By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
Connecticut model Margot Paul has been featured in fashion spreads in the Observer. And the teen has walked several runways in her home state.
But April 27, Margot had the opportunity to take her modeling career to the next level when she walked the catwalk in New York City.
Margot was one of the models selected for VIP-Exclusive’s fashion showcase at 404 on 10th Avenue in the city.
The show featured a full slate of designers: Mina D Jewelry, Anna Maria La Bianca, CK-DF Designs, Arthlene Laudat, Kenya Smith, Patrica MARSA ALAM Collection, and Victor Hou-Designs.
Margot’s family invited The Observer to tag along to New York City to catch the teen behind the scenes as she prepared to step out before a Big Apple fashionista crowd. With the permission of VIP-Exclusive CEO Terrance Shaw, the Observer was given free reign to photograph behind the scenes.
The day was a long one for Margot, who is also a ballet student, with a 9 a.m. call to begin hair and make-up. Then there was an afternoon of fittings where designers figured out what garments she would wear. Finally, there was the wait until the 8 p.m. go-time where she could walk the runway—actually opening the show— in front of a phalanx of New York fashion photographers and glitterati.
Along the way, she networked and befriended other New York models, make-up and hair professionals, and fashion industry insiders.
After the day was done, we caught up with Margot to speak about the experience.
Observer: How did it feel to get a chance to walk the runway in New York City?
Margot: I felt very privileged to have the opportunity to be in a real New York City fashion show. It was a once in a lifetime chance for someone my age, who’s from a small town in Connecticut. I am thankful that my dance instructor Carolyn Paine, who is also an actress, forwarded that casting call notice to my mom. Many of my other instructors at Ballet Theatre Company (in West Hartford) have also given me the confidence and skills to present myself in a positive professional way on stage.
O: You were the first model to step onto the runway that night… what was going through your head before you stepped out in front of the fashion fans who came out to VIP-Exclusive?
M: (It) was unreal to me. I expected the best, most experienced, model to take this place. It was a major confidence booster. All I was thinking about before I received the signal to go was not to fall, act professional, keep my chin up, and show everyone that a small town girl— who isn’t the stereotypical model— can be just as good and work it on the runway just like the others.
O: There was an army of New York photographers waiting the end of the runway. What was it like knowing that your photograph was going to show up in a fashion magazine or fashion blog?
M: The army of photographers at both ends of the runway was overwhelming at first but I quickly got used to it and I actually loved the feeling of having so many lights flashing and all the shutters snapping. It felt as if I was a celebrity with paparazzi following me. It’s hard to wrap my head around knowing that my face will be on pages of popular magazines and fashion blogs. It was very exciting for this 15 year old girl.
O: You got to wear four outfits. Tell me a little bit about each.
M: I wore four outfits for four different designers in the show. The first outfit I wore was all white; a tutu, tight-fitting top and leggings. It showed off the beautiful white and blue necklaces and bracelets by Mina Deutsh of Mina D Jewelry. The second outfit was a blue, black, and white A-line dress by Carissa Krametz of CK-DF Designs. The third outfit was a black ruffled tank top paired with black and white couture summer shorts by Arthlene Laudat Legair Designs. This was my favorite outfit. For my fourth and final outfit, I wore a black leather motorcycle dress, bright red leather gloves, and carried a helmet under my arm. This outfit was by designer Kenya Smith.
O: Did you get to mingle with some of the fashion professionals? Any nibbles for future gigs?
M: After the show, I got to mingle with many producers, designers, and talent scouts. I passed out my comp cards and networked. It was encouraging to know that so many people want to work with me and help me with my career. A few of them asked if I have been in movies. I told them “I haven’t… yet.”.
O: Your entire family was there that night. How did it feel to have their support for your rookie event as a New York model?
M: (It) was fantastic and kept me going. I’m fortunate to have their support and help in achieving my career goals in the fashion and dance industries.
For more information about VIP-Exclusive, go to VIP-Exclusive.org
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
Margot Paul, in her first look for Mina D Jewelry, was the first model on the runway for the VIP-Exclusive fashion show in New York City.
Margot Paul sits for the hair team to prepare for the April 27 VIP-Exclusive fashion show.
Margot Paul, right, and fellow model Perpetua Smith, chat backstage during downtime on April 27.
In the dressing room for fittings, Margot Paul, right, and Perpetua Smith learn what they will be wearing.
Before the crowds come in and the VIPs take their seats– and check their gift swag, Margot Paul poses on the empty runway at 404 in New York City.
Margot Paul, center, listens to VIP-Exclusive CEO Terrance Shaw give a pep talk to all the models in the April 27 show at 404 on 10th Avenue in New York City.