Student Profile No.3: Natalia Zurowski, the Travelling Model

“ The best feeling for me is to stand in an airport, not knowing anyone, and knowing that I m going to a place totally new.

I just feel, ‘amazing’ ”

Who are you?

My name is Natalia Zurowski. I am born in Germany, I came to Canada when I was a couple of years old. I model and it changed my life for the better.

How long have you been modelling?

Almost 2 years, on and off.

How did this modeling start?

I was scouted at 14 years old my parents didn’t really approve in the beginning. Later on, I got to know Chantale Nadeau, a renowned booker based in Toronto and is known internationally.

In my first year university, I did not think what it was going to be - I had a boy friend and I was in my own bubble. I just decided to contact her, whether she likes me or not, I just wanted to try. She contacted me to come to Toronto for measurements. I did a test shoot, and I was at Weldon when I saw my first photoshoot that they sent me, and I literally screamed. Then, the modelling thing started to appeal to me. Beginning of March 2008, I met some agencies, at this point I am only in for a month. My mothering agency (Chantale Nadeau) suggested going to China. After a contract and final exams, in May, I was off to Shanghai, China.

What kind of work have you done so far?

I am one of the shorter girls, so I do a lot of commercials and campaigns. Runway is not my forte.

Tell me about your mothering agency.

When you travel for the first time, it is kind of like the buddy system. My friends Julia and Amber and I went together. Your parent can come with you, once you are 18, but after you have to go alone. Julia is one of my best friends. It’s crazy how close you become with people. It’s like creating a new family. My agency books me with different agencies in other countries.

What is your favourite experience so far ?

One of my favourite works was in Malaysia. It was for a clothing line from India. They paid me to go shopping, for my flight, my accommodations. I got to meet a variety of people from India and Malaysia. I loved it because I got to see a whole new world in a couple of days.

What are some of the cultural shocks you’ve had?

Shanghai, China. It was my first time being in a new environment by myself. I didn’t know what to eat, where to buy stuff.

What do you like about working as a model ?

Just meet the most amazing people in the industry. Getting to see all the exotic places that I would have never gone to. If I ever have kids, I could tell them about all the amazing experiences I had and am proud of.

Some of my best friends, the people I trust, are from HK, South Africa, England and Australia. If I wasn’t modelling I wouldn’t have met these people.

There is a stupid stereotype of models being stupid. In foreign countries, maps are not in English. And you are required to run around from all day from 9am-6pm.

In Malaysia

On living overseas and traveling:

When you live in a new country for 2, 3 months, you get the first look of how people live, contrary to a vacation of a week or two. I love the experience of being thrown to a new situation. I feel more at home when I am not home, not knowing the laungage. It’s weird, it’s messed up but I think I have Phobia of routine (chuckles.) I feel more rejuvenated when I am at somewhere new.

I’m never scared of travelling by myself. It made me really open. I feel so different now.

If I didn’t take on modelling, I probably married my boyfriend. If I would have lived in London, I feel like I would have failed my parents, because my parents moved me to Canada to give me a better my life, and I found this opportunity. If I was in Poland, I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today.

In Malaysia

What are some difficult experiences you had?

In Shanghai, they are very critical about body type. Generally there is a constant pressure for model to be thin. In Asia, it’s not even like that...

Once, my friend and I were standing beside each other for casting. The people were pointing at us, laughing…speaking in Chinese…they could have been saying anything. So I feel uncomfortable sometimes, because they are only judging about your appearance - they are just so critical.

But you have to be tough about that in this industry. That’s just Asia, that’s how they are. I just remember not to take it personally. I was also once told too skinny. That's same as being told I am fat. Everybody is looking for something different. You are signed up for this to be criticized. One critique, so what? Next day you’ll go to a different casting and they might like you. Overall, you have to take the good and the bad.

In Malaysia

Who are your favourite models?

Hilary Rhoda and Ali Michael
My favourite canadian model is Drea Vujovic

On Asian and European modeling markets in the world:

Europe is good for editorials, breaking out new faces, and for exposure. You don’t make much money.

If you want to make money, you go to Asia. For me I could go to Europe. With my look, I think it’s my advantage to go to Asia. I have baby face, so it works in my favor in Asia. I was offered to go to Greece, but after seeing Asia, it was almost like an obsession. I’m constantly talking about it to friends like I am a spokesperson for Asia. I feel like I can go to Europe anytime, but especially when I am young and offered to go to Asia, that kind of offer is not always there. Vietnam, Thailand and Japan…such a cultural difference, where as in Europe, because tourist industry is developed it is not difficult for me to tackle on. I have family there so it’s always available to me and it doesn’t feel like a big cultural experience to me.

In Malaysia

Are you planning on modeling in the future?

I want to do it as long as I can. At the same time, I want to keep up with my education.

Next year, I am going to Singapore. After graduation, hopefully Europe and do my master there. I will never do modelling it as a full time job. It does not provide stable income at all.

I'd love to go back to China, Singapore, Malaysia, HK and maybe Tokyo.

How about modeling in Canada while you are here?

It is too hard to go to castings here, expensive, and time consuming. I wish I did live in Toronto. Toronto Market is tricky. It is a mature market in a sense. They want the girls to be 5’10" and tall. They want older looking models. I am also filled with plans right now.

Have you thought about doing fashion shows at Western?

I thought about it, I’m not really for runways. I think it’s great what they are doing. I think it’s great to expose Western talent. It also gives them a taste of what the industry is like.

Can you give advice to people that may be interested in doing what you do?

If you do modelling, you should be humble about it. You are lucky, because a lot of people don’t get the chance, so be modest about it. Shorter girls, don’t be intimidated by the tall girls on runway. You won’t be doing editorials, runways, you’ll be doing commercials and campaigns. Don’t give up. Just go out there and Do it. You’ll be faced with rejections. Take it as criticism and grow from it. If you are 100% serious about it, do your best to get into it. If agency tells you to change this and that, you have to do it.

Tell me something about you other than your brilliant modelling experience.

I have Black belt in karate. I got 3^rd place in Ontario when I was 13 years old. I did almost for 9 years from 3^rd grade to 10^th grade.

Student Profile No.2: Steven Ritchie and Static Wear

Who are you?

My name is steven ritchie. I'm a second year student at UWO and i run my own t-shirt line.

What's personal style?
I like to mix and match with new styles. My style evolves so I get new stuff but I still keep the old pieces.
I currently like street type clothes mixed with a classier look. Sometimes I bring out racy pieces just for the stares.

So How did you style evolve?
When I was younger I tried to fit in with styles, so there were baggie jeans, polo shirts, then skinny jeans, band shirts, American Apparel…. Then when I came to university I got more interested in fashion, the more high end stuff, mens wear and street wear. I’m trying to move solely into mens wear but I still don’t want to stop wearing street wear though.

What got you interested in fashion?
Actually Gossip girl, Chuck Bass has the best wardrobe of life. And fashion magazines.

What’s your favourite brand?
Nothing in particular – but I like H&M, Uniqlo – I have not seen the real clothes but it seems very nice – Burberry Prosrum, the ones coming out, Commes de Garcons, not the haute couture but the Ready-To-Wear, and Thom Browne. Street wise I like The Hundreds a lot and the small time brands too.

What are your Western fashion do’s and dont's?
Just don’t wear something because everyone has it. Don’t worry about standing out. You are an individual, dress like one.

Do you think that people are scared to wear something different? Or do you think some people are just not interested in fashion?
I think that people in general are very judgmental. That’s why most people dress just like their friends. I come from Oakville and there is no contributing styles or shopping districts, whereas in London, there are boutiques and a lot more opportunities to dress differently.

What are you involved this year in school?
I’m part of style society and the retail business club.

ABOUT STATIC WEAR

Tell me about Static Wear
It’s mostly personal interest. I draw inspiration from everything around me in my day-to-day life. I make it mainly for my friends and myself, what we like to wear. It doesn’t fit in specific genre of clothing.

What got you interested in doing this?
I had a bunch of ideas of what I thought would look good on shirts and one of my friends was doing it at the time so I got some pointers from him. I took a break for a while because I lost motive but I was looking for print shops one day and I found out about Johnny Cupcakes. I did some research on him. He produces clothes that are limited edition. He is bigger in the states, but he now hosts business lectures and other community type events. He’s made millions and is great inspiration along with The Hundreds based in L.A.

What’s new with Static Wear?
I just released winter hats and hoodies.

What’s the process of getting these products made?
So first is design or an idea. I have to sketch it out or make a basic plan. Then I put it on computer and touch it up and everything in Photoshop. I send it over to the print shop and get them printed. Finally I pick them up!

Are there a lot of print shops?
Yeah, I get my stuff made mostly in Oakville. I think purple door is way too expensive. There is a shop called Fresh Ink Apparel down on Wellington street that I tried out once and they were great. It’s just a mission to get there right now without the buses.

How do you do your research?
I do my research mostly online although I like to read up on stuff in magazines or just through talking to people.

Where do you see Static Wear going?
Static Wear is solely for fun, I don’t do it for the money. It’s cool to see people wearing my stuff though and that’s the best thing I get out of it.

Are you interested in expanding it?
Well, yes if my customer base get bigger, I want to do more hoodies and think of more designs for sure.

Where can people get static wear?
Through me is the best way. Just contact me.

What’s your advice to people who want to do something similar?
Do your research. Know lots of people. It takes a lot more than it seems. If you know people who own stores, ask them what you need to get your stuff in there. Find a mentor who you can ask anything you need.

Tell me about a recent project you are working on.
I am making a short animation film with a couple guys in Australia and a guy in Norway.
I help model the environment and assets such as furniture and stuff.
I always got inspired by animation, especially by Pixar. Their movies are beautiful.

To learn more about Static Wear and Steven Ritchie:

http://www.static-wear.com/blog

Photo credit: Chelsi Shenaynay M

Student Profile No.1: Tafsir Diallo

Who are you?
I am Tafsir Diallo. I am a Third year political science student. I was born in Guinea west Africa, but raised in Toronto Ontario.

What do you do?
I'm also the production director for Western's Campus radio station, 94.9 CHRW. I also host a show called, The Backpack Chronicles that airs the first Saturday of each month. We've have artists from The Kid Famous, Zaki Ibrahim. I run a blog called the Art of Fresh at http://dyallo.wordpress.com

What's your personal style?
Amalgamation of everything. Instead of cordinating, I try to wear things that usually wouldn't go together. I think that's where fashion comes from, it's your own. I could be wearing Gucci shoes and an urban t-shirt from echelon. I could be wearing a cardigan and a dress shirt together and sag my pants at the same time.
I don't match. It's like a tornado hit me but way flyer.

What are your fashion inspirations?
Madman. Don Draper. Myself, pardon the arrogance. Hypebeast is a great site for inspiration too. I have to say though, that anyone who frequents Kanye's site for fashion advice is a lost case. No redemption from that.

What parts of clothing are your favourite?
Shoes, I'm a shoe addict. Shoes make the outfit.
If you're wearing high fashion brands and top it off with birkenstocks, you know you done fucked up, right.

What’s your recent obsession?
I don't obsess. This is isn't Sex and The City. This is my life. I just do as I please. I don't like to repeat the same routine, I'm a fan of novelty. In order to maintain that, I can't obsess. New is the new black.

Favourite Designer?
Tafsir Diallo. I'd like to think I'm my own brand. I feel that each individual should feel the same way. Ralph Lauren makes clothes that Ralph Lauren likes. That's his standard. My clothes are a reflection of my standard. Thus, I have to be my own favourite designer.

Do you keep up with new collections/trend?
YES, I'm a fashion whore. I look for new, and interesting fashion styles wherever I can. It can be on campus, club, lounges, online, music videos. Mostly though, I look to the past to inspire my collection. Other than that, I like urban brands such as BBC, The hundreds, Rocksmith.

Where do you get new information on fashion?
Usually lifestyle blogs. I don't appreciate blogs or media sources simply dedicated to fashion. I'm all about a lifestyle. I could give a damn about a brand name. But if it's congruent with my lifestyle goals, then it's something that I will appreciate. It has to be larger than life.

What kind of style or fashion item do you want to experiment in near future?
I want to get preppy cricket sweaters.

Do you wear certain colors?
I like to limit the colors that I wear. I want it to be neat.

What are interesting things you've been doing recently?
I've been researching about movies a lot. I want to make movies, tell stories. The picture you took tells a story. If I am wearing my supra, it tells a different story from if I am wearing a cardigan.

Tell me about the magazine you're working on.
It's a student lifestyle magazine. There will be various issues. It's going to be about different aspects of life, for students. We're looking at September for the first issue.