THE CULTURAL OMNIVORE

Debra Shaw On Fashion & Her Musical Project Debra’s Dream

Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, Debra Shaw was a designer’s dream manifested. Her lithe figure and angular features were a favorite of couturiers Galliano, Ferre and McQueen. She appeared in Robert Altman’s Prêt-à-Porter and George Michael’s Fast Love in addition to appearing on a commemorative stamp issued in Gibraltar. Now living in Paris, I caught up with Debra to talk about fashion and her new music project.

Tell us about your childhood growing up in New Jersey.

Growing up in New Jersey township, the energy could be slow. My dream was to be in a city where things were happening faster, like Philadelphia or New York City.

You had an interest in fashion growing up. Did you have any idea how that would manifest?

I was inspired by people who had a unique fashion style. I studied design and afterword I decided that my dream was to travel to Europe.

Tell us about how you got into modeling.

Since Paris is where I wanted to live, I entered a modeling competition where I won first prize, which was a trip to Paris.

Which designers and photographers were the first to support and advocate for you?

There are so many supporters from different regions such as New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York City. They were the first to encourage me from an early start.

How has the industry changed since the nineties?

The roles of the models today are very different than the ones in the nineties, where designers encouraged the models to be expressive and creative like actresses.

The Fashion Spot’s biannual diversity report shows incremental improvement in casting for the Fall 17 runway shows. Why do you think the fashion industry has been so slow to diversify?

In the late nineties there was a shift happening in the fashion industry with new positions created in the business. This major change affected also the hiring of the models and the diversity.

What achievement are you most proud of?

I feel blessed to have worked with amazing artists in the fashion industry and that my work became an inspiration for other artists and models. Today I am a singer performing at sold out concerts in Europe. This is  such a great emotion!

What advice would you give to your younger self-starting off in the fashion industry?

I would tell my new models, whom I consult with today, that looks are a small portion of the business. It’s also important to think about the bigger picture and your future thereafter.

Tell us about what you’re up to these days.

My new music project is called Debra’s Dream. It’s an exciting  storytelling adventure which mixes my singing and spoken words with original jazz and funk compositions. I feel very grateful for this opportunity.

Follow her on Instagram

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models

Introducing Willow Hand

Flaxen haired and wide eyed Floridian Willow Hand bears more than a passing resemblance to Gemma Ward. From humble beginnings it wasn’t long before Willow was scouted and soon found herself opening the Prada show followed by the Steven Meisel lensed campaign. When she’s not in front of the camera, Willow spends her time honing her musical craft and relaxing at the beach when she gets the chance.

Tell us about your childhood in Florida.

I had a very fun childhood. We had horses and lots of other pets. I was outdoors a lot; swimming in the springs or at the beach. My grandparents live on an island so we went boating a lot. I did community theater also.

How were you discovered?

I was discovered by my mother agent, Marianne Tamposi, when I was twelve-years old. I was in my parents store helping out.

How have your family responded to your career?

They are very supportive. They are always excited to see my new work when it comes out. My mom was thrilled recently to get to attend one of the shows that I walked in.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Obviously it was a huge thrill to open Prada for my first show and then to do the Prada campaign shot by Steven Meisel. It was also very exciting to get the cover of Vogue Russia. Mariano Vivanco was wonderful to work with.

Tell us about your short-term and long-term goals.

My short-term goal is always just to show up and do my best for every job. There are still some really fantastic photographers that I haven’t worked with yet. So that’s a goal that I have. Long-term I’d like to be one of the models lucky enough to have an extended career and I’d love to do some acting either in film, Broadway or both.

Tell us about how you decompress in your spare time.

I love to sing and play my piano or guitar. When I’m in Florida, I really enjoy a beach day to relax.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic, maybe? I like elegant, well made items. I wear some designer clothing and some vintage. We live in such a disposable society but I prefer things that can stand the test of time.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

They might be surprised to learn how much I love all animals, including reptiles. My eighteenth birthday present to myself was a ball python.

Follow Willow on Instagram

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models

Introducing Elina Nikitina

Hailing from Ukraine, new Face Elina Nikitina is slowly building an impressive portfolio. Discovered on Facebook, Elina soon found herself walking as an exclusive in Marc Jacobs S/S 16 and F/W 16 shows and appeared in the pages of Love magazine. With porcelain features and wide eyes, this beauty is showing promise of great things in her future.

Tell us about your childhood.

I grew up in Ukraine. My mom is a photographer, my dad is a bodyguard and I have a younger brother. I’m very close with my younger brother even though we are 10 years apart. My mom always told me how important it was to be positive and taught me English at a very young age which is why I speak it pretty well now. My dad taught me how to protect myself; I even know how to use guns and fight.

Tell us about how you were discovered.

My mother agent found me on Facebook when I was 12. She found me through a friends page, another model. I already knew how to pose since my mom is a photographer. I was lucky enough to book two jobs in my first two hours as a model.

What were the biggest challenges you faced moving to New York from Ukraine?

People in Ukraine are less likely to show and share emotion.  I really enjoy New York, as it seems to be the opposite. People are very open, honest and happy to get to know each other as individuals. It’s very different from what I was used to growing up.

What was going through your head when you walked in the Marc Jacobs show?

Before the show I had so many thoughts. I was afraid I was going to fall or step on my dress. However, the minute I stepped on the runway all of those feelings went away. I was completely clear-headed and felt overwhelmed with joy.

When you’re not modeling what do you like to do in your spare time?

Yoga, running, hanging out with friends, exploring the city, meeting new people and working on my social media.

What’s on your radar at the moment?

I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ed Sheeran, Adam Levine, Maroon 5 and Green Day. In my free time I like watching TV series like Sherlock, Elementary and any good comedies. All in all I think it’s very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which never goes out of style. Being healthy makes me feel beautiful, happy and keeps my energy up.

What do you hope to get out of your modeling career?

My dream is to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Vogue Paris cover.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Everyone seems to be surprised that I began working when I was only 13. It was an easy transition though, my mom was a photographer since a young age, so I learned to pose and be very comfortable in front of the camera. I’m also trying to learn Chinese. I think it will be a very useful language to learn.

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Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models

Ana Cristina on Hell Baby & How Mick Jagger Inspired Her New Look

Scouted at the Minnesota State Fair, model Ana Cristina’s style is equal parts Spice Girl meets biker chic. A self-confessed loner, Ana divides her time between walking the runway for designers such as Akris and Marc Jacobs and developing her new creative outlet Hell Baby.

Tell us about how you were discovered.

I was approached when I was 14 at the Minnesota State Fair. I initially didn’t think much of it and didn’t sign until a few years later when I sent an online submission to Ignite. They were incredibly sweet; I immediately felt a lot of love and respect. They’re still my mother agent today.

Do you think beginning your modeling career at the age you did benefited you?

I’m not sure it has one way or another. It is possible to work hard in school and model at a younger age, but it’s much harder and I’m glad I waited. Education was a big part of my life.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

I feel as if this whole thing has been very surreal and it’s hard to chose just one moment, but I would have to say my first New York Fashion Week show. I walked for Opening Ceremony S/S 16 and they had these dancers mixed in the lineup; the whole production was insane. I was listening to Planet Caravan by Black Sabbath to get into this chill mood before the show started.

Tell us about your creative pursuits.

Well I’m starting this line called Hell Baby! It’s reworked denim and leather; vintage finds that I’m painting, studding and embroidering. My goal is to inspire individuality and love through the clothing.

What inspires you?

Love, the protests, music, self-love, flowers, sex, movies, feelings, psychedelics, personal battles and the paranormal .

I heard you recently underwent a makeover. What inspired you to cut your hair short?

I’ve always wanted short hair and I was growing out my bangs so it just seemed like the right time. Mick Jagger’s shag was my inspiration.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m not really sure. I love to be comfortable and wear layers but I also like dressing weird and sexy like a Spice Girl. My favorite shoes are my beat up creepers.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a bit of a loner but in a good way. Going to shows or dancing by myself is no problem.

What are your goals for the future?

My ultimate goal for now is to save up enough money to move to South America after my modeling career is over. I want to live self-sustained on a farm; eating what I grow, painting, living simply, and being in the mountains is my dream. After five years or so I might move to another city for a few years. I want to see more of the world and live among all cultures.

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Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models

Introducing Madison Headrick

North Carolina native Madison Headrick has starred in campaigns for Prada, Calvin Klein and Vera Wang and graced the covers of Vogue Portugal and L’Officiel Thailand. This All-American beauty is just at home hanging out with friends at a BBQ as she is walking the international runways. Blessed with an incredible support network, Madison balances her time between fashion, activism and her family and friends.

Tell us about your childhood.

I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina but grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. I come from a big loving and very supportive family with three dogs, a younger brother and sister, and two superheros undercover as my parents. I played many sports as a kid but my favorite was competitive cheerleading. If I wasn’t at school or at practice, I was volunteering in my community or with The Boys and Girls Club. On the weekends you could find me on the beach, around a bonfire with friends, wake boarding, or having a BBQ cookout on the back porch.

Tell us about how you were discovered.

I was scouted by Tony Perkins at the age of sixteen. The following summer, I went to Los Angeles with my parents and signed with Vision. While I was there, I did a few test shoots to learn and feel comfortable in front of a camera. I received great feedback and landed some big jobs but because my high school only allowed five absences a semester, I couldn’t do much. I took a heavier class load and graduated a semester early to get a jump-start on my career. The moment I graduated was the week after my eighteenth birthday and I flew straight to New York. My first week in New York, I signed with an agency and landed an exclusive with Prada and it all started from there.

How does your background influence your approach to modeling?

I have been blessed to have such a strong support system throughout my career. I have the most loving and supportive friends and family who have been my biggest fans and cheerleaders through all of the ups, downs, victories, challenges, amazing jobs and the lack there of. I am passionate about modeling and am in love with this journey but the industry can be very tough and emotionally draining. Having a background of a big, warm, happy group of people who love me and want the best for me gave me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone in my work. I work hard and strive to be the best I can be because if worse comes to worse, I have a big hug waiting for me anyway.

What are the biggest challenges you face modeling?

I think my biggest challenge that I face is trying to stand out in the crowd. I’m not blind to see that when I walk into a casting, all of the other girls and I look similar. I think our generation is faced with the challenge of trying to be heard and attaining a large follower group. “Why should we choose you?” Now that celebrities, athletes, YouTube stars, etc can be models, it makes our industry much more competitive and challenging. The way I see it is that this wouldn’t all be worth it if it was easy. These challenges are what makes this job fun, new and exciting. I’m always up for challenges.

How do you define your personal style?

Honestly, I would say that I’m a bit of a chameleon when it comes to my personal style. If I’m running errands in SoHo then meeting a friend for lunch, I love a chic casual look like my vintage high waisted Levi jeans, black pumps/booties, and oversized sweater. On the contrary, if I’m playing paintball or going bowling with my girl friends, I have a very tomboy look in my Adidas sneakers, ripped jeans, Alexander Wang crop top and a backward UGA football cap. Taking it to the red carpet, I love an elegant/classy look. My personal style depends on my mood for the day.

What’s on your radar at the moment?

At the moment, I recently joined a group called Model Mafia that was founded by Cameron Russell. It is a group of model activists that want to make a difference in the world. I’m really excited to start volunteering with such an incredibly inspiring group of women.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a very real person. I’m outgoing and adventurous and am always up for a good time. I have a loud laugh and an even bigger smile. If we can laugh together, we will be friends forever. I would do anything for my friends and family. I am fortunate enough to travel to the most beautiful places in the world and be surrounded by creative and fun people and my life can come across to many as glamorous but don’t be fooled. I still love to show my goofy/real side on Snapchat (ex: all of my cancelled flights, long work days, homesickness confessions, gross healthy food and of course my weird faces/voices/impressions).

What are your goals for the future?

My goal is to, at the end of my career, be proud and be able to say that I reached my full potential. My goal is to help save endangered animals and save our planet. My goal is to bring love to people who need it. My goal is to help those less fortunate. My goal is to make a difference.

Follow her on Instagram

Posted on by theculturalomnivore in Female Models