Paris Fashion Week!

Number One! Sorry for not having posted anything in a few weeks, as you now know, I've been doing both London and now Paris fashion week, so between running from casting, to fitting, to show to casting casting, show, and all over again, and trying to keep up with my university course, this blog is something that takes a backseat.

Well, yes, I am in Paris, I love it here, but it can be tough. I am so grateful my parents put me in french immersion back in the day, as I'm able to communicate and get what I need much easier, rather than be stared at rudely for not speaking the language. And yes, it does happen here.

Louvre

I really lucked out with where I'm staying this time around in Paris. I have a room in an apartment in Montmatre (think the film Amelie). One of my south facing windows has a gorgeous view of the Eiffel tower, so not matter how hard I may try (although I'm not), I shan't forget where I am! Then, behind me, although not from a view via my window, is Bastille Sacre-Coeur, one of my favorite sites in Paris. Alas, I really lucked out!

This week has been rather busy. I did a show wednesday for a Chinese designer Liu Fang which was neat to do. The clothing was all knitted white. So to match, we had our faces painted white, including white eyelashes.

Then yesterday I had the pleasure of doing Lutz Huelle for a second season. It's always lovely doing his show as the atmosphere is always relaxed and everyone is so friendly. Oh, and the fact that there's wine backstage just may help!

My 3 looks from Lutz

Finally, today I did another favorite show, Issey Miyake, which I've done for three seasons now. Everything that comes from this house is incredible, everything is so intricate and needs to be "just so". But where this could be annoying, it's fantastic as everyone who works for the house is unbelievably kind. 

Backstage was busy as always, but that wasn't a problem as I was able to find a little corner to chill once I had done hair and makeup. The best part about this backstage experience was definitely the foot reflexologist that was on hand. HEAVEN! 

The show took place at Le Grand Palais which is an incredible venue and somewhere so unique to do a show.

the roof of Le Grand Palais

lineup

 Well, that's all for today. But stay tuned as I will try to post again in a few days.

London Fashion Week

Sorry I've been rubbish at writing this past week, but London Fashion Week had taken over my life. My days consisted of far more castings than humanly possible to get to, then once Fashion Week officially started this past friday, those already busy days were then filled with not only castings, but shows and fittings as well.

To say the least, I am writing to you rather exhausted looking forward to a couple of days off before I head to Paris to do it all over again. Oh, and did I mention that Paris fashion week also lasts longer than here in London?

I didn't do as many shows as usual here in London, but, after talking with other blonde models I know quite well, they all had a less than stellar season here in London. The reason for this was evident in the choice of casting with most shows, brunettes! Long, brown hair. This industry is rather fickle, so it may be brunettes here in London this season, but another city, it may be another trend.

I however was able to walk some amazing shows, Georgia Hardinge, Antipodium and J JS Lee to name a few.

I was also able to attend the presentation of my dear friend Lee Miller showing his new line, Dr. Robert, needless to say, I want everything! Today, I also went to his partner's show, Christian Blanken who I usually walk for but due to reasons beyond both of our controls, could not this season. But it was lovely to watch and see it, another collection I want everything from.

Another hi-light of my week was doing a presentation for Georgia Hardinge, someone who I've modeled for from the start and whom is currently blowing up. She recently did a fashion film that just blows my mind.

Here are a few pictures from my week!

Me, Georgia Hardinge and another model Nala with family of Georgia's.

Nala and I in Georgia Hardinge.

Backstage with Toni and Guy

my rack at J JS Lee

my backstage buddy Dillon and I at J JS Lee

with the designer of J JS Lee and her mother!

Back in London, Back in Action!

Apologies for not posting any news sooner but it has been a few manic days.

My last day in Seoul I was working and the shoot went great. I was very sad to say goodbye to my Korean agency DCM and my amazing bookers and managers there. As far as all concerned, it is more so a "see you later", rather than bye.

Late Saturday morning I headed to Inchon Airport to get ready to head "home" to London. Unfortunately, not knowing how this happend, I was going back to London with an extra 7kg, only being allowed 20kg with Asiana Airlines. I however lucked out with a wonderful lady at check in who only asked that I took 2kg out and she would allow me 5kg extra without any fee. Thus, I happily took a few things out.

After a glass, or two, of red wine after takeoff I quickly fell asleep and the next thing I knew, we were going to be landing shortly in London. I'm always grateful for my ability to always sleep on long haul flights!

It was great to be back in London, and for once, the sun was just shining! I quickly arrived at my new flat and was right back in the swing of things, going to the "Parlour" room at a club/restaurant named Sketch in Central London to see my Seoul roomie, Morwenna DJ. It was a great reunion as Laura, a fellow roomate from Seoul showed up too!

After a wonderful Sunday spent with my best friend Francesca and an earlier drink with my Canadian friend (and co-creator of thisismyjam.com), I attended a good friend's birthday dinner. Unfortunately though, due to doing too much in 24 hours with jetlag and weather changes I quickly fell ill. Thank goodness I have such good friends who made sure they could do anything possible to help me out.

I had a great night's rest and the next thing I knew I was heading to my agency Premier to pick up show cards and start castings for London Fashion Week. Luckily I only had 5 castings, but the rest of the week won't be so easy with about 14 castings tomorrow.

On top of work, today I am starting my new university course at Queen's University.

Let's just say that its going to be a very busy few weeks! But hey, I'm back in London baby!!

Outback, Wine, Dance Time!

Well yesterday was pouring down rain, even more so than the same time last week when we were meant to be hit horrifically by a typhoon....or not so much.

So it seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to head to the agency to print out a form for university to then scan and email to my dad. I had spent some time chatting with Ed and Sunny, my two bookers, who are really more like brother and sister to me, when I was about to leave. They had asked me if I had eaten lunch yet and I hadn't so voila, we decided to go out for lunch.

Outback Steakhouse was where we decided on, we had such a feast, it was me, Ed, Sunny, Jinny and Emilie. We had so much fun and it was spur of the moment.The feast included steak, ribs, salad, pasta, prawns, chicken, bread. Let's just say I was glad I was wearing a loose dress.

Oh, and we also pretended it was my birthday. I had happy birthday sung to me in Korean by the staff who were also playing tambourines!

After doing some shopping in the Myeong-dong area I went back to the agency to pick up a bottle of Romanian wine that Ed had given me to bring to the flat and share with the girls. I also picked up some of the leftover bread from lunch so we could have some wine, bread and cheese.

It was a nice chance to relax, enjoy some wine and play cards. Plus, I had never heard of Romanian wine and it was delicious! I will definitely have to try and find some in London!

One thing led to another and we ended up having a bit of a dance party in the flat. I for sure worked up a sweat!

                                       

Today was a huge change from yesterday as the clouds had past it and it was bright blue sky. That being said, I wanted to take advantage of such a gorgeous day so my flatmate Iona and I decided we should go down to Han River. When we were down there we rented bikes. It was so nice being outside and active, taking in the scenery, when we weren't having other cyclists ring their bell at us to move our slow selves!

The End is Near

I am still shocked, I've already been in Seoul for 7 weeks, and come this weekend I'm heading back "home" to London! I cannot wait, Morwenna headed home to London on Friday and it's been odd not having her here, but we shall reunite next weekend!

Jinny and Morwenna waiting for the bus to the airport

Other than Morwenna's departure not too much has been going on here. I feel that I have done and seen all the things I wanted to while here in Seoul, so I won't be leaving here with any regrets. 

I may be leaving shortly but work is not over. Saturday I was shooting a lookbook with some really cool clothes which were very much my style so it made doing the job much easier. Was a nice way to spend a working Saturday to be honest. It makes such a difference when you can goof off on set and still get your job done.

On set with one of my managers Emily

With the departure of Morwenna and Marina we have received two new girls to fill their spaces. One is from Australia and the other from Poland. They seem nice enough but I have a difficult time with trying to form a friendship when I am here for only a few more days. But, I'm sure all will be fine and we will all get on just fantastically!