Louisiana has been getting a lot more glamorous in the last few years.
Celebrities are pouring into the state as the local filmmaking industry booms, and the expansion of fashion-oriented extravaganzas like NOLA Fashion Week has diversified the cultural opportunities available in the Pelican State.
Two University students, fashion merchandising sophomore Pamela Alba and painting and drawing sophomore Kirsten Rinck, are taking advantage. The student models have appeared in local fashion show and last week took a bigger stage at NOLA Fashion Week. They’ll do it again this weekend at a similarly-named event, Fashion Week New Orleans.
Fresh off the catwalk from NOLA Fashion Week, the pair dished with The Daily Reveille on some of their modeling experiences.
TDR: Why do you model? Alba: I always wanted to get into professional modeling. This is a way I can gain experience. Rinck: I like wearing nice clothes and going to the after parties. The venues are also really pretty. It’s a great atmosphere.
TDR: Are other models mean backstage? Alba: Everybody was nice. We all have the same goal: to get exposure. There is competition, but it’s not tense. Rinck: You could tell some had attitudes, but they kept it in and let it out on the runway.
TDR: How many fashion shows have you been in? Alba: I’ve been in 11 shows all together. I will be in seven more. Rinck: I just started modeling last week, but I’ve been in eight shows.
TDR: What is the most stressful part of modeling in a show? Alba: I had to skip a few classes last week in order to study for my midterms. I didn’t go to any after parties because I had to come straight back to Baton Rouge after the show in New Orleans. Rinck: The casting calls are an intense process. If you are in multiple shows, you may finish one but have to be in another in 30 minutes. They have to completely change your look when switching shows. If your hair is teased, they’ll brush it out for a smoother look for another show.
TDR: Do any of the models have eating disorders? Alba: I don’t think anyone has an eating disorder. Rinck: Everyone was asking where the food was.
TDR: What’s your favorite show you have done so far? Alba: It’s hard to say because everyone’s so different. I like the ones were I was in extreme makeup. Rinck: There was one show where I had to walk like I was in mourning, but then at the end the music turned happy so we got to dance. I also like when I get to look completely different in a show.
TDR:What is your advice to those who want to try modeling for fashion shows? Alba: If you want to start building a career in modeling, you should try the local fashion shows. Rinck: I started last week. You don’t have to be an Amazon to book shows.
TDR: How are the after parties? Alba: I haven’t been able to attend one. Rinck: You get to meet people on a personal level without the hectic back stage stuff. You also get free drinks.
 
____ Contact Claire Caillier at [email protected]