Amelian models Jeremy Scott for Adidas Collection.

The modeling industry is not an easy beast to slay. You are constantly scrutinized for your looks and always in competition  with the next hot pretty thing. One day you may be a household name, the next  last year’s “it girl”.  Amelian, an Anchorage, Alaska native  won’t be in that crowd. This multi-hyphenate phenom (model/stylist/ graphic designer)  is more than just a pretty face.   You may have seen her recently in the Jeremy Scott For Adidas Collection or read her  blog the Kashiro Collective, which she updates frequently.  Amelian is also a budding artist and has lent her graphic design skills to create   fashion stylist Monica Rose’s blog. See how Amelian has turned her beauty into business.

 1.       Style & Substance: How did you break in to the modeling  industry?
Amelian: At first I started modeling for a girlfriend who was a photography major while at the same college and I loved it! After that I got opportunities to model for my friends clothing store, and more work started trickling in.  Then Jeremy Scott asked me to model for his Originals By Originals collection and it’s incredible!

2.      Style & Substance: What is the best part of being a model and fashion stylist?
Amelian: They both help me out immensely! When I style, I understand what it’s like to be in front of the camera – poses, angles, facial features, expressions,  what works on camera, keeping the body shape flattering and I can give direction to a model when need be. When I model, I am SUPER aware of my  clothing, how to make things look great and what poses work. They go hand in hand!

3.      Style & Substance: You also have a background in advertising and graphic design, how do you marry all your loves into one career?
Amelian: My initial goal was to be a Art Director but I discovered styling in college. After graduating I was like “Shit, what do I do now!?” I just followed my path and took the opportunities that were in front of me. I now  feel like I am on the path to that but in a way I didn’t expect – which is wonderful! I use my graphic design skills to Photoshop shoots I style, create my own logos and art, design web sites. I am fully aware of how to market my creations and myself! As well it all involves fashion and my  styling. My goal is to be more than just a stylist, I want to be a creator  of beautiful art like media with a wonderful aesthetic – like a Art Director.  It is important to understand all aspects so I educate myself and learn from those I meet along the way.

4.      Style & Substance: What is next on your agenda?
Amelian: Right now I am organizing ideas I have for some really creative photo shoots. I am very intrigued by African culture and the work of Kara Walker, a very poignant and amazing storyteller artist who utilizes black paper  cutouts in her work. I love exotic patterns and colors and the striking silhouettes of Walker’s work. I love the unexpected and color. I am also working on samples for a accessory line I hope to introduce before the year  is over. Styling shoots, travel and modeling of course too. I just focus on being inspired, creating and staying proactive.

5. Style & Substance: What do you think about all the model reality shows that have saturated TV and are promising instant fame as a “super model” but  thus far it hasn’t happened yet to winners?
Amelian: I have seen some beautiful girls on those shows but I don’t think the way to find the next “super model” is through silly “challenges” etc – real life is far from that! A super model is a SUPERB type of model – who will be discovered one way or another as they were before the swarm of reality shows that drowns our T.V sets every waking moment. I think the shows are wonderful for exposing the different types of beauty (and REAL PEOPLE!!) that are models in their own right even though they are not conventional. Opportunity is in those shows for the young ladies who choose to participate so I think it’s up to them to take that platform and work it.

6.      Style & Substance: What keeps you sane in the competitive and fast-paced modeling world?
Amelian: I just always remember that I’m just a girl from Anchorage, Alaska! It’s important to stay true to your self and be REAL! I just stay down to earth and make the best of every situation. I talk to my loving boyfriend (he keeps me sane!), my family. I think about my next move and I don’t focus on the drama.

7.      Style & Substance: Describe your Style and Substance?
 Amelian: Savvy, always evolving, genuine and true to self!

To learn more about Amelian head over to her site, The Kashiro Collective.