Fashionista514 » Q&A

Quick Q&A w/Greta Constantine, and Currently Coveting Prada SS13 Eyewear

Robyn — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 08:16:31 +0000

One of my most favourite parts of attending fashion weeks, is without a shadow of a doubt getting to see the development and big reveal of everything coming together before it hits the runway. You’d think it would also make me into something of an unstoppable shopaholic, but in actuality, it mostly has the reverse effect. Capturing the awe in a photo is all I need to generally take away the craving to posses… almost as if I’m stealing a part of it for myself. Maybe it’s the feeling of the actual industry outside the finalized photos that also play a part in feeling differently about a said designer’s show and their clothing. The reality of the productions may still be incredibly beautiful, but they are not as sensationalized in person as you may think.

I don’t find there to be much of a dark underbelly or anything, just professionals getting their jobs done. Instead of the feeling of want that magazines often lend, I feel only deep respect for all the little but crucial details that really build up to make something noteworthy. Seeing the clothing up close you can do in stores, but on the models, with the hair, the makeup, the anticipation… surprisingly, it’s all rather down to earth.

So when I go nuts for a certain fashion fix, you know it’s a serious case! This upcoming season’s Prada glasses have me in a craze, and since my current glasses are disastrously mauled with puppy toothmarks, I’d say it’s time for an update. One of my dreams as I age, is to really give into owning few things, all with big personalities. Just as Denis Gagnon has his oversized frames (think I’ll look like the hippy version of him?), Vivienne Westwood has her orange hair, and Karl Lagerfeld everything black and white, I love it when people stick to the things that truly suit them. There is something very powerful about not swaying with trends and taking pieces of them all to create your own brand of unique. These glasses may just look hideous on me, but I know that as I sit down to write for extended periods of time, they will be a comfortable fix, possibly even an indicator to indulge in something productive. Of course I could stop there, but did you see the Prada show? While I’m not so interested in the clothing and matching fur coats (really? For spring?), the accessories all nearly ended me. Japanese slipper-esque platform heels… some even without any sole. Makes me all rather curious as to what they’ll release into stores (and if those silver toe-dividing socks will be included).

Black white and red frames? Try and stop me.

On another note, I recently shot some questions Stephen and Kirk’s way from Greta Constantine. A quicky if you will…

What is the one thing people normally assume of you that isn’t necessarily true (could be a stereotype of the industry, something tied to your image, etc…)? What would people be surprised to know about you?

Kirk: (To Stephen) That you speak Cantonese or Mandarin. Or that you’re Jamaican.

Stephen: It’s funny. I’m Jamaican – third generation, born in Jamaica and most people never seem to guess that.

How important is it for you to transcend commercial mediums to showcase both your vision and talents (eg: partnering with a division of the food industry such as 5 gum, and combining it with a fashion brand such as yourself)?

Stephen: I think it’s very important to partner with likeminded brands simply because it offers the consumer access and interaction that otherwise would not be possible. For us, Greta Constantine is much more than fashion. Each season, we’re presenting a lifestyle, an aesthetic. With 5 Gum, we’re sharing our vision with a wider, and in some respect, different customer than our collection traditionally communicates to.

Looking back at the evolution of both Greta and Ezra Constantine throughout the years, what has been the biggest realization/adaptation you’ve had to face?

Stephen: It’s a lot more hard work than we could ever have guessed. In our industry, it’s not just about striving for success. It’s about surviving.

Kirk: It’s a lot of hard work. People say don’t believe the hype that fashion is glamorous, but it is glamorous! It has its glamorous moments – don’t get me wrong – but it’s a lot of hard work, a lot of hours, thinking outside the box, often having to be three or four steps ahead of other people.

Stephen: When we started our business people were telling us that it was going to be five years before you start making money, and ten years before you make it. We thought that was crazy, but now in our sixth year, it’s absolutely true.

Kirk: It is more challenging in Canada than, say, Europe. Here it’s all hands on. It’s all in studio. We have to order paper, equipment and everything. As well, the luxury market in Canada for domestic design isn’t as ripe as it is in many American, European, and increasingly Middle Eastern and East Asian cities.

xox

Q&A With Supermodel Alek Wek

Robyn — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:56:19 +0000

It is rare when beauty has the power to move you, force you to come to terms with your own, and inspire/challenge the way your eyes and mind process the idea of it on a whole. While fashion continuously brings on new concepts, ideas, and aesthetics, it’s ever-changing nature can sometimes leave bystanders (and even those involved) struggling to catch up. ”It” factors are lost, philosophies overruled, and it’s subjects placed more or less back where they started. To have substance, understand the business, and continuously stay afloat, it takes a very special kind of person.
Enter our lady of the hour, Alek Wek.

I remember the first time I saw her. The impact of her difference stood out in such a new and refreshing way – it was like nothing else I had ever seen. In a sea of sternly inaccessible poses and out of reach campaigns, came a vibrant young glowing thing whose cheery disposition questioned the entire fashion game. Before I knew it, her face was everywhere – showing off bold and colourful makeup looks (and what a canvas to display them on!), walking runway after runway show, and proving to women all over the world that it is in fact enough to just be yourself (no wonder Oprah declared “If you’d been on the cover of a magazine when I was growing up, I would have had a different concept of who I was.” publicly, while hosting Wek on her show).

How did she get her start?

Born and raised as a part of the Dinka tribe in Southern Sudan, the civil war forced her and her family to move to London at a mere fourteen. It was there, in a market, that she was discovered. Having taken a risk (black cover models were not as prominent as they somewhat are today – something I still feel could be improved upon, diversity-wise), Elle featured her on the cover of their magazine. The outpour of comments from readers verbalizing their appreciation for a “break in the beauty mould” was overwhelming. The rest my dears, is simply history! Multiple campaigns, unstoppable momentum, and an array of stunning editorials… all kept going by her strong sense of self, and down to earth work ethic.

Alek took time out of her international jet-set schedule to answer my questions – indulge, enjoy, and adopt her incredible outlook…

RC – You seem to be amongst the few in the fashion industry whose star keeps on rising, consistently gaining strength and staying power as the years roll on. How do you survive in an industry that is so “of the moment” (and whose beauty ideals consistently change)?

AW – I really believe that my understanding that fashion is a business, not a hobby or a game, is what has allowed me to continue on. I never grew up dreaming about being a model or having exposure to fashion, per se, but once given the opportunity, I understood very clearly that I could either have a career and make a difference or I could do this for a few years and not accomplish much at all. I’ve never been one to do anything half-way, so once I decided to do this, I gave it my all. I think that people in this industry really do appreciate someone who is willing to work with them and be part of the team.

RC – You’ve been dedicated to many philanthropic efforts over the years. Can you shed some light as to the causes you are currently working with and how they are making a difference?

AW – Yes, I’ve partnered with organizations like Doctors Without Borders and most recently, I’ve been doing some work with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This means a lot to me because as you might know, I was a refugee from Southern Sudan as a teenager. I know firsthand how difficult it is to leave everything you know and love behind to get to a place where you are safe and can rebuild your life. So my work with UNHCR is very important and very personal. I’m returning to Southern Sudan this summer on my first UNHCR mission. I am so excited and humbled to be able to be a part of anything that means Southern Sudan will have an opportunity to rebuild and grow.

RC – You frequently guest speak at a variety of New York City schools on the famine going on in Southern Sudan, alongside the importance of good nourishment on a whole. As the fashion industry can turn a blind eye to women starving for lower dress sizes (and even involuntarily encourage unhealthy lifestyles in the name of “perfection” and image), this must feel worlds away from your career as a supermodel! How do you keep a realistic vision of beauty, health, and fashion?

AW – You know, my mother always told me to be myself and if someone cannot accept you, then you do not need them in your life. I’ve carried that philosophy with me and it allows me to ignore the nay-sayers. At the end of the day, it’s important for me to be happy, not just with me but everything that makes up my world. There is no such thing as perfection so I don’t really put much stock into thinking that this and that is wrong with me. I like to focus on and celebrate what’s right with me. So yes, I have fun with fashion; I play with colors and a number of styles. I am not too rigid about it at all. I love yoga because it relaxes me and helps me to put things into perspective. As far as beauty, it comes in so many colors, facial shapes, body shapes, hair colors, etc. For me, there has never been one definition of beauty. I think we all have something to offer and when beauty shines from within, there can be no denying it.

RC – You have worked with influential designers and brands such as Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Gucci, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Helmut Lang (to name but a few). Would you say the men and women behind the designs reflect the collections they put out? What would you say your most memorable runway moment was?

AW – I think that the designs we see reflect their sensibilities, passion, and experiences. So many things can inspire a designer after all, and we’re the lucky recipients of such amazing talent and vision. I honestly can’t say that I have a most memorable runway moment because there have been so many. Every time I walk down a runway, I feel like anything and everything is possible, and that I’m so fortunate to be able to do what I love and be a positive voice at the same time. I can’t help but name a few others who have also meant a lot to me, including Giorgio Armani, Diane von Furstenberg, and Karl Lagerfeld. Love them all.

RC – You have always given off such a confident and comfortable air in your beauty (I adore your campaigns radiating with happiness and smiles!). What advice would you give to women who feel awkward, less-than, or like they are still coming into their own?

AW – I would say to them to ignore the negativity and embrace everything positive. I know it seems much easier to say than do, but it really does work. We cannot allow ourselves to be defined by other’s beliefs and perceptions because in the end, why do they matter? And whose to say that they are right? People come in and out of our lives all the time, but we should invest in the relationships with people who support and love us – and those people do really exist. That’s what I love about artists like Lady GaGa. Her song, “Born This Way”, really does sum it up for me. Also, Jill Scott’s anthem, “Hate on Me”. Any time you feel like you are less than or awkward, or that someone doesn’t like you or mean you well – listen to those songs and really embrace the message.

RC – What was meeting Oprah like (I had to ask!)?

AW – Meeting Oprah was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I love her and am always inspired by who she is and everything she has accomplished. Bless her!

RC – You’ve branched off into acting (Four Feathers featuring Heath Ledger and Kate Hudson) and designing handbags in the past (Alek Wek 1933). Are these arenas you wish to continue pursuing in the future again?

AW – Yes absolutely! Bring it on!

RC – You have been named Model Of The Decade by i-D Magazine, counted amongst People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People”, Frank’s “50 Most Influential Faces In Fashion”, have graced the covers of international publications, extended your influence and reach to speaking on behalf of others in need through political platforms… What’s next for you?

AW – The sky is the limit, isn’t it? Stay tuned. There is so much more to come!

xox