Meeting Nicoline, And How She Changed My Perspective On Models

All the models backstage at the WHIT show were chatting, texting, posing for a camera, or touching up their makeup. All, that is, except one model. She stood out like a sore thumb. Her wide-brim hat made her 5 '8 frame over 6ft tall, and she was off to the side with a nervous, serious look on her face. She looked really young, - I guessed maybe 15 - and she was all alone, constantly fidgeting and adjusting her outfit. I just knew it was her first season. A small part of me wanted to take a picture because she had such a striking look, but the real reason I asked to take her picture was because she looked like she could use a light-hearted chat. She gave me a few serious poses with the hat on, and I asked if I could I take a picture or two with her hat off. As soon as the overpowering hat was removed, her entire demeanor softened, resulting in the shot above. After I was done with photos, I said 'So... Is this your first season?'

I found out her name was Nicoline, she was a senior in high school, and she was away from home to be at fashion week. I was really surprised to find out that she was 17, and she was equally surprised to find out that I was as well. We talked about her success so far (this was indeed her first fashion week), and balancing fashion and school. We had to stop chatting when the models had to leave, so we wished her good luck with the rest of her week and she left.

Befofore I met Nicoline, I though of all models as just that - models. Pretty canvases who showcase designer clothes. It didn't really occur to me that these are very young girls who are very often far from home. Many don't speak English, and some have never been outside of their country before. Now when I see models during fashion week, especially the ones who don't look much older than I am, I start to wonder all about their lives. Rather than analyzing their look or their walk, I wonder how were they scouted, where they're from, if they're nervous, etc. It has really made me less judgmental. I'm grateful that I got to get to know Nicoline, but I'm even more grateful that she was able to give me some perspective on what today's aspiring models are going through.

 

WHIT Spring 2013 Collection Review + Backstage Shots

I was lucky enough to go 'backstage' at the WHIT presentation during NYFW. Much like the clothes, the vibe was really laid-back. There was no violent rushing around or crowded spaces, and the models were happy to pose for pics. If only every presentation was on island time like this one! 

I love this photo. There's something really natural about it. 

 

How epic are the hats by Yestadt Millinery?!

Take note ladies, this is THE makeup cheat sheet for ss13. I saw this look over and over again during fashion week. Brown eye shadow, soft, pink-ish lips and cheeks. It's really beautiful.

 
 

 






 
 

The bright clothes in neon and yellow hues were a perfect contrast to the grey NYC sky that was threatening to rain out the presentation. I was a really big fan of the banana leaf print seen throughout- I think there's something really quirky about it! Being the die-hard oxford fan that I am, I flipped when I saw the banana print on the shoes as well. It really re-invented traditional pieces.
 The clothes were easy, fun, and young. Nothing was too uptight or snobby. There were several dresses that you could throw on in an instant- et voila- you'd be chic and ready to go. I really appreciated that the cuts were kept simple so that you could appreciate the loud prints and colors. I really loved the flowy blouses and dresses that came in the pink print and the blue leaf print. They'd be perfect for a thinner girl, but it's not exactly the fit that curvy girls like myself can wear well, unfortunately. I'd end up looking like a really chic pink cloud. Thank goodness there were other more form-fitting pieces in the collection. 
Everything was also very on trend for ss13- sea foam, neon, button down's, color blocking, mesh,  stripes, all-white looks, sportiness, lace, it was all there! Literally every single major trend was accounted for. 
For me, a big collection highlight were the bags. The shapes were inventive, and the colors were really wonderful! Whitney told me that if was their very first season doing handbags, and I'm excited to see what adorable arm candy she creates in the future!

 The designer, Whitney Pozgay. 

Thank you so much for letting me attend! You can check out WHIT on the web here. 

Also, I'd love it if you checked out my latest post for hvmag.com! I reviewed Kaelen SS13 collection for their blog, The Couture Report. Check it out!