September Model of the Month – Jaimi P.

We are so excited to have the super-experienced Missy fit model, Jaimi P, as our September Model of the Month. With years of experience, current New Yorker, Jaimi, has now fit for so many awesome brands on both the East and West Coast, and additionally has traveled to China to fit on-site at factories! Continue reading more to learn more about where Jaimi has been and her journey as a pro fit model!

1. Where are you from?
   
   I grew up in a very small town in Minnesota -surrounded by lakes, rivers, pine trees, and wildlife.  We had horses, dogs, cats, lizards, birds, hamsters, and even a pet goat named Houdini.  I’m a city girl now, but I’m grateful that my family remains rooted in my childhood home.  It’s my favorite holiday destination, particularly when it’s filled with my many nieces and nephews!
   
   
2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?
   
   I love motorcycling, road-tripping and camping.  A few years ago, I combined all three and rode my motorcycle all around the Western half of the country – camping all along the way.  It was extraordinary (even the bit where I rode through an unexpected snowstorm in Wyoming)!
   
   
3. Favorite clients from the biz?
   
   I have enjoyed all of my fit clients, for different reasons. I love working with the Ralph Lauren Denim team!  I will always have a soft spot for my Los Angeles fit families Monique Lhuillier and Sanctuary. Making the move from Los Angeles to New York was bittersweet. 
   
   
4. Dreams/goals anything else of interest?
   
   I have so much fun fitting for brands across the board from bridal / formal wear to casual wear and denim. I’d love to add more swimwear and fitness brands to the mix as well! 
   
   
5. Career highlights? 
   
   I love to travel, so I’ve really enjoyed the trips I’ve taken with my fit clients.  One of my favorite trips was to China where I got to tour the factory and work directly with the seamstresses that build the bridal gowns for one of my clients. 
   
   
6. How did you get into fit modeling?
   
   I feel like I’ve been preparing for this career long before I started, as my mom is a hobby seamstress and I also work as an actor, often working on stage in classical productions. I’ve had many clothes and costumes built and tailored for me over the years. When I was randomly scouted by a fit agent in Los Angeles several years ago, I found it to be a very natural fit for me (pun intended).  With the recent transition many companies are making into zoom fittings – my self-tape setup and film making skills have been put to good use as well, which has been a fun challenge!

Model of the Month – Leah M.

She is back! We are thrilled to have our pro-size 6 fit model star, Leah McGarry (formerly known as Leah Heifferon), as our August Model of the Month. Book publisher turned model, Leah has a decade of experience in the industry working for clients like DVF, Madewell, and Tory Burch. Continue reading to find out more about Leah and her fit model experience!

1. Where are you from?

The middle of the desert near Tucson, Arizona. We had a horse, goats, chickens, and grew our own vegetables. People are always surprised to hear this about me, probably because I love New York City so much.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

I’m into good food, weird wine, reading and hiking upstate.

3. Favorite clients from the biz? 

I feel so lucky to have been able to work with such great clients! Some favorites include Madewell, Gap, DKNY, Rag & Bone, DVF, Tory Burch, Zac Posen–to name just a few!

4. Dreams/goals anything else of interest? 

I’d love to fit for some sustainable brands. I see more and more of them launching and I’d love to be a part of that movement.

5. Career highlights? 

Getting to work for Diane von Furstenberg for 8 years was amazing–it
was great to have something so steady in an industry that is
constantly changing; it really felt like a family.

Getting to travel with them to Hong Kong was also very cool, as was going to Milan with Ralph Lauren!

6. How did you get into fit modeling?

I was working in publishing, selling translation rights to American novels to international publishers, and was looking for a way to supplement my income. I started getting more and more fit clients and decided to make the switch to fitting full-time. I miss my other life sometimes but I still enjoy books in my free time.

 

Model of the Month – Georgia Jenkins

We are thrilled to share our talented Fit-model star and actress, Georgia, as our June Model of the Month. This multifaceted model has a great career ahead whether it is in Fit, acting or the wine industry! Continue reading to find out more about Georgia’s journey in the industry and much more.

1. Where are you from?

A few places! Born in Arizona. Grew up on the beautiful island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands and then in San Antonio, Texas. Also, I had a short stint living on a sailboat with my family in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

Aside from my work in Fit, I am also an actor and plus model. I love being in front of the camera as much as I do behind the scenes. In between shoots I moonlight as a sommelier with a specialty in natural (biodynamic, organic) wine. In my free time I can be found fly fishing, watching basketball, or planning my next escape to the ocean.

3. Favorite clients from the biz?

How could I choose! Every client I have worked with has been a joy. 

4. Dreams/goals anything else of interest?

I would love to work with some of my personal favorite denim companies like Madewell or Universal Standard. After years of struggling with jean sizes I am so happy to see companies that prioritize plus bodies!

5.  Career highlights?

I once Fit this Dolly Parton-esque two piece pastel denim set with DL1961 that I LOVED! It turned out beautifully and I still have dreams about it to this day.

6. How did you get into fit modeling?

My size card from modeling and acting got into the right hands and I was scouted by BICOASTAL to try Fit. It’s been a great journey and very encouraging to see the industry value bodies of all sizes in a way that once seemed impossible. I am grateful to have such a supportive and encouraging team to work with!

Model of the Month – Irina Romashevskaya

We are thrilled to share our multi-talented model and fit-model star, Irina, as our June Model of the Month. This Russian native has a promising career ahead of her whether it be modeling or as a designer/photographer/stylist/creative! Continue reading to find out more about Irina’s journey in the fashion industry and much more.

1. Where are you from?

I was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, but spent half of my life in United States. I moved to New York from Seattle many years ago.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

I’m a graduate of FIT and work in the industry as a design consultant and stylist.

I am also an accomplished photographer and have recently directed and produced my first short film.

I enjoy the great outdoors and spend my free time hiking, camping, skiing, sailing and occasionally taking dance lessons.

3. Favorite clients from the biz?

I absolutely adore working with Anna Sui and the team at Vera Wang. I also had a great time working with a team at Urban Zen and many other clients in the industry.

4. Dreams/goals anything else of interest?

I love feminine aesthetic and would be honored to work with Carolina Herrera or Oscar de La Renta brands.

5.  Career highlights?

A few years ago, I had a chance to walk in the show where Naomi Campbell was given a Lifetime Achievement Award. That was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in my career.

6. How did you get into fit modeling?

I started my modeling career as a print/editorial and runway model. A friend mentioned that fit modeling would be something that I should try as I already worked in the industry and understood garment construction. I contacted a couple of agencies that specialized in fit and the rest is history.

 

Fashion Model of the Month – Eric Chong

 We are excited to announce our star, Eric, as our January Model of the Month. This NYC native has a promising career ahead of her whether it be in modeling or as a DJ, Eric puts his all into anything he develops a passion for. Continue reading to find out more about Eric’s modeling journey and much more!

Vegas Giovanni Photography | 2017 | NYC: Enigma

1. Where you are from?

I was born in New York City to Korean parents. Although I have made significants stops in Nevada and California.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

I’m one of those geeks that dive completely into an interest as soon as I feel inspiration. It’s like I almost become married to it for a few months then go off and find my next interest. My first love was the work of J.R.R Tolkien, I even have one of his poems tattooed on my back in Elvish.  My second love had to be combat sports- I think their something primal and meditative about collision sports. Most importantly I have always been into music, DJing for almost many years and being an affiliate engineer for Ruff Ryders Entertainment. I would remake beats live with vinyl and turntables for a live hip hop band. I also spent a lot of time interning for different music studios in LA and also was a Sous Chef at a Japanese restaurant in Manhattan. Eventually I quit everything to become the next Batman or Joker (haven’t decided yet).

3. Favorite clients from the biz? 

All of them! I think every small or large job is in support of a larger creative vision. It is always a privilege to contribute to a project greater than myself. A memorable one would be my campaign with MAC Cosmetics, it was pretty surreal because it was the first time I saw myself in a physical store. I don’t think I will forget my most recent job with Nike as it was my first time having my travel and lodge covered by a client and I got to meet many kindred spirits.

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

My sincere ideal is to simply go where I am most valuable, no matter where that may be. I would love to get a feature in GQ or Vogue. I have recently rediscovered my Asian heritage and it’s become a bit of a dream to work in South Korea. Working for clients like Adidas, Dolce & Gabbana and ASOS would be great since I’ve spent countless dollars on them haha!

5. Career highlights?

My career highlights are the ones I get to keep enjoying. The people I have met have been some of the most passionate and interesting humans; those with uniqueness who want to change the world. I am almost certain I have met most of my lifelong friends through this industry.

6. How did you get into modeling ?

I was actually trying to DJ for a charity fashion show where the proceeds were going to victims of homelessness and child sex trafficking. As a former homeless youth I was dying to be a part of this. Ends up that they were short on models and they asked me to model. I initially hesitated because I wasn’t highly confident in my physical appearance. I ended up walking the show and that lead to meeting photographers, doing shoots and eventually being scouted. I made sure not to walk into it with idealizations or “me-centric” intentions. I just want to keep enjoying the story as it unfolds.

Fit Model of the Month- Sydney Sabean

We are thrilled to have our Fit star on the rise, Sydney Sabean, as our January Model of the Month. From fitting with clients like GAP and Crye Precision, Sydney continues to show love and devotion to the industry!

 

1. Where you are from?

Born and raised in Manhattan, New York.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

Acting has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. My dream is to voice an animated character! Exercise and especially group fitness is another passion of mine. I teach indoor cycling classes at Flywheel Sports 7x a week and it is one of the best parts of my day. In my free time, I love going to stand up comedy shows, trying new restaurants and listening to podcasts- my current favorite is Crime Junkie. Im currently working on a short film with my writing partner in which I play a serial killer who finds her victims on dating apps.

3. Favorite clients from the biz? 

Im lucky that my favorite clients are the ones I currently fit with Gap and Crye Precision. The team at Gap is so welcoming and open to feedback, while Crye Precision is the most unique brand I have worked with. They have one of the hardest jobs making military uniforms and they handle it with such ease.

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

I would love to fit athletic wear as my Fit career progresses. Working in fitness, I know how crucial and precise the fit needs to be. Improperly fitting workout gear can completely ruin an experience and we don’t need our clothing making exercise even harder. To name a few fitness brands, I would love to work with Lululemon, Alo Yoga, Bandier or Fabletics.

5. Career highlights?

Definitely becoming a regular with the Gap team has been a career highlight!

 

6. How did you get into modeling ?

I found Fit modeling completely unexpectedly! I was having photos taken for potential commercial work by a wonderful photographer named Lisa Houlgrave. Lisa was a former Fit model and she new Malissa and the Bicoastal Team. She made the fateful introduction and the rest is history!

 

 

 

Fashion and Fit Model of the Month- Anelisa

We are excited to have our fashion, commercial and fit star on the rise Anelisa Durham, as our November Model of the Month. With years of experience Anelisa has worked for clients such as Maybelline, Uniqlo, Zac Posen and Minnie Rose to name a few. Keep reading to learn more about Anelisa’s ventures in the fashion industry.

 

1. Where you are from?

As a military brat I moved around a lot, but my dearest friends and the place where I did the most of my growing up is Oregon- so I consider that my place of origin.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

I love poetry! Reading it, speaking it, and sharing my favorite finds through Instagram. It makes me so happy whenever someone tells me that a poem I found helped them or inspired them. I also enjoy bar class, yoga, singing, hanging out with my neighbors and of course love the company of all furry children (dogs/cats)!

3. Favorite clients from the biz? 

That’s a tough one! I have been modeling for over a decade and I have had the opportunity to work with so many great clients. Without mentioning all the wonderful production teams and photographers I have worked with. I would definitely have to mention Hania by Anya Cole, Loro Piana, Nikon/Dixie Dixon, Gabriel & Co Jewelry, Maybelline and Zac Posen as a few of my favorites.

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

I would love to work with any brand that considers quality, care, dependability, attention to detail, authenticity and/or creativity as part of its core values.

5. Career highlights?

Wow there are so many! For print it has to be many of the ones I have already mentioned above but others include Kohls, Pella, Uniqlo, DHC, Crown Royal. Fit modeling has been another part of modeling that I have had the pleasure to part take in. Fitting for brands like Zac Posen, Minnie Rose and Yeon have been such a pleasure and I hope to continue doing more of it!

6. How did you get into modeling ?

I was actually scouted as a model after a middle school band rehearsal by Tia Reagan. I did my first several photoshoots and bookings through her and I credit her and photographer Tanja Lippert, for getting me started and giving me a good mindset for the business.

 

Fit Model of the Month- Chrisandra Wells

We are thrilled to have our star, Chrisandra Wells for the second time around, as our October Model of the Month. From fitting with clients like One Jeans Group and Aerie, Chrisandra continues to show love and devotion to the industry!

 

 

 

1. Where you are from?

I am from Omaha, Nebraska and raised In the nearby town of Bellevue but have been a New Yorker for 20 years and currently reside in Brooklyn.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

I am very interested in foreign language study and travel! Researching family genealogy and organizing family events is something I have taken a liking to as well. I love my career as a Fit model and working with such a diverse group of designers who are making clothes available in plus sizes.

3. Favorite clients from the biz? 

I enjoy working with all the different clients I currently fit for and becoming accustomed to their needs.

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

I make sure to update my client list regularly on LinkedIn and it is so exciting to see that I have about 30 Fit clients on my resume. My goal is to maintain high standard of professionalism as a model and get as many opportunities that I can!

5. Career highlights?

Doing showroom for Studio Levana for NYBFW was absolutely amazing. I also had the opportunity to travel China as Eloquii’s Fit model a few years ago.

6. How did you get into modeling ?

I have always loved the drama of makeup and the camera since an early age. I began booking work freelancing and soon after got signed causing me to get consistent modeling work. It makes me so happy to be able to meet the needs of plus sized consumers each time I go to work.

 

 

 

 

Fashion Model of the Month – Deja Ware

 We are excited to announce our new star, Deja, as our October Model of the Month. This Brooklyn native has a promising career ahead of her whether it be in modeling or trailblazing in the creation of spaces for artists, photographers and models alike. Continue reading to find out more about Deja’s journey into modeling and much more!

1. Where you are from?

I am a Brooklyn native born and raised in Bay Ridge.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

All my life I have always endeavored in some sort of creative expression, singing, song writing, dancing, drawing and painting. I went to Talent Unlimited High School as a vocalist and in turn was trained in music theory, music notation, piano and took master classes for classical music/ opera. With all the school plays, I was also required to take dance and acting classes. I love all of these but within the last two years I have been into visual arts as I started painting.

3. Favorite clients from the biz? 

I just signed with Bicoastal a few weeks ago and I  am manifesting it for the near future!

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

Clients I would love to work with include Prada, Dior, YSL Versace, Alexander Wang, Betsy Johnson, Coco Chanel and so many more!

5. Career highlights?

I am pretty new to the industry but before modeling I interned as an assistant stylist for Vogue Paris. I got the chance to work on bridal and couture sets, which was amazing! It was so inspiring to see the amount of effort that goes into a cover shot and seeing the model effortlessly was amazing. After that I was on a mission to be that girl!

6. How did you get into modeling ?

For a while people were telling me that I should be a model but never had the confidence to do so. It wasn’t until a good friend of mine got into photography and I was able to get in front of the camera that I realized I was a natural. I love to be in front of the camera and expressing myself. Like Beyoncé I feel an alter ego turn on when I’m on set and I want to be that girl all the time.

Fit Model of the Month – Shyendra

We are thrilled to have our star on the rise, Shyendra Chandrasena, as our September Model of the Month. From fitting with clients like Calvin Kleins and Bombas, Shyendra continues to show love and devotion to the industry!

 

 

1. Where you are from?

Palm Springs, California

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

Well for starters I am currently studying theatre, which has been so exciting as I am delving into my passion for acting and writing. I love to play basketball and football whenever I have the time to do so. Traveling is also a passion of mine, I have had the privilege to visit so many places. My favorite countries that I have visited are Croatia, Japan and Oman. I volunteer with Veteran organizations whenever I get the chance to, taking into account that I was in the Coast Guard for 4 years, stationed in DC.

3. Favorite clients from the biz? 

Taking into account that I am fairly new to the industry, I am happy to say that amongst my favorite clients Calvin Klein is one of them! I also really enjoyed doing Fit for Bombas and doing a campaign for Smile Direct Club. 

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

My dreams are to have an original play by me produced and to star in something I have written. I would love to continue modeling for more brands and expand my portfolio.

5. Career highlights?

Definitely seeing my face and smile on billboards for Smile Direct Club all over New York was amazing. Being able to be a part of Calvin Klein’s mens denim fit clinic was pretty cool too!

6. How did you get into modeling ?

I got in to modeling because a friend told me I should try. I never saw myself modeling before but now that I am completely immersed in it, I am in love.