Pageantry Goes to NYFW 2.0
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The last time I visited New York I was 13 years old. I remember how magical it was because it was just my mother and I. We saw Wicked, shopped like crazy, and I did my first cover shoot for a magazine. I’ve been eager to go back ever since.
Ten years later, the opportunity struck once again. This 3-day trip to New York was filled with so much love, excitement, and fun I had to share it all on my blog.
I got to spend quality time with my mom and little sister. We created our models’ outfits for the fashion show, took tons of photos, and maximized the few hours we were able to sight see in New York. What made it better was spending also with our extended pageant family, Nina and Anabella.
My mom, Nina, and I created several new pieces for the Queens Go Green collection. We made outfits out of old paper bags from Amazon groceries, UPS labels, tablecloth, sponges, and much more. It was a miracle we didn’t have to scramble anything too last minute and the outfits looked so cute! Charisma also showcased a line of unicorn inspired clothing and Anabella made her first fashion debut in New York.
I made new friends at the model fittings and during the fashion show, and most of them are from Miami! It was great timing as post-breakup and moving to a new apartment I’ve been trying to make new friends and get out of my comfort zone. These ladies were also passionate about event planning, networking, pageants, and I look forward to hanging out with them again in Miami!
My incredible friend Nina Suluh won Art & Beauty’s Classic Woman’s Top Model Competition. She WORKED that runway even with serious competition. I don’t anyone who deserved that title more.
I fell in love with Central Park. I felt a little overwhelmed that the concrete jungle had very few trees, but was glad to take a bike stroll through the area. Plus, our tour guide was a stellar iPhone photographer.
I modeled for five designers in New York. The last time I did a runway show (outside of international pageants) I was a sophomore in college. I love the feeling of getting on stage and having the spotlight on me. I have no shame, I was extra before it was a thing, and it gives me the confidence to take on anything. Some of these pieces were incredible, and it was a privilege for me to showcase them on the runway.
But the best thing hands down about this entire experience, was being told by mothers “thank you for being a role model to my daughter.” I remember the first time I heard that I was in seventh grade and it brought tears to my eyes because I didn’t know I could be that to someone. That message has been the driving force of why I continue to do what I do. I’m a goody goody two shoes, I will work hard for what I want in my life, and I will my very best to own up to my faults as I do with my victories. It’s not because I won a grand pageant title or an accomplishment I can put on my resume, but just because I am me, and I’m still trying to figure out who I am in my own way. That message has been one of the biggest purposes of my life, and I will not let that down.
New York, you were too good to me. I hope I can return during Christmas time if I can handle the cold and time allows. Elf is my favorite Christmas movie and I’ve always dreamed of seeing the Rockefeller tree. Thank you Rene, Noemi, the designers, my family, my friends, and the models who all made this such an incredible experience!
This post was originally from misselizabethtran.wordpress.com and transferred over to Lashes and Sashes
