Last Sunday, over 900 models came through but only few came out on DFW’s Fall ’18 presented by Mile High Luxury Real Estate‘s lineup. The energy was high and there was an abundance of talent. With another successful day of casting calls, our DFW Fall ’18 designers successfully secured their models.
Producer, Hannah Werling, said castings went great. “Every season we get more and more applicants and our team is so amazing in helping us organize everyone! It was so great to see so many familiar faces and so many new ones! The Denver modeling community is growing and we are so excited!” she said.
Now the next step for Werling is organizing fittings, hair and makeup. “Since casting is over, my most amazing Model Coordinator, Julie Gallahue, sifts through all of the models’ headshots and info sheets and organizes them for the designers and boutiques. Once she finishes, the designers and boutiques will have fittings with their models which, Charlie Price and I will help facilitate. We also will start organizing the hair and makeup teams that we think will fit best with the designers. This is kind of like another casting on a smaller scale. We have to make sure that everyone is on task and is able to convey the overall vision and style of each segment” she said.
But casting doesn’t just start and end with the production team so we talked with two of our designers and several models to give their recap of the day.
Designer: Darkm0th Industry, Shayna Ariel, @darkm0thindustry
303 Magazine: What look/types of models were you looking for?
Shayna Ariel: With the bulk of my Fall/Winter collection being larger bulkier coats and jackets, utilizing avant-garde shapes, I was looking for models with pretty good height on them (5’9″ and taller up to about 6’3″) so that I could really play with a lot of fabric, a lot of length and abstract draping techniques. Usually, I would showcase models that may be considered alternative models, plus size, or non-binary individuals, as in my mind, you are a model if you are modeling something! This was my first time using models with certain height or size restrictions. I really enjoyed that all the models who showed up seemed to love what they do, knew the parameters, and were excited to show off what they got! This confidence is what I was looking for overall. All of the models at the casting were so exquisite both in appearance, walk, and attitude, and that is all I could have hoped for. It was definitely super hard to choose, especially because I am sort of open to anyone being a part of this very dynamic movement I hope to create. One thing I looked for, I suppose, was unique looking individuals of all different races, genders and styles. There is just something so powerful to me about a persons’ glance as well. I wanted to see some fire behind the model’s eyes, sort of like they have seen some stuff and been some places and wanted to tell the tale. I think the diversity in my models will hopefully mirror the very adaptive, fluid clothing I produce: striving for gender-free, and size-free fashions in a palate that can be easily digested by truly any person.
303: Since you have your models picked out, what are your next steps as a designer in the process of getting ready for DFW?
SA: Now that I have all my models picked out, and after I receive a confirmation with all of their measurements, headshots, etc. I am super excited to start creating an order for them to walk in, and appropriately pairing my models in the outfits I see fit based on their walk, personality, body type and overall look. Not only do I love designing and sewing, but I have always loved theatre and shows in general: a full package sort of entertainment. I really believe a runway show should be more than just a body walking to show off a piece of clothing. I want to instead, paint a picture of the who, the where and the how these garments can be worn and transformed by a vast array of individuals. I hope to open up a larger conversation about diversity and inclusivity, as well as create something beautiful and thought-provoking for the audience members. Something that is fun for me, my models and the patrons alike!
303: Highlight from the day?
SA: I think my favorite part of the day was the amazing familiar faces I got to see! Everyone was so welcoming, especially when I felt so nervous at first. Last Spring, I attended all of the Denver Fashion Week shows simply as an excited bystander brand new to the city, hardly knowing anyone at all. Attending most shows by myself, I ended up meeting some staff from 303 Magazine and from Denver Fashion Week all who have proven time and time again to be welcoming and helpful to me. Some of you, you know who you are, have been like my guardian fashion angels, pushing me to create and construct when I didn’t honestly feel I had it in me: truly an amazing and inspiring group of people. Other than the friendly faces, the models were all so incredibly down to earth when I did not really know what to expect out of casting. It is so outrageously generous for them to donate their precious time to help me create a story and paint this picture through my art. Thank you all again! Another cool part was simply seeing so many ridiculously gorgeous and unique individuals in one room at the same time, that was nuts.
Designer: Electric Bubblegum, Mariah Hodges, @electric_bubblegum
303 Magazine: What look/types of models were you looking for?
Mariah Hodges: I was looking for all girl models, who were on the more petite side and looked a bit younger — so high school and college age.
303: Overall, how would you say casting call went?
MH: Casting call went really well! There were so many great models there. Good variety of people. I was able to find just what I was looking for.
303: Was this your first casting call? If so, describe your experience.
MH: This was not my first casting call but it was my first with Denver Fashion Week. It was a fantastic experience, very organized and ran smoothly.
303: Since you have your models picked out, what are your next steps as a designer in the process of getting ready for DFW?
MH: The next steps for me as a designer is to start fittings with models. I usually do fittings with muslins (prototypes of the garments) first, then I make it final fabric and do another fitting.
303: Highlight from the day?
MH: Definitely getting to meet and talk to the models, 303 Magazine staff, and everyone involved in this process. Another highlight was finding some awesome girls to model for me.
Model: Jamie Liu, @Jamie.liu28.
Photo courtesy of @Jamie.liu28
303 Magazine: What city are you from?
Jamie Liu: Denver
303: What made you come out and audition for Denver Fashion Week?
JL: I have recently gotten into the modeling scene through a modeling school and I have been looking for experience. I did my first fashion show not too long ago and loved it. Since this casting was in the city that I live in, I decided to give it a shot.
303: How did you find out about casting calls?
JL: I found out about this casting through a friend that had done it before. As for other castings, Instagram and Facebook help me find local jobs for modeling.
303: Have you ever been in past DFW seasons, if so, what tips would you give to models who haven’t been in it yet but will be in the shows this year? If you haven’t been in DFW, what are you most excited about?
JL: This is my first time doing DFW and I could not be more excited. I am most excited to get to know the designers as well as the other models. I am a people person and this show is a great way for me to meet new people. I am also excited to walk in the fashion show. I have always thought that fashion shows are fun and I can’t wait to do it again.
Model: Samantha Joseph, @internationalqueen
Photo courtesy of @internationalqueen
303 Magazine: What city are you from?
Samantha Joseph: Chicago
303: What made you come out and audition for Denver Fashion Week?
SJ: I came to the DFW casting because I get to be part of one Denver’s biggest fashion events of the year once again.
303: How did you find out about casting calls?
SJ: I’ve been a part of the show before, so I automatically receive an email on when to sign up for casting.
303: Have you ever been in past DFW seasons, if so, what tips would you give to models who haven’t been in it yet but will be in the shows this year? If you haven’t been in DFW, what are you most excited about?
SJ: New models: make sure you bring the best you, whether it’s on the runway or backstage. Make sure you’re very positive! Attitude is everything and a great positive attitude will get you far in this industry. Also, this is an opportunity to network with other models, designers and photographers who have been in the game before you. You definitely want to keep working on improving your portfolio after DFW.
Model: Kayla Armstrong, @KaylaRaineModel
Photo by Kyle Cooper.
303 Magazine: What city are you from?
Kayla Armstrong: Brighton
303: What made you come out and audition for Denver Fashion Week?
KA: I come to every casting DFW puts out, in hopes of getting casted because runway modeling has been my dream since I was a little girl. And walking in previous shows was a blast so of course, I wanted to try out again this season.
303: How did you find out about casting calls?
KA: Social media!
303: Have you ever been in past DFW seasons, if so, what tips would you give to models who haven’t been in it yet but will be in the shows this year? If you haven’t been in DFW, what are you most excited about?
KA: I have been in DFW Fall 2017 and Spring 2018. My advice to models that will be walking for the first time this season is to bring food and something to do! Bring a water bottle, something to munch on and a book to read. Make sure you are well rested, eat plenty for breakfast and lunch and get a good stretch in beforehand while you’re sitting around waiting. You’ll be sitting in a chair the majority of the time, and you may be too busy to eat a whole meal but you’ll want to snack and it’s important that you get enough to eat.
Model: Ansley Mater, @ansleymater
Photo courtesy of Ansley Mater on Facebook
303 Magazine: What city are you from?
Ansley Mater: Denver
303: What made you come out and audition for Denver Fashion Week?
AM: I’ve come to castings in the past and haven’t made the cut, but know that I am passionate enough to be a part of this so I wanted to make the cut and walk this year!
303: How did you find out about casting calls?
AM: I found out through my mother agency, Southwest Models.
303: Have you ever been in past DFW seasons, if so, what tips would you give to models who haven’t been in it yet but will be in the shows this year? If you haven’t been in DFW, what are you most excited about?
AM: I haven’t been in DFW in any past seasons, but I know it’s one of the most highly anticipated fashion events in Denver. I’m incredibly excited to be able to collaborate with and represent different designers and ideas. I look forward to being part of such a reputable production this fall!
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