FashFest model Q&A: Zoe Karouzos

In its third year, FASHFEST 2015 returns to Canberra in its new location at the National Convention Centre. With the event set to kick off in less than a few days time (May 13-16) I sat down with one of the models participating in the 3-day Canberra fashion event, local 21-year-old model, Zoe Karouzos.

Zoe, how did you get first involved with FashFest?

I found out about FashFest about three years ago when it first started in Canberra and have wanted to be a part of the event ever since. The event has grown so much and I’m so excited to be involved! This is my first year modelling at FashFest as I haven’t modelled much locally so decided it was time to give it a go!

How many models are there (roughly) involved in FashFest and how are they selected?

There are roughly 85-90 models participating in FashFest this year. This year there was a casting held at the National Convention Centre where over 300 models came. We had to walk in front down a cat walk in front of everyone and were  looked at by a panel of judges. Once we walked, we had to get our pictures taken holding up our casting number. It was a very long day!

How is FashFest different from any other modelling work you have done before?

Fashfest is the only modelling work I have done in Canberra. A lot of my modelling work has been interstate in Sydney or Melbourne where I have done big commercial campaigns, shot television commercials and done editorial shoots. I’ve never done any cat walk shows before so this will be a brand new experience for my modelling career. I will be walking every night for 5 different designers down a 50 metre catwalk and seating to fit 1200 people!

What do you think FashFest does for the Canberra fashion scene and industry?

I think Fashfest is a wonderful way for Canberra to expand it’s fashion industry. It is bringing the creative hub of Canberra together, helping local designers showcase their talents and their work and bring in new fashion trends for the fashion scene within Canberra. It’s great because Canberra isn’t generally very fashion-focussed, so it’s really good to have an event that is unlike anything else Canberra has to offer.

Do you feel there is a sense of community between the models and designers and how does this compare to any other experiences you may have had as a model?

There is a sense of community between the models, designers and producers of the show. It is a much nicer environment to work in than a lot of other modelling jobs I have done! The fashion scene within Canberra is not one that is hugely recognised and this creates struggle for local designers and models included to make a name for themselves in the fashion world. The reality is that this industry can be pretty nasty, so it’s really lovely to work with such a big group of people who are motivating, comfortable and encouraging to work with.

Run us through a typical FashFest rehearsal… 

Our rehearsals have been every Sunday from 10am-6pm with a half hour lunch break. In the first week we had a whole day of learning how to walk properly, how to pose and also how to adjust the timing of our walk so that we are in sync with the other models we walk with and also the music. We then learnt all the choreography for each designer we have to walk for because they are all different. Once we learnt this, we just practiced them every week.

Each day we warm up with a lot of walking and then get stuck into practicing our walks and then the designers will also come throughout the day and do fittings with us and get all our outfits ready for the show. We also have to wear heels all day…. So painful!

Which designers are you most excited to work with?

I am so excited to work with Ziyah (@ziyah.design) and That Bird Label. Ziyah is amazing, sophisticated swim wear and That Bird Label is beautiful bohemian styled clothes.

________________________________________________________________________________

Text by Monika Damcevska / Photos courtesy of Shana Jade Photography