Have you ever wanted to know what it takes to become a model? If you answered yes, this post is for you. In this week’s post I am interviewing Model and Model Coach Damaris DeLeon. Keep reading as we discuss her experience as a model and what advice she has for aspiring models.
Trashion Fashion 2015
Photo by: Steven Laschever Photography
1. First off tell the readers more about yourself? What inspired you to become a model?
I am a professional working in the social service sector, I am also a community advocate for many campaigns to raise awareness and funding for research.
As a kid I enjoyed flipping pages in magazines and often pictured myself being one of those models. Television shows such as American Next Top Model and attending local events encouraged me to pursue my modeling career. I am a firm believer that beauty and inspiration comes in many forms and I work with children of all ages to aspire them to find themselves, build confidence, and thrive for greatness.
2. Who are some of your favorite models (past or present)?
"America's Next Top Model" contestant Winnie Harlow celebrates her differences: the 22-year-old has vitiligo, a condition that causes lighter patches to form on her skin is a successful professional model who uses her career as a platform to spread messages of body positivity as well as raising awareness about vitiligo and equality.
A 100-year-old woman, Bo Gilbert, has made history by becoming the oldest model to feature in Vogue. Bo, “proves the older generation can be fearlessly stylish too.”
-Vogue
Madeline Stuart, The first professional model with Down Syndrome.
Joan Smalls- a Puerto Rican fashion model, she became the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder cosmetics. In September 2012, Smalls was named "Model of the Year" at the 9th Annual "Style Awards".
Model Damris DeLeon wearing Beaded Lace High Neck 2 for 1 gown by Karlene Lindsay Designs
Photographer: Jay Sottolano of ImagesByJAS
3.How did you first connect with Karlene and Karlene Lindsay Designs?
Karlene Lindsay, I met while attending a fashion show event I believe about two or three years ago. She was in search of a few models and reached out to me to show off her one of a kind designs, she’s awesome! A beautiful person both in and out. I enjoy working with her.
4. In addition to being a model, you are a model coach. What is the best advice you have for aspiring models from your own experience?
“Only you can make yourself feel beautiful.” Winnie
“You cannot let a fear of failure or a fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing the things that you will make you great. You cannot succeed without the risk of failure. You cannot have a voice without the risk of criticism. You cannot love without the risk of loss. You must take these risk.”
-Motivational speaker: Matuez M
Photo by: David J. Berman
5. Name one current fashion trend you would like to stay or go away?
While some fashion trends are not my forte, to have a particular fashion trend go would take away from each person’s individuality.
As we know fashion trends come and go, since I have many preferences I enjoy the unique styles that are currently trending, fashion designers are blending in many styles in one which make for unique styles that people can identify with or make their own.
Ex. Fashion trashion, etc.
6. What is your favorite event you have participated of and why?
There are so many events that I had been part of in the past years, but my most favorite and memorable event is my participation of the Trashion Fashion Event.
This event is so diverse & brings so many people of all nationalities and ages close together all for a great cause, which is to change the way the world sees waste through events, educational programs, & exhibits that feature wearable art made from trash. All in hopes to foster a generation of mindful consumers and creators to try & change the way the world sees waste. I love that this program/agency is preparing students by educating & inspiring the youth to be creative problem solvers on ways they can save our planet by using their imagination & creativity.
I enjoy meeting so many positive people all in one room, I am blown away by the creativity from all the inspired designers of all ages! No matter the age they work just as hard and diligently. You can't even tell the difference between work of a child versus an adult! You can tell they have worked so hard & are very detailed when creating their one of a kind masterpiece made from paper, plastics, rubber recovered or recycled from discarded household, commercial, or industrial packages or products. Passion for the planet is very clear in their designs.
It is an honor for me to model a one of a kind creation because after observing their stunningly amazing work it just leaves you speechless & feeling like a superstar you are just excited and proud to strut that runway to show off their Eco-friendly couture. I LOVE IT!!! Feels awesome!!
I think it is spectacular how performing arts are mixed with the focus of saving the environment in a fun & positive way at the same time educating the importance of saving the world & inspiring others to be more creative in how they deal with waste materials.
We can shape the world around us by finding creative ways to use up the so called waste.
Everything in the show is about 90% waste materials that otherwise will be in the waste stream. Art is important too, not just the fashion designing, but I have also witnessed some dance incorporated in the show, some of the models are ballerinas in point shoes and there are actual dance performances inside the fashion runway.
I encourage people to come out to this one of a kind event, not only are you supporting some awesome artist, inspired designers, and students, you will also share part in helping our planet & learn ways how to save our environment by using what you think is not useful anymore and putting it into use. Change starts one person at a time, what you learn from this event you can share along with others and make a difference.
7. Lastly, where can people find you online?
Facebook: Model Damaris DeLeon
Instagram/Snapchat/Twitter: @modelddeleon
My website is under construction: www.damarisdeleon.com
Special thanks again to Damaris DeLeon. Be sure to find out her online on Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter.
As always you can find Karlene Lindsay Designs at their website, Facebook and Instagram. Customers in the West Haven area can purchase Karlene Lindsay Designs in store at Chocolate Angel Boutique.