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.

 

Model of the Month – Janine T

We are thrilled to have our star on the rise, Janine T, as our March Model of the Month. From Project Runway to Prada – Janine does it all! Continue reading to learn more about Janine, what inspires her, and her dream clients!

1. Where you are from?
I am originally from Brooklyn NY.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?
I enjoy reading and the results of exercise. I studied art (fashion illustration, story boarding, children’s illustrations – it was my favorite). I also love trying new things by giving myself goals aka resolutions. One year was getting back into ballet, another was boxing. Just recently I did swimming lessons and this year is belly dance! Anything to break up my comfort zone.

3. Favorite clients from the biz?

My favorite clients have definitely been the Alexander Wang team (love their vibe and energy), Shake and Go – always hard work but fun days, and I enjoyed working with the Marist Fashion Department (always so exciting to see creativity from the ground up with a student’s perspective and their nerves about their designs heartwarming because we’ve all been there). With Fuzzi, Cedric Charlier and recently Moschino, always love our adventures from day to day with my AEFFE family.

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

Everyone who knows me knows that my ultimate dream client would be Chloé, I have followed the brand since Karl Largerfeld was creative director followed through with Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and then Clare Waight Keller and now Natcha Ramsay- Levi and still I fall in love collection by collection. Zimmerman is another client that I would love to work with, something about getting the opportunity to work with an utterly feminine brand – same with Ulla Johnson. And to work with the timelessness that is Ralph Lauren and DVF, I would die! Let’s also not forget about Richard Tisci, everything he touches is golden! But there are so many creatives and so many different fields to choose from, I want to do it all!

5. Career highlights?

I really loved my Prada x Elle webtorial still one of my highlights, great team, great work and a feeling of satisfaction was definitely met with that one. Project Runway was really lovely to work with not only did it introduce me to television but also the production and all the work that comes with that. I also made and kept a lot of friends I cherish.

6. How did you get into modeling or acting?

I was originally scouted but it didn’t turn out to well. I dabbled a bit afterward but it wasn’t until I actually volunteering with the CFDA and happened to be able to watch the show I was helping out with. It was Anna Sui and it opened up with this dance number and after the little dance Karlie Kloss steps out and just struts down that runway, I was so in awe and so inspired, I really wanted to be that strong and confident. She was my major inspiration that started me modeling I wanted to have that presence, plus my love of seeing things from beginning to end also gave me the drive to go into it. I love to follow a process and see it’s outcomes and to be surrounded by all the creative facets that involve modeling it’s what keeps me inspired.

BICOASTAL MGMT x NYFW SS19

As always, NYFW was a whirlwind! See some highlights below of our girls rocking runways + presentations, features by Vogue, WWD and more!

Brieana D, Janine T for Flying Solo

Brieana D, Janine T for Flying Solo

Brieana D, Janine T for Flying Solo

Brieana, Larena, Briana, Elyse for Chelsea & Walker – featured in Women’s Wear Daily

Janine for Flying Solo

Flo for Queenie Zoe

Flor for Charles & Ron

Flor for Charles & Ron

Janine for Flying Solo

Flor for Charles & Ron

Flor for Charles & Ron

Model of the Month – Jason Steel

We’re so happy to have the versatile Jason as our September Model of the Month. From being the perfect 32/M fit model, to booking editorials, commercials, and print, there’s not much Jason can’t do! Continue reading to learn more about Jason:

1. Where you are from?

I’m from Westchester, New York.

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

I’m into art. I love to sketch on my iPad or paper – mostly portraits. I also love anything fitness-related – the beach, swimming, training, skateboarding, snow boarding, all of it!

3. Favorite clients from the biz?

My favorite client has been Versace they booked me really often – sometimes twice a day – and they always had a full kitchen 😍

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

I would love to work with Diesel or H&M, something where my face would be everywhere for a while – that would be dope.

5. Career highlights?

Being featured in Paper magazine was definitely a career highlight. Love their style and the article they wrote.

6. How did you get into modeling or acting?

I had a lot of friends who were modeling at the time and they kept saying I could do it too, so I submitted everywhere and Elite Miami signed me and got me signed in New York.

BICOASTAL MGMT // NYFW

So proud of our models and to participate in NYFW again – check out a few highlights below!

Janine for XY

Flo for Jasmine

Janine for Ozlana

Janine for Profanity

Janine and Elyse for XY

Elyse for XY

Elyse for Ozlana

Brieanna for Romeo Hunte

Janine for Ozlana

Elyse for Ozlana

Victoria fitting for Zac Posen

Janine for Ozlana

Flo for Jasmine

Model of the Month – Rick F.

Introducing Rick – our expert sports/fitness fit model and also talented, and versatile Print, Runway, and Commerical model – as our July Model of the Month! Read below to see how he got started and how his background in athletics has turned out to be useful in his modeling career!

1. Where you are from?
Boston, Massachussetts

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?
I have an athletic background and always had a love for sports. I lettered in basketball and football in high school and even played a little college football. After college, I still had the urge to stay in athletics so I coached. It was a great experience and I loved every moment of it.

3. Favorite clients from the biz?
DICK’S Sporting Goods, Reebok, New Balance, Converse and Puma.

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

A goal and dream of mine is to shoot a national campaign/commercial for Macy’s or Nike.

5. Career highlights?
Shooting for DICK’S Sporting Goods, fitting withReebok, New Balance, Converse and Puma.

6. How did you get into modeling or acting?
Kind of fell into modeling as a side gig as I was finishing college. The head Photographer at Karmaloop spotted me while I was at work. Karmaloop ultimately became my first gig and the rest is history.

 

Model of the Month – Larena Danielle

Meet our June Model of the Month – fit, print, commercial and legit talent, Larena! Coming from a small town, we’re excited to be a part of her ever-growing career in the big city. Keep reading to learn more about Larena!

1. Where you are from?
I’m from a little mountain-surrounded town called Missoula, Montana.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..? 
I’m very eclectic and passionate so narrowing down my hobbies is difficult for me. I can’t keep myself from exploring every potential creative way I can express myself in the arts. My main focus has always been acting but I go from writing short stories/scripts, teaching a figure drawing class in Bushwick, repurposing and re-designing thrift finds, singing karaoke, to playing with my twin sister in our Dark wave art-pop band MOTHERMARY I keep myself busy exploring and pushing myself

3. Favorite clients from the biz?
For fit and showroom: Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Cami NYC, PIPER, One Jeanswear Group. Modeling: Giu Giu, Tucker NYC, Mint Swim. Commercial: John Freida, Facebook, Chase, Meet up, Seagram 7.

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?
Dream fit clients: J Crew, Kate Spade, Brandy Melville, Adidas, Chromat, I am Gia label, Matte brand, Iliana clothing, Cienne, Seek collective, Rachel Comey, Miaou.

5. Career highlights?
I’ll always cherish the summer I worked regional theatre with the Playmill playhouse next to Yellowstone. Performing improv with second city legends Rick and Laura hall. Performing on tv on Adult Swim, Discovery Channel, MTV, Travel Channel, etc. Walking with Mint Swim in fashion week was the most fun I’ve had walking. Working with Calvin Klein for fit and showroom has been a dream.

6. How did you get into modeling or acting? 
Coming from a big family of 11 children I had to find a way to stand out. I started putting on fashion shows for my mom and performing plays for the whole family from the time I could talk. Missoula has a world renowned children’s theatre “Missoula children’s theatre” that brings theatre to grade schools, so I started performing in shows in elementary. I never was able to commit to any career that didn’t involve art and performance despite everyone in Montana discouraging me from moving to the big city. I finally decided to face my fears and moved to NYC 2 years ago. That was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I love this city and the amazing rollercoaster of a life it provides.

Stephanie M: Model + Influencer

We’re so happy to be able to have chatted with Stephanie about her modeling and influencing career – keep reading to learn more about super talented, plus bombshell, how she started and her goals!

1) How did you start influencing?

I’m definitely an Instagram “OG” and I’ve had it since it first came out but I never knew where it was going to take me. I first started it because I wanted to perform Burlesque and saw other performers with one, however I mostly posted my roommates cat and ice cream pics. Then I was approached on Facebook to look into Plus modeling & while I was reluctant due to lack of confidence, I really wanted to give it a try. Social Media allowed me to test the waters as a model and see what the public response would be and while scary I couldn’t believe how much positivity I received. That made me feel great and I was inspiring other women to do so as well and that kept me going. As it grew I wanted to make it bigger & better and now I can say after years of daily hard work it is a rewarding job!

2) Any tips for newbies?

I have so many tips! I actually co-host a podcast called #Sponsored all about the Influencer & Model life where we give tips to grow your audience each week. My number one tip would be consistency. To grow a following it is going to be something you are going to have to devote time and energy into building by constantly putting yourself out there with new content each day! Engage with your fans, elevate your content with professional cameras/lighting/editing, fake it to make it and find what makes you unique and showcase that the most!

3) We love following you and seeing your favorite products, where you go, what you do, etc… out of all of these topics, what is your favorite to share?

My favorite kinds of photos to take are boudoir and pinup. Those feel the most like me and I’ve always adored feminine, sexy, luxurious pieces of lingerie. I’m so lucky to be able to receive those products and in turn showcase that there’s no size limit on sexy and encourage other women to tap into their inner bombshell.

4) What is the best part of being a professional influencer?

The best part would be having a group of supporters in your pocket. It really feels amazing to get that positive feedback daily and know that people are rooting for you to succeed. It’s a lot of hard work but the response has been the payoff.

5) What are your goals/any dream clients?

Ultimate dream would be Maxim and Sports Illustrated! I’ve looked up to centerfolds my whole life but never thought I was the right “type”, now to see more body types in these publications is truly amazing!