Bright and beautiful as a summer day.” That’s one way to describe the latest sun-worthy looks from Flying Solo NYC at 434 W Broadway in SoHo.
Flying Solo is a unique retail destination in NYC, offering an incredible selection of emerging, independent, and established designers, with many looks straight from the runways of New York Fashion Week.
You can follow Flying Solo on Instagram (@flyingsolonyc), or shop at the SoHo location (or online) to own cutting-edge looks now.
Today’s FWO editorial — which proves that Flying Solo meets summer head-on, with an incredible selection to choose from — is brought to life by NYC-based model Nikki Ahna.
Today’s FWO editorial is brought to life by NYC-based model Nikki Ahna
“I started modeling about two years ago, just finding castings online. Since I’m from Babylon on Long Island, I could just take the train into NYC.
“I’ve started building my portfolio a lot more since starting college at FIT, which is one of the most creative schools in the world. I love to balance modeling with school, especially when my two worlds collide during my school’s annual runway show, Runway 27.
“My goal for next season is to walk more runway shows.”
2018 was the second year my boutique agency, The ModelSmith, stepped off the plane from Los Angeles to Miami, with a group of new faces ready to see what happens during the week when models from across the country pack up their bikinis and head to Miami.
MODELS: Matilde Redbridge, left and Ginger Chirstie, Right.
Last year we went as four people, and booked a couple of the smaller shows, but we had an incredible time. A couple of those girls have since picked up for the acting world, and this year it was seven new faces, some even new to us, who — new as they may be — weren’t ready to miss the opportunity to strut a Swim Week runway.
we weren’t ready to miss the opportunity to strut
I have a new plus-sized model leaving her recent law degree and job in the UK to come to LA and pursue her passion for modeling this summer. When I told her we would talk after Miami, she said she’d love to come to Miami and that she’d meet me there.
That kind of drive is where the competition in Miami STARTS. Last year we went in pretty blind. As an agent who has been in the fashion and agency world for a while now, I know what it takes in LA, and I know what it takes in Miami, but it changes. One of the first shows we saw this year was the bikini.com with NewMARK Models show.
That kind of drive is where the competition in Miami STARTS
Jules [Newmark] is someone who I’ve worked with, and I’ve always admired the way she works. Her girls aren’t all 5’10 either, so they put on their own show, and it was so busy you couldn’t move. That was awesome.”
Model Samantha Erikson
The ModelSmith — hence its name, and its play on the old job of blacksmith, and their ability to take metal and mold and shape it — focuses on the development of New Faces, then taking the talents and genuine interests of those models and talent to pair them with jobs that are a real fit for all.
We take the genuine interests of models to pair them with jobs that are a real fit
I don’t have the girls who all have upwards of quarter-of-a million Instagram followers. Most of my girls are not 5’10”. But like, the talent I bring on, I wasn’t willing to let that hold us back.
Most of my girls are not 5’10”
I have plus-sized girls. ‘Plus,’ or ‘curve,’ has finally taken off. We’ve seen it on runways, on the pages of SI — we saw it win SI this year.
SI was probably one of the highlights of this year, while also a contributor to the craziness. One of my plus girls made it to the second round of SI. It’s been a goal of hers for years to meet MJ Day, and she did. I have absolutely no doubt she’ll be a household name of that magazine in short years to come.”
One of my plus girls made it to the second round of SI
Another thing that has been extremely important to me personally has been taking on clients who are people I find inspiring, committed, and just someone you’d want to hang out with! Who wants to work this kind of gig with someone who can’t laugh? Not me.
I personally love looking at a model and wanting to know more about them. A lot of these talents represent multiple ethnicities from all over the world, so if I have the opportunity to learn about that and see them represent it, I absolutely want to. And I think more people in the fashion industry are starting to, as well.
Model: Matilde Redbridge
I’m from Detroit, Michigan. We didn’t get a whole lot of culture there, so watching models from countries I know nothing about show up for their families, and give people where they’re from a possible confidence to go out there and do something, is incredible to me.
It’s harder as a small agency to have the brand contacts, and “ins” it takes to get your girls up there. It takes time, and it is nothing short of a daily hustle. I applaud the girls who fly in without an agency or a booking and just hope to cast. The larger castings help that.
We got into an Art Hearts Fashion casting (thank you to Art Hearts Fashion for the open bar!), and while it was a long day and only a few of my models were invited, they got out there and at 5’6” or 5’11, or a plus size 16, gave it their all in a way that makes it all worth it. That doesn’t mean I didn’t make these girls walk, and walk again.
One of our favorite quotes this year was from one of the designers kind of running the casting. He was seeing the last of the girls walk a few more times to see if they could get in there (and they did).
I had a more petite model with me who has a fierce walk and nothing short of a swim body. He said, “We’ll have to put you in 6-inch heels, can you do that?”
Without missing a beat, she told him “I can run in 7,” and went out in the grass to show him her walk. I loved it. She was laughing on the way back because she knew how well she did.
We’ll have to put you in 6-inch heels, can you do that? She replied: “I can run in 7.”
Model: Matilde Redbridge
This year we had creative director Luca Burnett of Yantra Beauty with us because, well, Miami humidity. It was fun being able to create content and experience that together.
Next year we want to kick this up big time and really work as a team. Teaming up with people who work like you, or understand your vision and believe in it, is so helpful. To start out with any talent, brand, company and grow together — you just never know what will happen for either, and you have a better chance of doing it together.
This year the stakes were higher than ever. I think a lot of the bookings were direct, there were less castings, and the shows were full of past-walk favorites.
Reasonably so, the KAOHS show may have been my favorite that I got to see. They used the majority of the models they did last year, but I’m also a huge music fan, and they nailed the music too. Everything from show soundtrack, the venue with the runway on water, the delicate but playfully sexy suits, shut it down. It was jaw-dropping.
There are also a lot of pre-booked Instagram favorites at these bigger shows, which you’ll hear a lot of people talk about. People want to see familiar faces.
I also loved Maaji, hosted by Paraiso: 5’10” bodies straight off of island surfboards! Then drummers? And then a few dancers joined by more and more dancers? It was an exhilarating feeling to end the week on.
Any model who didn’t book can watch the shows and appreciate the girls that do. I tell my girls to look for what they were ‘missing,’ but also look for what they have and don’t see. Going to learn that for your first year alone is worth it.
Founder and current sole proprietor of TMS, and Luca, Creative Director of Yantra Beauty.
You can find The Model Smith and its ever-growing roster at www.TheModelSmith.com, and follow them @TheModelSmith. You can learn more about beauty and haircare brand YANTRA @YantraBeauty, www.yantrabeauty.com.
NewMARK models — an all-female, empowering boutique agency based in LA — is prepping for their favorite week of the year, Miami Swim Week.
This year, 20 models will cross the US to walk the runways and have fun in the sun, producing some of the most iconic social media content.
“Miami Swim Week is the best opportunity of the year for swim and lifestyle brands to showcase what they’re all about to the rest of the world watching on all social media channels,” says Jules Newmark, founder and director of newMARK models.
“This week is defining for us and beyond the exposure, the girls create a huge buzz doing what they love! We promote positivity, confidence and supporting each other. This week is such goals for so many girls and we’re here to encourage others to follow their dreams!”
We promote positivity, confidence and supporting each other
The agency has traveled to Miami annually for the past four years to participate in the fashion shows and bring LA to South Beach. In past shows, models have walked for a range of designers from Beach Bunny to KAOHS, Hot As Hell and For Love and Lemons. newMARK’s own DJ Sam Blacky plays several shows during the week in between strutting the runway. The iconic sunset yacht cruise is one of everyone’s favorite memories.
This year, newMARK is prepping for shows during their stay between the beautiful Delano South Beach and SLS South Beach. Follow the journey through photoshoots with bikini.com, One Bars, I-SEA Sunglasses, Vionic Beach sandals, Skova Towels, Bird electric scooters and Silvercar, to name a few.
The kick off for Swim Week weekend starts Thursday July 12th, with a runway show at the Delano South Beach featuring bikini.com x NEWMARK with styling by Drybar and makeup from smashbox + VLADA Petal Metal Collection and Sigma Beauty, produced by Paraiso.
After party to follow featuring DJ Sam Black at the Doheny Room.
The girls will continue into the weekend walking for brands such as KAOHS, KOA-KYE, Montce Swim and more! July 17th – 21st, newMARK heads to the Bahamas for a stay at the SLS Baha Mar, relaxation, photoshoots and swimming with the pigs!
About newMARK models
newMARK models is an all-female and empowering boutique agency based in Los Angeles founded in 2014. newMARK was created to provide a unique experience for both clients and models. The agency size provides exceptional service and focused attention. Beyond modeling, girls have a variety of hobbies and skills – surfers, a DJ, a comedian, actors and Youtubers just to name a few. Ranging from micro to massive influencers, the models’ reach over 3.5 million people across the globe.
Kaylin Williams may be a fresh face to the modeling world, but her confidence on the runway belies that. At 5’11, this Turkish-American beauty has already walked the rRunway for designers from Rocky Gathercole to Christian Siriano, to name just to name a few. Although Kaylin (@officially.kaylinwilliams) is only 15 years old, she is confident, humble, and ready to take on the modeling world by storm.
(Co-founders Esther Kinnear-Derungs and Tara Le Roux, by Jakub Koziel)
Linden Staub Adopts Fur-Free Policy
Modelling and talent agency Linden Staub is officially going fur-free, co-founders Esther Kinnear-Derungs and Tara Le Roux announced this morning.
The decision marks a major move, with Linden Staub being the first agency to join the conversation by stating they will not provide models for photo shoots and fashion shows where their signed models wear fur.
“We support a more sustainable approach within the fashion industry by becoming fur-free. With so many prestigious brands supporting this movement, we feel that it is a natural move as a supplier of talent to stand alongside them in this vision”, said Esther Kinnear-Derungs and Tara Le Roux.
We support a more sustainable approach within the fashion industry
Under the new policy, Linden Staub will no longer book their talent on jobs in which they individually model real fur. As of April 2018, a Linden Staub model will never again be photographed wearing real fur, or walking in a show wearing real fur for a professional engagement.
Linden Staub will no longer book their talent on jobs in which they individually model real fur
“Hats off to Linden Staub for keeping the fur industry off its books. Given that animal suffering has been exposed time and time again on fur farms around the world – and that innovative, luxurious, cruelty-free fabrics are widely available – there’s no excuse for designing with, buying, or modelling fur. We commend the agency on taking a stand against this gruesome trade and on sending a clear message that fur has no place in today’s fashion industry”, said Director of PETA, Elisa Allen.
The agency’s fur-free policy will include mink, coyote, raccoon dog, fox, rabbit, and karakul (otherwise known as astrakhan) and all others species specially bred or caught for fur.
The company joins many other leading fashion brands and retailers in going fur-free – including Versace, Furla, Gucci, Armani, HUGO BOSS, Yoox Net-a-Porter and more.
Paris Al-Atraqchi moved to New York when she was only 16 to train at the Joffrey Ballet School with a focus in classical ballet. Even though she’s only 18 now, she’s already leading a fascinating life as a model in New York. Read on to learn more about Paris Al-Atraqchi.
Paris Al-Atraqchi
Q: Hi Paris. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in New Jersey, USA and raised in a small suburb called Acton in Massachusetts. I moved to New York City by myself when I was 16, just after I finished up my sophomore year of high school.
I actually didn’t come to NY to become a model. I moved out to train at the Joffrey Ballet School with a focus in classical ballet. My dream was to be a professional dancer.
I moved to New York City when I was 16
I got into dance modeling a few months after moving to New York when a photographer scouted me in a Starbucks just by the Brooklyn Bridge.
a photographer scouted me in a Starbucks
I fell in love with the modeling scene, which led to a passion for all types of modeling. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was 17 and had a lot of health complications that got in the way of my dance training. I left ballet school midway through my second year of training to move back in with my parents, get my health sorted, and also earn my high school diploma.
Education has always been very important to me and the online school I was studying at wouldn’t accept the two years worth of credits I had earned in MA, so I was not going to be able to get my high school diploma if I didn’t get everything transferred in Santa Barbara, CA (where my parents now live) and finish up over there.
Education has always been very important to me
It was super weird to not only be the new girl as a senior in high school, but also to be at a high school with people my age after having lived on my own for nearly two years. I went from living an adult life with a full time ballet schedule to using hall passes and debating on whether or not I should go to the prom!
it was weird to be at a high school after having lived on my own for two years
I definitely felt shy and weird about going in but I got through it and ended up signing with a boutique modeling agency in Los Angeles just around the time of graduation.
Modeling was a good way for me to be creative and stay in the entertainment community without having to live that super-taxing dancer lifestyle that any ballerina knows.
I love fashion so becoming a model felt very natural to me.
Having a Middle Eastern and European mix, I love my falafel but still need my scones! Haha. I am totally joking. I’m always cracking jokes; my friends would say that I am very bubbly while still being a total introvert and health geek. I am always the friend people come to for fitness advice, which I love because helping spread health and wellness makes me so happy.
helping spread health and wellness makes me so happy
Miami Swim Week Modeling / Featuring Model Rylee Webber
Even though it’s only February, people’s minds are already turning toward summer (the freezing cold this winter probably didn’t help), and suddenly Miami Swim Week in July doesn’t seem too far away.
As the world’s top portal for Miami, FWO will be profiling some of the top models we’re looking forward to seeing on the runways this Miami Swim Week, beginning with TNG model Rylee Webber of New York.
FWO will be profiling top models
One of the top questions we get at FWO is how to model for Miami Swim Week. Although Fashion Week Online does refer some models to agencies and producers, your first approach should be to check our model casting calls page.
The second approach would be to check the list of Miami Swim Week producers, and inquire directly with them, or follow them on social media.
For more casting opportunities, you can also follow our Miami Swim Week Instagram @MiamiSwimWeekend.
Meet Rylee Webber
This month, we’re featuring model Rylee Webber, represented by TNG Models.
At 5’10 1/2, Rylee is originally from New Zealand, moved to Las Vegas when she was 6 years old, and now lives in New York City.
She was a winner of the Elite Model Search in 2016, and has been modeling for runway and print ever since.
Now the presenter-turned-designer and all-’round fashion icon has designed a handbag to raise money for Sarabande (a charity foundation created by the late Alexander McQueen) and promote small businesses in the UK.
Following the successful launch of her debut collection this year, Chung has now designed a baby blue gingham tote bag in order to promote Small Shop Saturday (December 2nd), a day that celebrates small businesses in the UK in collaboration with American Express.
Chung’s effortless style is something that many a fashionista would like to emulate, and this tote screams Alexa but it also nods toward a significant influence on her style, Jane Birkin. Even though the winter months have arrived, the tote oozes chic spring/summer.
this tote screams Alexa with a nods toward Jane Birkin
However, this bag is more than just a cute fashion accessory. Supporting small businesses is something close to Chung’s heart and she has recalled in numerous interviews what a key part of her upbringing in Hampshire they were. She also champions helping young creative minds achieve their dreams, which is the mantra of the Sarabande charity.
She also champions helping young creative minds
To her millions of fans that want a taste of Chung’s style, the mini gingham tote — complete with a handwritten A on the corner — may be the perfect fit, as it retails at budget friendly £25 and is available to buy on her website.
Get yours now, because it’ll be a “must have” accessory this London or New York Fashion Week.
You may know our friend Alexa Collins as one of the models you saw quite a lot of at last Miami Swim Week. She’s very beautiful, with a beautiful spirit, and now has been chosen as the first “SwimIssue Angel” by SwimIssue, a new brand entering the swimwear entertainment space.
According to The Huffington Post, “SwimIssue will operate in much the same way as Sports Illustrated or Victoria’s Secret works — by cherry picking a small selection of elite models that become the faces of the company and who make up the swim brand’s core family.
“The brand is set to become an iconic franchise spanning fashion, social media, brand activations, TV and even movies … but where Sports Illustrated sells magazines, SwimIssue will focus on its TV series and Instagram stores, selling swimwear from the hottest trending designers in the business.”
Alexa is a true fan of Miami Swim Week. In fact, she says, “My favorite photos are from [last] Miami Swim Week. They show my true colors and they also show how happy I was on that day. I also love our first Charlie’s Angels style shoot.”
You can see that video at top.
As Miami Swim Week becomes more popular, we’re looking forward to seeing how TV and film will continue to augment this exciting series of annual events.
Alexa Chung Celebrates the Launch of Her Eponymous Fashion House with Friends
We still think Ringo is just a smidge cooler than George — if you remove the Pattie Boyd-driven Hindu element, anyway — but anything with a non-John or -Paul Beatle is likely to get an automatic thumbs up from us.
Alexa Chung clearly knows her market, as she showed once again last night at the debut of her new ALEXACHUNG Collection, which was both runwayed and fêted at London’s Aviary Bar.
Although the guest list reads like a who’s who of hip London society, the real standout was the collection, which was surprisingly good.
The show was live streamed via www.alexachung.com, and the event was joined by some of her closest friends: Pixie Geldof, Daisy Lowe, Amber Anderson, Natasha Lyonne, Henry Holland, Jack Guinness, and Tallulah Harlech.
The focus was clearly on wearability, with a collection of looks that were chic, cheeky, and fun. Thrift-store cool with a rock edge — à la Bill Gaytten or Saint Laurent — was presented side-by-side prep school chic that recalled Band of Outsiders. As if that wasn’t enough, a little Joan Jett-inflected punk, Studio 54 disco, and 1980s shoulder pads were thrown in for good measure.
Joan Jett-inflected punk, Studio 54 disco, and 1980s shoulder pads
A collection like this can risk becoming incohesive, but a sense of playful, tongue-in-cheek sass tied it all together. The “Screw You” t-shirt in funky, early-’70s letters, and the “I Love U, I Hate U” tee were standouts in the smoking-in-the-girl’s-room category. But there was some very lovely knitwear as well, such as the stripy mohair jumper (very smartly styled with a leather skirt), and mixed crochet top a la Hervé Léger.
Alexa Chung shows that her strong sense of style can indeed translate into a full collection. But more importantly, she seems to be able to design clothes that people would actually love to wear. The fits were sharp, silhouettes on point, and the energy and sense of fun palpable.
She seems to be able to design clothes people would actually love to wear
If this is what Alexa Chung is up to, we can hardly wait to see more.
I was born in New Jersey, USA and raised in a small suburb called Acton in Massachusetts. I moved to New York City by myself when I was 16, just after I finished up my sophomore year of high school.
It was super weird to not only be the new girl as a senior in high school, but also to be at a high school with people my age after having lived on my own for nearly two years. I went from living an adult life with a full time ballet schedule to using hall passes and debating on whether or not I should go to the prom!
This month, we’re featuring model Rylee Webber, represented by 
According to The Huffington Post, “
