Beatniks Models

Over the next week I'm going to take you into the world of fashion - exploring behind the scenes of a LA fashion show with exclusive interviews from an up and coming designer, a hot new artist duo and some of the It girls of makeup and beauty. Of course a fashion show would be nothing without models! Grab a cup of tea and read what models Jessica and Brandi have to say about prepping for the catwalk.

Photography provided by Stellar Roar Creative 

PolishedPractical: What do you do as part of the show?

Jessica Nguyen: Well I’m a model. I’m also a part of the Brands Look Book. I guess I’m their face.

PP: What does that mean then to be part of their Look Book?

JN: It’s for other boutiques, they see through the Look Book how they’ve styled me. That’s what the Look Book is all about – how to style and wear the brands clothing.

PP: For the fashion show you’ll be walking the catwalk, how do you prepare for this?

JN: Oh, this is my first show to be honest and I’m quite nervous. But umm what I do in the beginning is I get in the mode, like pray first. And this is such a gift, like an honor to be here so I think of how lucky I am to be here and then I’m going to try my best.

PP: So obviously, you’re used to being in the spotlight because of working on the Look Book.

JN: Umm I’m trying to channel what I’ve done outside to bring it in here. The fierceness, what the brand maker wants of course, and hopefully I get it all right [giggles nervously]. I know I’m going to be shaking a lot so hopefully praying will calm my nerves!

PP: Is there an outfit that you’re really excited about wearing?

JN: Oh one of the outfits is a shift dress and is plaid and grey and really, really beautiful. You can wear it in the Fall, in the Spring, it’s very versatile, great for work, great for evening.

PP: I love a plaid look, one of my favorites. Thanks Jessica!

PolishedPractical: I’m here with Brandi and she’s a model for the Beatniks fashion show. Brandi how do you prepare for a show like this?

Brandi: Well I just go to the corner, to myself and just pray. I’m a religious person so I just pray that everything goes smoothly.

PP: Oh perfect, I’m religious too so I get the whole praying beforehand. That’s what you do on the night of but do you have little things that you wanna practice – your walk, or smile and things like that?

B: It’s just whenever I get the chance, like if I’m walking to my car I’ll practice my walking. Or if I’m at the crosswalk I’ll use that as a runway [big grin spreads across her face]

PP: That’s so cool, I’ve never heard anyone say that before [chuckles] I’m sure it’s like a free show for people. Nice. Have you ever worked with some of the other models here?

B: No this is my first time working with these models here.

PP: Ok is that scary sometimes, or exciting? What does it feel like to be around the different models?

B: Sometimes it’s scary but then exciting at the same time because you get to see their technique at walking. You learn from them.

PP: How much practice do you all get together before you do a show like this?

B: So far we’ve had almost six practices for two hours.

PP: Two hours each time?

B: Yes

PP: Is that typical for a fashion show, or does it vary all the time?

B: It varies, it depends on how many models there are, if there’s more it takes more time to prepare.

PP: Is there a favorite piece that you’re really looking forward to wearing?

B: They’re all my favorites, I wish I could wear what some of the other models are wearing too [giggles excitedly].

PP: Well that’s good. And do you get any say in what you wear or your just told ok you’ll be wearing this…

B: Yeh the designer kinda decides what we wear, we’re ok with it, all of the designs are great pieces.

PP: So it’s easy to do then! Great. Thanks Brandi!

Tune in tomorrow to see who I'll be interviewing next! Happy Hump Day! 

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