Arizona Foothills Magazine is looking for its second “Face of Foothills” model! This year, AFM is partnering with Westcor for the Face of Foothills casting calls.  The search begins May 1st at Westcor Shopping Centers. Do you have what it takes?? Click Face of Foothills 2011 for casting locations and for more information.

And let me mention, the AFM team is a really fun group. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!!

1. How long have you been modeling?
I was introduced to modeling at 6 years of age. My father loaned his historic truck to a photo shoot for an LLBean catalogue on Mt. Lemmon in Tucson. When my mother arrived to the shoot with her cute two little blonde girls, they insisted that my sister and I take part in the shoot.  I resumed modeling about 3 ½ years ago. To farther my career I worked and lived in New York for a period of time and I plan on returning in 2010.

2. If you weren’t modeling, what would you be doing?
Currently I am a student, studying to become an Elementary school teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing.
My secondary occupations include: managing a novelty business and secretary and web designer for The Tournament of Destruction Monster Truck event.

3. What would your dream modeling job entail? Designer, locale, etc.
I’ve always wished for the opportunity to work with Vogue. Don’t we all!

4. Have you learned any special life-lessons during your time as a model?
Every model needs to learn how to accept their winnings as gracefully as their losings. Modeling is very competitive and a model must have tough skin because this is a business. Don’t take anything too personally. Everywhere clients will tell you either you’re to tall, not tall enough, too fat, or too skinny, but this is the business. Take everything with a grain of salt.

5. What’s been the highlight of your career thus far?
I can’t say that one modeling job has ever been more glitzy or fun than another. They all have their own equally entertaining parts, and of course I always love meeting new and talented people. I also love the artistic talent and imagination it takes to be involved in this industry. Everything is so surprising and fun, I can’t wait to see what will happen next!

Peter Harden and his pals at Lucky

Today my favorite mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square, is all a buzz with the opening of Barneys, the East Wing and Simon Doonan’s visit. Though I’m excited about the fashionable hoopla and can’t wait to shop the new stores this morning, I’m also excited to pay a visit to “The Mayor “of Scottsdale Fashion Square, the fabulous Peter Harden.

Have you met Peter? If you’re a celebrity, like Britney Spears or Diana Krall, chances are you have.  If you’re like me and had no idea that big celebrities come here almost weekly, let alone shop here, you’ve been missing a very special experience to know and shop with Peter.

Peter and the hardworking valet men

Peter’s job is simple – to make sure shoppers at Scottsdale Fashion Square get the red carpet treatment, whether you’re Britney or not. I had the pleasure of accompanying Peter on a mock-shopping spree.  (Surprisingly, I didn’t actually spend any money!) He led me through the mall, introduced me to the store managers, let me shop, lovingly gave me opinions when I asked about a certain shoe or necklace and kept me laughing the entire time. No he doesn’t carry bags or push strollers, but I had a phenomenal time shopping, meeting people and having an honest male opinion for once!

Peter describes his job as his “calling.” He started in retail at J. Riggins many years ago, after moving here and working at MCA/Motown Records.  After J. Riggins, Peter moved into mall security and was let go after a short while for being “too friendly.” But after 2 days without Peter, Fashion Square called him back in to work in this special VIP position created just for him.

Ask anyone at Westcor and they will tell you, Peter can’t be duplicated. Or take it from me, he can’t.  This darling, charming man describes Fashion Square as his “indoor neighborhood” and he gets to chat with his friends, make new ones, make people feel special and shop all day long.

So I had to ask the man who spends more time at the mall than I do, what are some of his favorite stores? Though he shops each and every store and tailors his VIP tours to the tastes of the client, he does have an affinity for Anthropology, Optical Shop of Aspen, LaCoste, Lucky Brand Denim and Jimmy Choo – to name a few! But of course, anything trendy and fabulous that he sees in Vogue or GQ he could probably find for you at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Peter and Me

If you’re headed to the Grand Opening party today, please make sure to introduce yourself to Peter if he’s not swarmed by friends, celebrities, VIP’s and me! And if you would like to shop with Peter, call the mall at 480-945-5495.

Hard to believe this gorgeous young woman is a mother of 3 young boys! Gabrielle is one of my favorite Phoenix models because she’s beautiful and sweet inside and out! Take a few minutes to meet this FORD/Robert Black Agency model-mommy below…

1. When did you start modeling? When my oldest sons where 2 & 4 years old, so it was 2004. I did my first hair show in 2004, but after that I did tons of photo shoots with traveling & local photographers. My first designer fashion show was with VMarie & Stash Boutique, it was for Sonoran Spotlight Magazine in 2007.
2. What’s your favorite part of modeling? Runway, print, etc. and why? Actually all of it. When walking the runway I get to spend time with my fashion friends. When doing a photo shoot it’s always something different! Meeting new people or helping come up with awesome ideas. I just love wearing the fabulous clothes I get to wear just doing my job!
3. What do you do when you’re not working the runway or camera? I am a stay at home mother. I get to wake everyone up for school, drive them around, clean house, run errands, grocery shop, be mommy and taking care of my 16 month old youngest son. Also, I love sewing! It’s just a hobby, it might become more later down the road, but I have been sewing for about 5 years. I know my way around drawing & sewing patterns. My Nanae, Sara Adame, was a painter, designer and she sews until this day. I’m sure I get those talents from her.
4. How has motherhood changed your modeling career or perspective on your career? My life is dedicated to my family first, so modeling is just something I get to enjoy. For me it’s not really about the money made or the traveling done.  Like stated before I really just love clothes! So what’s better than getting to enjoy them and wear them!?!
5. Where’s your favorite places to shop locally? In all honesty, I don’t get much me-time to shop! But when I do go shopping it’s Fry’s, Walmart, Target… LOL!! I have three sons!!

Here’s a little bit about Britnee…

Q: Tell us about your favorite modeling jobs: My favorite jobs have been the ones where I’ve gotten to be really, really decked out. I chat a lot about the work I did a few summers ago in Tokyo because it was the most diverse type of modeling I’ve ever done – commercial jobs during the week and editorial shoots on the weekend. I loved the editorial concepts of Toyko- very futuristic. Recently I’ve been working with Jennyvi Dizon Couture and I loved the Marie Antoinette shoot we just did. Wigs, white faces with little red lips and dramatic expressions galore!

Q: When did you start modeling? I started modeling as a kid, then took a long break and picked up again a few years ago. I am currently represented by S.I.M.

Q: What do you do when you’re not modeling? I’m studying public relations and business at ASU. I love all things social and written, and  public relations is a field that could potentially unite the two interests. In the future I’d love to go into the marketing world. I enjoy fashion, I really appreciate music and it sounds cliché, but I like visiting new places. If I can find a job that will relate any or all of those industries, I’ll be very happy.

Q: Tell us about your blog, “The Citified”: TheCitified.com is a blast! It all started when two of my friends and I were discussing the idea of how we were all from different places, have similar but different interests, and how if we wrote about those things we might have some interesting content worth blogging about. My posts tend to be music related. I talk about fashion and lifestyle on occasion, but since I’m an avid iTunes mix tape maker, it was easy for me to write about music and bands that interest me. I post the ‘britson’s mix tape’ pieces about once a month in addition to my miscellaneous postings. They’re always fun to write and I enjoy the responses we get from our readers. I once had a reader request that I blog about Michael Jackson after he passed away and so I did! It’s one of my favorite posts still!

Meet the lovely and fabulous Kim! She’s an Arizona girl, born and raised, and just as gorgeous and fashionable as she can be. Kim is celebrating her 18th birthday at the Mondrian Hotel this weekend, heading off to U of A on Monday and to celebrate her big day, I met with her and her equally fabulous mother, Roya, to chat about Kim’s “Valley” girl style and where she loves to shop.

Kim and her mom, Roya

1. Where’s your favorite place to shop? Scottsdale Fashion Square. But I also like the Gainey Shops, like Fleur’t.

2. What’s your favorite item in your closet right now? My True Religion cut-off jean shorts. On trend and cool for summer!

Kim in her favorite True Religion cut-offs

3. Who is your fashion inspiration? My mom! Aawwwwh! She’s my new fashion inspiration too!!

4. What specific store do you like to shop? I like Nordstrom because they have everything. Especially because they have the “Free People” line.  Free People is one of my favorite labels because it’s cute, comfortable and perfect for summer.

5. Shoe-wise, what’s your favorite footwear? Sandals, especially now for summer.

The fashionable birthday girl!

Fashion Phoenix would like to wish Kim a very HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY!! xoxo

Check out the stunning Lauren from S.I.M. Agency…

Image by Christos Sewell

Lauren has landed fabulous modeling gigs including a national campaign for Kohl’s! Here’s a snippet of Lauren’s story and hobbies…

1. How were you “discovered”? Lauren caught agent Aimee Sugar’s eye at a local concert when she was just 13. She says, “I was ridiculously shy when she came up and asked me about modeling…but I guess it worked.”

2. When she’s not modeling Lauren is most likely sewing a new “something-or-other”. She says she loves making clothes (a budding designer??) She always has her eyes glued to a good fashion magazine thinking about new things she could make. And she loves being outdoors – swimming, sunbathing or riding her vintage bike.

3. Where does Lauren shop? She loves Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. But when she’s in the mood for a good bargain, she loves finding cheap, miscellaneous things that she can revamp at Buffalo Exchange or Goodwill.

For more information about Lauren, contact Aimee Sugar at S.I.M. Agency 480.213.0129 or www.sim-agency.com.

Wow! What a list of fabulous Phoenicians. The following is from their press release…

In honor of the tenth year since its chapter’s founding in Arizona, Fashion Group International® of Arizona, Inc. today announced the 10 fashion and design industry icons to be honored at their inaugural Night of Stars gala on September 17^th, 2009. This group of prestigious companies and individuals has had a significant impact on the growth and success of the fashion industry in the Valley over the last decade.

1. Reporting on Style: YES Magazine / Arizona Republic. YES is THE place we turn to for our weekly fashion fix and to read about the latest fashions, hottest local designers and shopping in the Valley. In addition, its parent publication, the Arizona Republic, regularly covers fashion, as do other publications underneath the Republic umbrella, including AZ Magazine and AZ Society.

2. Dressing the Valley’s Most Fashionable: Amy Videan, Saks Fifth Avenue. Amy has been in the fashion business for over 25 years. As the director of the Fifth Avenue Club for the last 12 years, she has styled and worked with many of our finest community members and applauded their philanthropic work. Her taste is impeccable as her clients will attest to and her eye for that perfect style supreme.

3. Bringing Influential Designers to the Valley: Neiman Marcus. Neiman Marcus opened its doors at Scottsdale Fashion Square in 1991, becoming one of the first luxury retailers to come to the Valley. Since opening, they have “wowed” us with their impressive line-up each season of designer personal appearances and trunk shows, including Christian Louboutin, Carolina Herrera and David Yurman.

4. Teaching the Future of Fashion: Judith Everett, Northern Arizona University (NAU). Educating fashion students for over 30 years, Judith is a professor of merchandising at NAU. She has also co-authored three books about fashion and merchandising, including Guide to Producing a Fashion Show, Promotion in a Merchandising Environment and Writing for the Fashion Business.

5. Local Designer Turned International: Kiran Rai, Sir Alistair Rai. As the designer and creative director of Sir Alistair Rai, Kiran creates pieces that reflect her life experiences and cultural history, making a statement with powerful messages. Beginning with t-shirts emblazoned with catchy slogans, celebrities quickly became fans of the line. She has since branched out into ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. The collection is carried at over 500 stores worldwide, including Nordstrom and Selfridges.

6. Fashion Photographer: Ellen Barnes. Ellen has spent over two decades as a fashion photographer, shooting supermodels like Cindy Crawford, Kim Alexis, Kelly Emberg and more, while working for CPS Direct Marketing in the Valley. Today, a renowned fashion and lifestyle photographer, Phoenix is her home base.

7. Jewelry Design: French Thompson. In addition to designing one-of-a-kind jewelry for three decades, French owns an experiential gallery on Main Street in Old Town Scottsdale. For the store, he searches for great designers to represent and showcase, and currently features original creations by 25 artists from around the world, in unusual gemstones and precious metals.

8. Fashion Historian: Dennita Sewell, Phoenix Art Museum. Dennita has served as the curator of fashion design at the museum for almost a decade. She has created 24 original exhibitions, from motorcycle jackets to couture vintage and contemporary fashion, and brought amazing collections to the Valley, including Chado Ralph Rucci last year.

9. Making a Mark on Retail: Tom Simon, Hub Clothing. In 1991, Tom launched the original HUB Clothing store in Tempe with an emphasis on luxury denim. Now, with a larger storefront at Scottsdale Fashion Square, HUB continues to be a leader in high-end denim and cutting-edge casual clothing in keeping with his early vision.

10. Fashion Collector Extraordinaire: Robert Black. Robert is renowned for his extensive collection of vintage clothing and accessories. With iconic brands ranging from Chanel to Balenciaga, he has collected for over 15 years and amassed approximately 500 unique pieces. The former owner of FORD/Robert Black agency, he recently co-authored a book about Hollywood designer William Travilla and is planning to open a designer vintage boutique this fall with business partner Doreen Picerne.

More about FGI…

Since 1983, Fashion Group International in New York has honored icons, stylemakers and transformers of fashion and design at its annual Night of Stars gala. Past honorees include: Carolina Herrera, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Audrey Hepburn, Tom Ford, Manolo Blahnik, Richard Avedon, Oscar de la Renta, The Lauder Family and Diane Sawyer, just to name a few.

Fashion Group International, Inc. is a global non-profit association of over 6,000 professionals of achievement and influence representing all areas of the fashion, apparel, accessories, beauty and home industries.  Some notable members include Donna Karan, Betsey Johnson, Geoffrey Beene, Carolina Herrera, Zac Posen and Diane Von Furstenberg. For more information, visit www.fgi.org.

Margaret Merritt, President of The Agency Arizona

Margaret’s history in the local fashion scene is more than impressive. After starting her career in Dallas, Margaret landed glamourous local jobs including the Fashion PR Director for Saks Fifth Avenue, at the legendary Robert Black Agency and as a freelance stylist with Neiman Marcus, even traveling with Ken Downing, NM’s current Director of Style.  Now as President of The Agency AZ, Margaret and her team manage the careers of over 200 runway, fashion, male, plus-size, petite and mature models and a select group of actors in the Valley.

A day in the life of Margaret is a busy one! Each day is involved with what she considers “career management” of a model – submitting models for j0b placement, test shoots, advising her models on how they can correctly market themselves through proper pictures and portfolios, sorting through new submissions, booking jobs, visiting her models on job location, and more.

Test shoot for new model

The Agency AZ's sleek office at Safari Drive in Scottsdale

If that wasn’t enough, Margaret coordinates some of the biggest fashion shows here in the Valley.  From the runway design, model casting, wardrobe selection, retailers, styling each model, runway rehearsals and more all within the parameters of the client’s theme and expectations.

Margaret deciding wardrobe for charity show at Blossom Boutique in Scottsdale

So how do the local beauty’s from The Agency AZ land those national Abercrombie and Kohl’s campaigns? One aspect of Margaret’s role is to network her models to top NY, LA and Miami agencies for national and international job placement. Models signed with The Agency for work in Arizona, may very well have contracts with popular agencies like Next or Elite to land those lucrative jobs that rarely cast here locally.  That way, the model gets the best of both worlds – living and working here in Arizona and traveling the globe for those opportunities that will hopefully launch their careers to super model status! So glamourous!!

PS – I picked up a little “insider” tip from Margaret during our visit. All models should have a “shoe bag” that includes an array of shoes from evening to day wear, in an array of styles and colors.  Some shoots and shoes can’t provide shoes, so you must!!

The Agency Arizona is located at 4747 N. Scottsdale Road C-1006, Scottsdale, 480-947-5588, www.theagencyaz.com.