-Nicole Larson
AVIVA: What excites you about being a make-up artist/hair stylist?
FS: I absolutely love the fact that I work with new people every day. Every job is different. Every day is just as exciting!
AVIVA: Do you have any make-up artists that inspire you; if so, who?
FS: I guess most people would give you a huge celebrity name here but I would actually say my good friend, Christa Monroe. I was appointed the position of Key Makeup Artist for the film shooting and live performance of a musical named, “Sweet Mystery Musical”. I was given three assistant artists and Christa was one of them. Paying huge attention to hygiene and having an amazing personality meant I got along with her from the word go. We work together regularly now, refer clients to one an other and have become very good friend. She is well on her way into the movie industry and I admire her for that. The movie stuff is not easy! That’s for sure!
Image Credits:
Makeup & Hair Artist-Faye Smith
Photography-Lush Photography (now known as Sugar Creative by Melanie Jane)
Model-Stephanie
AVIVA: What do you believe sets you apart from other make-up artists in the industry?
FS: Well I can certainly tell you I am giving it all I have got. I am trying to hard to get my name out there as much as I can. I maintain my website myself. I maintain my model mayhem, facebook, emails. It is a 24:7 job and I don’t ever stop thinking about makeup. I believe I give my clients a high quality service and also show them a good time. There is no good in having your makeup done if the person doing it doesn’t make you laugh.
Image Credits:
Special FX, Prosthetics, Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, Clothing Designer & Dresser- Faye Smith
Photographer-Blanche Macdonald
Model-Charlene Sierakowski
AVIVA: If money/time were no object, where do you see your career going in 5 years?
FS: You know, I have no idea. I am literally taking every day as it comes and seeing where I go. I have no real target. I am literally just seeing what fate brings to me and working hard to draw it to me sooner rather than later.
AVIVA: What has been your greatest lesson learned as a result of your involvement in the beauty industry?
FS: Don’t let people walk all over you. In Vancouver especially, people really do use you. As a student, that was fine. I wanted the experience and would do anything for free. Now, I have to think about me and my needs. I cant spend $30,000 on training, $5,000 on a makeup kit, topping it up a cost of $500 a month and not get anything back for it.
AVIVA: What are some of your most notable credits/accomplishments?
FS: Multiple magazine spreads; Vouture, Urban Wedding, Vancouver View, Fashionberry. A few wonderful music videos, Rumi and Matthew David. I have worked with some amazing clothing designers such as Jacqueline Conoir on promo shoots and keying fashion shows. I have accomplished so much but have so, so far to go!
AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
FS: Just a thank you for contacting me and interviewing me for your blog! The more exposure the better. I wish you the best of luck in your modeling career and don’t forget about me! Send me emails every now and then. I often need to help hire models for various gigs. The more people you know, the better đ
You can check out Faye Smith Makeup & Hair Artist here:
Website www.fayesmithmakeup.com
Email to hire: contact@fayesmithmakeup.com
Phone: 778-788-3552
Also, check out Faye’s Facebook Group
I would like to thank Faye for the interview, and I wish her continued success in her career!
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Stay tuned for interviews, fitness tips, and much more!
Aviva
Isobella Jade is no stranger to the modeling industry. Her success story is remarkable. Isobella Jade has always been the underdog in the modeling industry, as a result of being 5’2″. However, through dedication, perseverance, the power of her dream, and a love for modeling she was able to overcome the height barrier and has modeled for Marshalls, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Easy Spirit, and many more. She has also appeared in numerous fashion magazines and ads.
It was a real pleasure interviewing Isobella Jade, and I am very pleased to feature her here.
AVIVA How long have you been modeling?
ISOBELLA JADE: I started pursuing modeling in 2001.
AVIVA: How did you get started in modeling?
IJ: Today, on my modeling blog Petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com I share the ways girls of all sizes can get ahead as a model and skip scams and setbacks, but when I started off I spent a year shooting the wrong things, going in the wrong direction. When I started to take myself more seriously and focused on getting an agency and the proper photos I needed to market myself towards an agency, things started rolling. I started by mailing my comp cards by postal mail to every print agency in NYC, and talent agencies. When I continued to self-promote, build my network and build a portfolio and get professional photos that proved I could model, that is when things started. I think starting any pursuits involves analyzing yourself, figuring out what is marketable about you. And to not rush (rushing causes mistakes), or expect opportunities to happen overnight (usually they donât). The more you put into your pursuits the more you get. One job leads to the next job but this is a self-made world and the marketing yourself process never ends.
Starting modeling comes down to knowing yourself and assets, knowing what is marketable about yourself will get you going in the right direction. It is hard to get started if you don’t know what you would be good modeling for. You have to know these things before you even get in front of the camera. I think there is a lot of pre-planning and thinking that goes into pursuing as a model, especially when you are shorter.
AVIVA: What is the most exciting thing about being part of this industry?
IJ: I love the process of bringing a concept for a shoot, campaign, or editorial to life. I think it is exciting that every day, shoot, and project is different. Every job involves a different vision, photography style, and I enjoy the artistic process of telling a story through a movement, expression or stillness.
AVIVA: Could you tell me a little bit more about the books you’ve written?
IJ: I’ve written three books. My modeling memoir Almost 5’4″
about my early modeling pursuits and the first years of striving as a model, also I wrote a graphic novel called Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior
AVIVA: What are some of the major companies that you’ve worked for as a model, despite being short?
IJ: I’ve done a lot of work as a parts model, using my hands, legs, feet, and body to model for brands, Marshalls, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Easy Spirit. You could have seen my legs and feet and hands being used for those companies in their ads or commercials. You can see images from my experiences on my website www.isobelladreams.com
AVIVA: Do you have any advice on how aspiring models (esp. the shorter ones) can promote/market themselves to potential clients?
IJ: Yes, if you want to work with modeling agencies you have to show you can model first. Print modeling agencies (which is where shorter girls should target themselves) do not train their models on how to model,-not the ones I’ve worked with-so really you have to already know how to model before you approach an agency. It helps if you also already have some experience modeling for something, like a small company and have in your portfolio proof that you have been hired and modeled before. Even for an online jewelry company or local hair salon in your town. I think the more you show you can the more of a chance you have to work with agencies and also brands. When you are striving to get some experience, approach some aspiring brands and designers at tradeshows, craft shows or local conventions. Improve your network and get in touch with those who are aspiring like you are.
Get out of your house, off the computer and stop counting comments and hits and clicks and instead notice what brands and small businesses are in your town, the newspaper will tell you. Start by being a savvy model that knows her assets and has the confidence to market them to aspiring brands who might need a model. Having a professional comp card helps when you approach aspiring designers, companies, etc.
When approaching an aspiring brand in your town, or a local boutique store, if you have a comp card bring it, if not then bring some printed photos, and ask who you can speak to about the marketing for their company because you’d like to drop off some photos in case they might need a model. Or take their business card and mail them a jpeg later.
I think a lot of girls think it is easy and convenient to have an online portfolio or set up a profile on a model-site, but many real brands do not take that seriously. So I’d actually skip that. If you are sending images through an email I think it is better to mail a photo attached, a jpg image, pdf or a jpg of your comp card in an email fewer than 150kb in size. And be aware of the style of the aspiring company and brand you are pitching, if it is jewelry send photos of you modeling jewelry, not a swimwear shot! I know self-promotion works, but you have to be prepared for your success. Try. Simply try; putting yourself out there, asking for the chance might get you the chance.
AVIVA:You talked about differences between fashion modeling agencies, and commercial/print agencies. Do you have any advice for approaching commercial/print agencies?
IJ: Yes, you should approach them with the right photos. I would spend time creating a nice smiling headshot and beauty shots, and shots that show your personality and upbeat appeal, something like a catalog shot, because print agencies will be marketing your personality and photogenic self. You should be able to model naturally a product, like a handbag or shoe, accessories. So go out and get a photo shoot done with a professional photographer who understands what print modeling is, and hold a cell phone in the shot, a handbag, a coffee cup, show you can work with products, print agencies want to see that. And keep the clothing, hair and makeup natural, not overkill. Study print ads and lifestyle ads, and you will see that the shots are a lot less about being tough or having an attitude and more about smiles and personality. Your photos represent what you can do as a model, so when you are creating your comp card ask yourself, Would I hire this girl to model for a product or brand?â and âWhat products and brands could this girl model for?â Analyze your photos and ask yourself if they fit what print modeling is before you mail an agency your comp card.
AVIVA: Do you have any weird/funny/interesting shoot story that you would like to share?
IJ: Even if you have your period you can still model and get the job done, you just have to want to do it. Don’t let any drama get the best of you, bring your best forward even if the day isn’t going as perfect as you hoped. Being comfortable, focusing on the job,staying confident and being perceptive will get you through any bad day on the job as a model. And keep in mind that reality TV has so far basically lied a lot about what it is like to be a model.
AVIVA: If money/time was no object, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
IJ: I sort of give myself 2 year plans not five year plans, but I plan to write inspirational books for teens and young adults. Within five years, I think I will be a mother. Still modeling, writing books, but also helping other go-getters. I like being around passion people, and those who are striving to tell their stories, share their art or designs, so I would like to be in a position to help small companies and designers grow their brand.
AVIVA: Do you have any additional words/comments?
IJ: Your inner voice is what leads you. If you doubt yourself, others will. To give yourself a chance and to not be afraid of your own talents and skills. To understand that even those who are talented or established are still practicing and growing, the growing never ends.
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Isobella Jade is an inspiration to many aspiring (petite) models. She is living proof that success in this industry is not always about the size of the model in the fight, but it’s about the size of the fight in the model.
You can find more of Isobella’s work on her website and her blog, www.petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com, is filled with valuable information for models.
I would like to thank Isobella for her valuable input.
Stay tuned for more interviews, possible blog giveaways, and much more!
Aviva
There are several magazines that I like to read for various reasons. Some magazines provide useful information on beauty, fitness/training, fashion, and make-up ideas. Others allow me to find places where I can get better deals on wardrobe, as well as coupons to online and offline stores that I can use to purchase new and exciting clothing. At the same time, I look at magazines in order to study ads created by popular brands, look at the poses and expressions of featured models, and use the magazines as guides on how to improve myself as a model.
Quite often, when I see a pose/image that I like, I cut it out of the magazine, and add it to my “reference list of things to try”. The idea here is not to copy the image in the magazine, but to use it for inspiration in order to create something unique and make it my own.
Here are some of my favorite magazines that I’ve occasionally read, looked through and found they have some awesome posing ideas.
Please note: a lot of fitness magazines have ads that are selling certain supplements, diet products, and other items for sale. It is OK to disregard ads, and analyze only the information that is presented.
However, most of these magazines are good for posing references and make-up/wardrobe ideas, and not always the information.
The links provided here are Amazon 
1. Oxygen
2. Fitness RX
3. Shape
4. Runner’s World
5. Harper’s Bazaar
6. Women’s Health
7. Cosmopolitan
8. Women’s Running
9. Self
10. Nylon
11. Elle
12. W Magazine
13. Marie Claire
14. Vogue
15. In Style
16. Maxim
17. American Curves
18. Sports Illustrated (especially the Swimsuit Edition)
19. FHM
20. GQ
21. Digital Photo Pro
I will be reviewing each magazine individually, and adding new ones to this list as I remember them.
Cheers,
Aviva
Image Credit: Photo-IMS Photographic, MUA/HairStylist-Mallory McGowan
There are several things that a model can do in order to help make a photoshoot run smoothly. Sure, the photographer’s job is to take good photos, but most photoshoots are two-way streets (that’s not including shoots that involve make-up artists, assistants, hair stylists, and wardrobe people). Regardless of who is getting paid,
Here are some things that a model can do to prepare for a shoot:
1. Make sure that you have the photographer’s (stylist’s, MUA’s, etc) phone number.(Emails are not enough) If you are going to be late, you should call to let them know that you are not simply flaking out. People put a lot of time and energy into preparing for a shoot.
2. Have a list of things that you need for a photoshoot ahead of time. With that in mind, ask the photographer (or whoever is creating the concept) to let you know what you should bring, and then bring some extras. What I mean by extras is a few more changes of wardrobe, shoes, etc.
3. If you are doing your own make-up, be sure to bring your make-up kit with you. Even if you do your make-up at home, bringing your kit to the shoot allows for touch-ups if necessary.
4. If you are shooting lingerie, esp if it’s see through, be sure to cut the tags/labels off. It adds work for the photographer when he/she is finishing the photos in post production.
5. Look at a few magazines that show the style of images that you are looking to get. For example, if you want fashion images, check out the models’ poses and expressions in Vogue, Elle., Harper’s Bazaar, and 125 Magazine. If you do glamour/bikini/fitness/lingerie, check out Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, Maxim, FHM, Oxygen, and Playboy. Magazines, catalogs, ads-study the poses and expressions. There is a reason why those photos are used that way, and that reason is-the photos are aesthetically pleasing and easy to look at.
6. It’s not enough to just look at magazines. You should try some of the poses that you like before your photoshoot. The reason for that is because no matter how beautiful you are, not every pose/expression will suit you. Look at your poses/expressions in the mirror, practice, practice, practice. Then again, even if something looks good in the mirror, it may not look good in a photo due to the difference in angles between the way you looked at yourself in the mirror and the angle at which the photographer captured it.
7. Take care of your nails. Get them done. No, I don’t mean spend $100 on a manicure/pedicure. I mean, trim them accurately, and paint them a nice colour.
8. Wax/shave your legs, bikini line, and armpits. Unless the concept is au naturelle nude photographs, it is probably a good idea to always remove unnecessary body hair. Also, do not wax/shave right before the shoot, or else you’ll have razor burn/red marks from doing so, which add more unnecessary retouching work for the photographer. It’s best to just keep shaved/waxed. đ
9. Drink water and avoid salty foods and alcohol for at least 3 days before the shoot. You don’t want to appear dehydrated and hung-over in your photos.
10. Get plenty of sleep before your shoot (and no partying). Eight hours is usually what most people need to feel well rested. If you are tired, have dark circles, and bags under your eyes, you will not look your best in your photos.
11. If you’re bringing props/accessories, prepare everything that you need to bring to the shoot the night before it. Have a checklist of things you need, and check them off as you put them into your suitcase/duffel bag that you take to shoots. This almost eliminates the chance of forgetting something when you go to your shoot, not to mention prevents the unnecessary stress the day of the shoot when you’re running late and have not packed yet.
12. If you’re shooting outside, and the forecast predicts heat and sun, bring sunscreen, water and a towel. Also, it’s helpful to bring make-up with you to the location, in case you need to do some touch ups, after you sweat it off.
13. Before you leave your house, make sure that you know exactly where you are going and where you’re meeting the photographer/team. There is nothing worse than not knowing where to meet everyone, and appearing like a flake because you couldn’t find the rest of the people and didn’t have any phone numbers to contact them.
14. Whether you’re driving, taking a cab, bussing, or walking, leave a little bit earlier than you think you should. You never know when traffic will prevent you from being on time, or some other mishap will cost you some time.
15. If you have nude coloured underwear, bring it just in case you’re wearing see through items, and you’re not comfortable having them see through.
16. If there are any accessories that you are bringing, make sure they are packed nicely, so you are not going through a mess of tangled up necklaces looking for the right one to use.
17. Have the “How?”, “What?”, “When?”, “Where?” “Who?” of the photoshoot figured out, and preferably in writing BEFORE the shoot. Is the shoot TF or Paid? What is the purpose of the shoot? Where will it be? When are you supposed to be there? (don’t accidentally mix up the dates)Who else will be there? (will there be other people around, as in hair/make-up/etc.)
I hope this was helpful. If you have any other points to add, please use the comment section, or simply comment via my Facebook Page.
Thank you for reading,
Aviva
I had the pleasure of working with and interviewing Lynn, the owner of Empress Jade Vintage.
Lynn is a fun person to be around, and she is very good at styling clothing and directing models.
I have worked with Lynn on several occasions, and have seen her large inventory of beautiful and unique vintage clothing.
The following image is from our most recent photoshoot for Empress Jade Vintage. 
Credits: Photo-IMS Photographic, Make Up-Gracee Blair, Models-Gracee, Myself, ShayRae,Wardrobe/Styling-Empress Jade Vintage
When I asked Lynn to tell me more about her business, this is what she said:
I started selling vintage full time about 4 years ago but I was dabbling in it for a number of years beforehand. Like most vintage sellers I started selling when my own personal collection of stuff got out of hand. When I was your age I was interested in avant garde and theatrical fashion and never found what I was looking for in the malls so it was easier to carve out a unique look by incorporating some vintage elements. I found that vintage clothing offered exceptional style at a fraction of the cost of new and many older garments are simply made better with finer fabric and details. Modern clothes rely on stretch fabric for fit but vintage garments are darted and seamed to follow the curves of a woman’s body. Many women prefer the tailored womanly fit of vintage clothes.
Empress Jade Vintage sells mostly fun inexpensive women’s fashion focusing mainly on the 50s to the 80s, with the occasional piece that is 40s or older. You won’t find too many basics in our store; I prefer to offer crazy prints, bright colors, sexy cuts and things that make a women stand out of the crowd. Empress Jade’s target market is hip, urban woman aged 18 to 30. We also sell a lot of vintage lingerie and our customers are just as likely to wear a vintage slip or a nighty out as clubwear instead of wearing them as undergarments. Surprisingly I do not sell very much locally; 99% of my sales are outside of Canada with the majority of sales from big city centers like LA, New York, London, Paris. I sell strictly online and right now have stores on both Etsy and Ebay. I do think there is room in Victoria for a brick and morter vintage clothing store, and I have certainly considered opening one over the years, but for me an online business offers a lot of flexibility and it fits my lifestyle. For the future I hope to expand my advertising efforts and re-launch my own website in the Fall.
You can check out Empress Jade Vintage onFacebook and
Twitter
Shop at Empress Jade Vintage on Etsy, and Ebay
I wish Lynn all the best with Empress Jade Vintage, and I always look forward to working with her.
Thank you for reading,
Aviva
Kevin Lee Baldwin is one of two fashion designers who are involved in the creation of the clothing line called Team Force One Apparel. His partner’s name is Amos Walters. Throughout their careers, they have received positive feedback and have participated in several fashion shows.
I am thrilled to have been able to interview Kevin about his fashion line. He and his partner have put in a lot of effort, and the clothing looks unique and comfortable.
AVIVA: How did you get started with clothing design?
KEVIN BALDWIN: Ever since I can remember I was a bit of an artist. I would draw and sketch just about every chance I could get. I believe that when I was in the fifth and sixth grades that I started paying more attention to the clothing I was placing on the caricatures in my artwork. I eventually became obsessed with creating all types of menâs clothing designs and decided to take a sewing class when I was in the 7th grade so that I could make some of the clothes I was sketching. My mother is a skilled seamstress and with her guidance I learned to alter the fist pattern I ever worked with in my first and last sewing class to create a nice piece of work that my class instructor praised. Unfortunately my father was not very pleased to see one of his only two sons (I had four sisters and one brother), sitting at the sewing machine when he came home from work. He hit the roof and I had to quit my desire to learn how to sew. From that day on, whenever I needed an outfit to perform in (because I was also a young musician and singer), I would draw my designs and my mother would do the actual labor. After High school, I quit creating apparel designs and focused on performing with my bands and attended collage at the University of Washington, (studying of all things Sociology and Psychology). I designed a few outfits for my two different bands during my musical carrier and that was it for many years. (1981 or 1982)
AVIVA:How long have you been designing clothes
KB: I did not start up designing again until around 1997 when my friend and now also business partner Amos Walter and I were working with at risk youths as Track and Field coaches. So from 1997 until now thirteen years of serious design. (not including the younger years.
AVIVA: Why did you come up with the name “Team Force One Apparel” for your company?
KB: The program we were working with did not pay for the uniforms of the children who were participating, so if their parents could not afford the uniforms, those children did without. Amos and I decided to create some Track body suits for boys and girls. So we talked about it and sketched some ideas and I drew up the final designs. From there, we created uniform designs for another Track & Field Program and obtained a small grant so that we were able to produce the garments at no out of pocket costs from us or the children, guardians and/or parents. Amos and I had long before the Track & Field, been working a starting a Record Company that was to be named Force One Records. When we began working with at risk children we thought that if we were able to raise money to start an apparel manufacturing company it would be Force One Sportswear. We hoped to be able to raise money for the child athletes and start our own organization for at risk children sports and name it Team Force One. We liked the name and kept it for the Apparel line. Team Force One will be the umbrella for a great many lines of Force One products.
AVIVA:Do you have any designers that inspire you? If so, who?
KB: I do not draw any inspiration from the accomplishments of others nor do I consider myself to be in the same league as any of the famous designers since I am self taught.
AVIVA: What excites you the most about clothing design?
KB: The thing that excites me the most about clothing design is that you are creating. Creating something that you hope others will love, like, desire and/or appreciate. I am also excited that my three sons took an interest in what I am doing and my middle son Frederick attends the Seattle Art Institute, for design of menâs apparel. He has a desire to start his own apparel company someday and may beat me to the success ladder. If he does I wonât mind because I love my children and had a part in something positive.
AVIVA: Can you tell me more about your uniform donations to schools and your volunteer work?
KB: The girlâs basketball uniform donation came straight out of Amos Waltersâ pockets. I just helped with the artwork on that one. We hope to create an amazing non-profit education and athletic program someday for at risk youth as well as for those who are not at risk. We want to create an atmosphere of accomplishment and pride in the realm of academics, music, sports, arts (dance, design), and give the childrenâs parents help that they might need to succeed in their desires. We have a childrenâs line of clothing on the back burner where the profit proceeds would go to help fund this organization. We have a name of the non-profit and the apparel but do not desire to spill the beans at this time. It may never happen but this has always been the motivation behind all of the clothing and the return to my designing.
AVIVA: If money/time were no object, what is your ultimate goal with clothing design?
KB: Our ultimate goal is to be limitless. We want to be able to send young people to school so that they can learn and come back and contribute to the company and maybe start their own. We want to provide schooling and training for the leaders of tomorrow so that they will not be faced with the same obstacles that stood in our way. I donât think that you will be able to receive the image that I am including but it is one of our logos for Team Force one. The large triangle represents the mountain that we are climbing to reach our goal. The space / void in the middle represent the barriers we have and must overcome in order to get to the top. The triangle in front without any space / voids represent those we hope to bring up after us in our shadow without facing the ignorance and lack of tolerance we face everyday in our jobs while trying to make to the top. Now the taller triangle / mountain we climbed looks a little like the number 1.
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You can see Team Force One Apparel on Model Mayhem and YouTube
I wish Kevin and his partner all the best in their designer careers. They have set out to make a difference, and I hope they succeed.
Thank you for reading,
Aviva
Savilla has been involved in the fashion industry for a long time. She has extensive experience as a model, having worked as a model since she was 16 years old. Savilla has appeared in various ads, billboards, magazines, commercials and much more.
As a designer, she has been sewing since she was 15 years old. Savilla designs beautiful, custom swimwear for all body types. She believes that when it comes to clothing “anything is possible”, and thus uses her creativity to bring her unique designs into the world of fashion.
She is very talented as a model, actress, and designer. Personally, I am a fan of her work.
I am very glad that I was able to ask her a few questions about her career and her achievements in the fashion industry.
AVIVA:What got you started in this industry?
SAVILLA: Designing: My mother said I started drawing at age 2, and I would draw very elaborate shoes and dresses. I always had an interest in beautiful clothing, but what made me actually start sewing is my inability to find clothes that fit me well. I was a very skinny and tall teen, and size zero didn’t exist back then. So I bought size 3 and altered them. I taught myself how to sew on my grandmother’s Singer at age 15. It was then that I discovered that anything was possible in the way of clothing.
Modeling: The concept of being a model never occurred to me as a young girl, because I never thought I was pretty. My mother was a model and a beauty queen, and she entered me into a beauty pageant when I was 16 without my knowledge. I protested, but participated anyway. I ended up winning first runner-up, and won a partial scholarship for my college education. Later, I was approached by a the same talent scout who discovered Linda Evangelista. I signed with a NY modeling agency that year, however furthering my education was always my top priority.
AVIVA: How would you describe your involvement in the fashion industry?
SAVILLA: I work as a designer and a pattern maker. I like to fit the clothes on myself, so I get a good idea of what feels and looks good, and what is practical to wear. This gives me an idea of what I think would sell and what wouldn’t. I never thought I’d still be modeling in my forties, but here I am.
AVIVA: You are also a model. What are some of your accomplishments as a model?
SAVILLA: Here are the credits from my portfolio:
PRINT WORK: Magazines, Billboards, Catalogs, Calendars, Posters, etc.
Worked all over North America and Europe.
ACTING:
Acted in many films, TV shows, commercials, and documentaries.
Supporting actress in the film “September” which won a Leo award.
Voice-over and ADR for films.
Body double for main actress in TV show “Killer Instinct”.
TV FEATURES (as myself):
Urban Rush, The Express, Anna & Kristina’s Beauty Call.
OTHER:
Runway for several designers in NY.
Fit model.
Artists’ model.
Playboy “Girls of Golf” model.
Buffalo Bandits Pro Lacrosse cheerleader for 3 seasons.
Hair model for Redken, Sebastian, and FHI Heat.
Foot, legs and hand model for various ads.
Model and spokesperson for charities involving organ donation awareness.
AVIVA: Besides swimwear, what else do you make/design?
SAVILLA: Jewelry, evening gowns, wedding dresses, costumes, uniforms and dog coats. I also paint on canvas.
AVIVA: What is your favorite thing about designing clothing?
SAVILLA: The freedom to let my creativity flow. So many things inspire me, so when I get an idea, I usually drop everything and go to work on it. Sometimes the best designs come from just experimenting and making mistakes along the way.
AVIVA: What are some of the notable publications where your designs have appeared?
SAVILLA: Victoria’s Secret, Frederick’s of Hollywood, various online sites, TV shows, commercials and films. I also designed the cheerleader and dance costumes for several pro sports teams.
AVIVA: Do you have an exciting/strange/weird shoot experience (in your career as a model and designer) that you would like to share?
SAVILLA: Modeling is a business like any other profession, so I always maintain a friendly yet professional attitude. I ask for references, and I request all the pertinent information regarding the photographer and the shoot prior to the event. Therefore I’ve been lucky in avoiding potentially dangerous situations. I have had a few embarrassing/funny things happen…
I walked the runway with my skirt tucked into the front of my pantyhose.
I had a photo shoot with Fabio in the early ’90s, and during the shoot, he gave my bum a good squeeze! I was so shocked and my expression showed that in a few of the shots.
At an auto show when I was showing the Delta 88 in the late ’90s, I asked why they would show an old car from the ’80s! The boys got a good laugh out of that one.
Funny story in my design career: I costumed several plays in NY, and one year I designed for “The Wiz”. I was rushing to meet a deadline, and a couple of my sewers didn’t work out, so I sewed like crazy to get the costumes ready for the first performance. Maybe I didn’t give the attention to detail that I should have, because in the Emerald City dance scene, there were two wardrobe malfunctions. On of the male actors split his pants wide open, then when one of the female dancers turned quickly and separated from her partner, she faced the audience, while the top part of her dress had ripped off and was attached to her partner’s suit jacket! It turned into the adult version of “The Wiz”!
AVIVA: If you weren’t modeling or designing clothes, what else do you see yourself doing?
SAVILLA: I’m sure I’d be involved in something that involves talking with people or public speaking. I’m very outgoing and I really enjoy a social atmosphere where I can interact with interesting people. I would also be more involved in charity work. I currently volunteer for charities that raise awareness about organ donation as well as animal rescue. I would love to have a large property where I could care for homeless dogs.
AVIVA: If money was no object, what would be your ultimate goal in the fashion industry?
SAVILLA: Money doesn’t enter the equation for me because I’m already doing what I love and I’m happy. BUT… if anyone is looking for a fashion commentator for a TV show, I wouldn’t turn it down!
AVIVA: Do you have any last comments?
SAVILLA: In fashion, I think it’s important to wear what you like and what makes you feel good and compliments you. It’s great to watch trends, but you don’t necessarily have to follow them. Don’t be afraid of color… basic black is easy, but it can also be boring and predictable. It’s OK to be a little different because that’s what makes you unique.
To see Savilla’s work, please click HERE
Follow Savilla Swimwear on FACEBOOK
Model Mayhem Accounts: Modeling, Clothing Designer
I thank Savilla for her time, and I wish her all the best for many years to come.
Aviva
The other day, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ed from Remi Swimwear because I was very impressed by his designs. Ed is a clothing designer and photographer who loves what he does. Ed produces beautiful swimsuits using high quality fabrics. He is currently based in New Jersey.
You can see his beautiful swimwear collection
HERE and on
Model Mayhem
AVIVA: What got you into designing swimwear?
ED: It began with being a fashion/glam photographer. While doing portfolio work for models, it used to irritate me when the girls would bring in cheap looking and or poor fitting suits. Either they thought the suit may have looked cute on the rack or they had friends who would say the suit looked great on them. I’m guessing so the friends would then look better by the pool or at the beach. Either way, it was difficult to have a nice body shot of the models with an average (at best) swimsuit on. So, with the help of a designer friend (Thanks always Silvia!) who needed images photographed of her line, I drew up some designs and had Silvia make them for me to photograph. The suits looked amazing and received very positive feedback from the models. The models then wore my swimsuit designs to a few casino parties and were asked repeatedly by the other girls where to buy the suits. It was then I decided to pursue my own swimwear line.
AVIVA: How long have you been designing?
ED:This is a project going on 3 years now. At first I had no knowledge of sewing or how to begin making suits myself. So I recruited 3 other seamstresses whom all failed for various reasons. Most notably one who bought suits online and told me that she made them but took the liberty to change my designs a bit. I also had one take nearly a a month to design one sliding triangle top.(Which is obviously a bit to long!) So, when these seamstresses failed, I took it on my own to take some lessons from another designer (Thanks Karen!) Now I design and sew the suits myself.
AVIVA: What is your favorite kind of fabric to use for your swimwear?
ED:I use only imported 4 way stretch fabrics that are completely swim-able but are really designed to look great and to make a girls body look better!
AVIVA: What excites you the most about being a clothing designer?
ED:I would say being able to see my work on a variety of people and body types and sizes. A big kick for me is seeing a models face when they first put one of my designs on. It’s usually followed by a big smile, a little more strut in their step and a bit of flirt in the eyes.
AVIVA: Do you look to any other designers for inspiration? If so, who?
ED:I do, but not anyone specific. I try to see where the trends are heading and adapt my style and fabrics accordingly. However, I’m a huge fan of floral prints and will always continue to utilize them.
AVIVA: Besides clothing design, what is (are) your other passion(s)/interest(s)?
ED: As I said earlier, I am also a photographer which allows me to photograph my swimwear as needed. I’m a huge auto racing fan. From NASCAR to Australian V8 Supercars and anything in between, if it’s on, I’m watching! I am also a retired tennis instructor and a big fan of billiards. However, I haven’t played so much lately and would like to get my game back on.
AVIVA: If money/time was no object, where do you hope that fashion design will take you?
ED: Around the world. This is an amazing place and I’d love to see as much as possible…. Especially the beaches!!!
AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments that you’d like to share?
ED:Looking forward to seeing everyone at Miami Fashion week someday,
Cheers!
I wish Ed all the best in his career!
Thanks again for the interview, Ed.
~Aviva
