New York Fashion Week may only last seven days, but the preparation takes months. While some fresh faces made their debuts, 2014 NC State alumna Arielle Chambers participated in her 12th season, with modeling practically becoming second nature to her.
“I’m passionate about [fashion] — it’s definitely in me,” Chambers said. “But I never thought I’d end up in fashion; I actually wanted to study law.”
During the holidays, Chambers posted on Facebook in search of a photographer for her mom’s Christmas present. Once her friend recommended a booker, she got in touch with an agency in Charlotte and was sent to New York City, where she was signed at the age of 18 to a professional modeling agency.
The Raleigh native, however, was no stranger to modeling. As a child, she starred in local commercials and started walking the runway when she was 12.
“I love everything about it,” Chambers said. “I love how fashion constantly changes, and it never gives you room to be dormant or stagnant; it’s always flowing and evolving. Every trend comes back around — it’s nostalgic.”
Chambers, similar to fashion, rarely pauses. Different campaigns are shot in various locations, so although she lives in Manhattan, her career takes her around the world. This upcoming summer, Chambers plans to go to shoots in London, England, and Cape Town, South Africa.
“I come down to North Carolina maybe four times a year, but it’s hard because I cheer for the New York Knicks,” Chambers said. “During NBA season, we have at least three games a week. It’s difficult.”
A lifelong performer, Chambers dreamt of cheering at NC State. Originally attending UNC-Charlotte, she transferred to study communication media.
“State had a great cheer program,” Chambers said. “My dad went to Duke, and I’ve always been naturally rebellious. NC State seemed like a good fit; it’s back home, and home is where the heart is.”
Chambers has cheered for 21 years, and she has also already made a dent in the dancing sphere. Chambers said that if she’s not at practice, she’s taking dancing classes. A modern dancer, Chambers kicks off her morning with ballet, takes hip-hop mid-day and winds down with funk.
“My appreciation for dance came in college, so I’m trying to learn the techniques to dance as opposed to cheerleading,” Chambers said. “Dancing is more expressive in the way that it lets your body tell a story.”
Fashion, similar to dance, is interpretive. Whether it’s a staple piece or a twist on a classic, the designers’ personal representations keep styles fresh and influential. Renowned for its repetition, fashion comes full circle. Chambers, with an infectious laugh, warns that bell-bottoms are making their way back to closets.
“Almost every show had some type of bell-bottom; there were even flares on sleeves, so be prepared for it,” Chambers said. “I just can’t do the flares.”
Other emerging trends include jewel tones, velour, kitten heels and flight jackets.
“I don’t know if you’ve seen people wear them, but everyone in NYC rocks bomber jackets again,” Chambers said. “I wore those when I was in, what, seventh grade? Everything is recycled.”
For New York Fashion Week, which lasted Feb. 11 – 18, fall and winter styles are presented, while spring and summer styles are presented in September. Casting began mid-January, so Chambers had to alter her diet and pause her workout routine. Modeling is based on one’s body, so as long as the models match the sample-size, the designers don’t have any reason to complain.
“All the girls come to the agency, and we walk for our bookers and they alter our walks accordingly,” Chambers said. “It’s a lot of work. I walked five shows, and it was exhausting.”
Emma Badorrek, a junior studying fashion and textile management, interned for designers during Fashion Week.
“The level of passion these people had to get their collections out was incredible,” Badorrek said. “The designers put so much faith into the casting company. The runway shows were like presentations or exhibits.”
Badorrek assisted designers and stylists with other interns, preparing looks and spending time in the studio.
“They were laid back,” Badorrek said. “It was cool seeing the process from start to finish. It was a pretty great experience.”
New York City is a mecca for fashion with opportunities one cannot get anywhere else. However, there are other places that are overlooked, such as Chicago or Miami. According to Chambers, it’s becoming a bit oversaturated.
“A lot of my shorter friends get discouraged because they think they can’t model, but there’s ‘fit modeling’ where clothes are fit perfectly to you,” Chambers said. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it; just know what market is for you.”
Moreover, Chambers advised to be self-aware and wary of industry professionals across the board.
“There are so many different aspects in fashion, and you don’t want to be uninformed before you jump into it,” Chambers said. “Do your research about the industry you want to enter, whether that be modeling or anything else.”
Arielle Chambers, 2014 NC State alumna, walks down the runway of her 12th New York Fashion Week season. At the age of 18, Chambers said she was signed to a professional modeling agency in New York City. Since then, she has continued to model and travel around the world for shoots.
