A
Q&A with Ebony Fashion Fair Commentator and Fashion Fair Cosmetics model
JADA COLLINS
What do you love most about modeling for Ebony Fashion Fair?
What I love most about being a part of Ebony Fashion Fair is
the opportunity to be a role model for young African American girls. I think
that it is important for young girls to see positive Black men and women
doing something awesome like the Ebony Fashion Fair. I feel very at home
when I am on stage. I love performing. The best part about being on stage
is looking out in the audience and seeing people enjoying what we are doing.
What is your favorite designer outfit that you wear during Ebony Fashion
Fair?
My favorite designer is Bob Mackie! I love his creativity and the detail
in his designs. One year I wore two Bob Mackie designs: A gold beaded
mini dress and an Egyptian style evening gown. I also wore a gorgeous
gray beaded gown from Bob Mackie that fit like a glove. That's was my
favorite!
Why and when did you decide to go into modeling?
I started modeling when I was 12. My mother enrolled me in The
Barbizon School of Modeling in San Francisco so basically, I decided to
model because of my height. At the age of 12 I was already 5'9 and then
I continued to grow another two inches in my teens. However, initially,
modeling was not really my passion. I REALLY loved broadcasting and public
speaking so that makes being the spokes model for The Ebony Fashion Fair
such a blessing!!!!!!
What do you miss most about home when you are traveling
with the show?
When I am traveling I miss my family and church. I wish I could
attend church regularly, but I can't. So, I miss that the most.
The day that you auditioned for Ebony Fashion Fair
was really a big day for you. Can you tell us about it?
The day of my audition for Ebony Fashion Fair I was a complete
basket case! I was nervous but excited. I think that it was one of the most
nerve racking days of my life, aside from my first show with Oscar de la
Renta and my wedding day. The process was easy, however, there were about
fifty other girls who were all competing for the same 12 spots. That is what
made it so nerve racking. I had been to hundreds of auditions throughout
my modeling career, but this was different. This was Ebony Fashion Fair,
the largest traveling fashion show in the world. This was the fashion show
that was associated with the famous Ebony magazine, Black America's premier
publication!!! So, this audition was very different from any other to say
the least. So, I am proud to say that I survived the Ebony Fashion Fair panel
and the swimsuit audition. I can now say that I have been an Ebony Fashion Fair model, assistant commentator and now its commentator. I am very proud
to be a part of our African American heritage and history!
Have
you ever modeled outside of the U.S.?
Thanks to Mrs. Johnson and Ebony Fashion Fair I have had the
opportunity to model in both Paris and Rome! My first trip to Europe was
with Ebony Fashion Fair. I did photo shoots for the show panels, EBONY magazine
and advertising ads for the show.
What advice do you have for little girls and young
women who would like to have a modeling career?
My advice for girls who want to model is simple: STAY IN SCHOOL
... EDUCATION FIRST! I think that modeling is a wonderful experience, but
realistically, it is a short-lived career. You must have something stronger
to fall back on but if you are at least 5"10 and fall within the measurement
requirements then go for it!! Just make sure that you have a back up plan,
too.