Model Behavior: Jonathan Zakus from Red

Jonathan Zakus came into our casting and captured our hearts right away with his kind eyes and strong face.  When shooting Here comes the Sun, Jonathan was up for anything.  He was great at taking an idea creating a real moment for me to capture.  Jonathan Zakus from Red Model Management has been heating up the industry for some time.  His looks and charm book him tons of great work.  Read on below for some of his insights on the modeling biz:

 

KW:  How did you start modeling?

JZ:  I was approached by the mysterious Stephen K.  First the opportunity, then the choice between New York or Calculus.  Finally the decision was New York. 

 

KW:  Well we’re glad you’ve chosen New York!  Tell me about your magazine that you’ve had in the works?

JZ:  Umm…Still in the beginning stages.  Shhhhhhhh.

 

KW:  I couldn’t resist asking after you hinted towards it when we met.  Give me the best piece of advice for models in this industry now.

JZ:  Either treat it as a form of employment with colleagues and acquaintances or don’t.  Either way it’s just a game of luck and timing. Be true to yourself and proud of your decisions.

 

KW:  What was it like shooting with the crew on the hippie shoot?

JZ:  Funtastically, amazingly, gnarly! It was a great group of gals.  It was fun, would work with them again.

 

KW:  Was it hard to pretend you were in love with the female model?

JZ:  No because I didn’t pretend. I was simply having fun with playing the part of a hippie.

 

KW:  Which outfit was your favorite from the set that day?

JZ:  The black faux vest and friends.

 

KW:  What’s the most fun you’ve had on a photo shoot?

JZ:  Shooting during Carnival in Port-au-Spain, Trinidad with the infamous Calvin French.

 

KW:  And the craziest thing you’ve had to do for a shoot or casting?

JZ:  For castings, there are too many to recount.  But for shoots, it’s probably working in foreign countries not understanding the languages.

 

 

KW:  Tell me a fall or winter fashion piece that you can’t live without…

JZ:  Mon Toque. Ces’t francais pour beanie.

 

KW:  That’s right you speak French!  Love it.  Tell me a designer or photographer you’d want to be a muse for and why?

JZ:  Ralph Lauren and Mario Testino.  Also Tupac, but that will have to wait until A.D. Who wouldn’t wanna work with their favorites?

 

KW:  What does it take to be a successful model in this industry?  I know it can be hard on your emotional state sometimes, what do you tell yourself to keep on doing it?

JZ:  Being aware that this is a business of rejection and not to take it personally is key. Either they like your look or they don’t but you can’t change your look.  Success can vary but financially it is like any other business. It is an uphill struggle with the few working kicking you back down the ladder while you are scraping to hang on.

KW:  Jonathan it was such a pleasure working with you that day.  You’re so much fun to be around and your work is amazing!  Thank you John W. Babin for all your help at Red Models.

Model Behavior: Cristina from Muse

Cristina from Muse Model Management has an aura around her.  Her edgy yet ethereal sides are apparent the second you lock eyes with her.  Her long blonde hair, sweet personality and strong bone structure makes her a sought-after model.  I’ve been wanting to shoot with Cristina for quite some time now.  Having done so in WhatsWears newest editorial Here Comes the Sun, I was also able to get her to answer some questions about modeling. Click on the form below to see her handwritten responses!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(special thanks to Katie Wolland from Muse Model Management)

Daughters of The Revolution

The spring 2010 line of Daughters of The Revolution was a true inspiration to me while styling “Here Comes The Sun Shoot.” The flowing dresses, with the elegantly simplistic color patters and designs, reminded me of the beauty of nature.  As designer Emily states on her website “I design my clothes to invoke the sensibilities of freedom, nature, love, family and femininity.” I tried to capture this feeling in the Here Comes the Sun Shoot, by using key pieces from Daughters’ spring line.

Her pieces captured the feelings of freedom, nature, love, and the joys of being alive. One of my favorite items is the sheer white jumpsuit with falling red leaves design and black buttons. This piece can be worn anywhere, with flats or heels. The pieces we used in the photo shoot were the embroidered peacock blouse and the beaded gold cropped vest.  Both are stunning items, that add texture and a hint of color in a sophisticated and elegant way. We also used her red flowing dress. It was exquisite. The color reminding me of the brilliant hue used in a Rothko painting. To compliment the spirit of the dress, I paired it with a strong shoulder military cropped jacket. The two complemented each other perfectly in their opposition.

Daughters of the Revolution is a line that encapsulates a feeling and a mood, that the every day girl should incorporate into her closet.

Saivana

Created in 1994, Saivana has proven to have a great impact in the fashion industry. This brand has collaborated with many European designers such as Kenzo, Isabel Marant, Dries Van Noten and Susanne Rutzou. Having established a strong hold in Europe, Saivana was launched in the USA in December of 2008. Since then, it has been reaching great heights of success. The pieces are all exquisitely delicate with free-form tops and dresses that exhibit a unique craftsmanship. The blue sheer blouse that was used in this week’s editorial, Here Comes The Sun, shows what extraordinary bead work and construction Saviana produces.

All of Saivana’s pieces incorporate a high-level of quality along with delicate details. It is because of this exceptional originality and attention to detail that Saivana has made a lasting impact in the world of fashion.