Model Rachel
Editor In Chief Jorge Lara of VIM Magazine recently visited Seattle, Washington to explore the city and culture where he also had the opportunity to interview and photograph Seattle model Rachel (@fluentindenim) and ask her about her fashion influences, her introduction to the fashion community, and her experiences working with Seattle fashion designers.
Rachel is a runway model who has been modeling for two years. In that time she has made appearances in music videos and has done fashion shows with designers Luebbert Swim (@luebbertswim), Alejandro and Santiago (@alejandro_and_santiago), and Mensonique (@mensonique)
The photoshoot was shot at a motel in downtown Seattle. The 60's era motel is surrounded by modern skyscrapers and is located near the Seattle Spheres.
VIM: What was your fashion influences growing up? Is there anyone you aspired to emulate in regards to style?
RACHEL: Growing up, I always thought that my sisters had the coolest style. This was at a point when I didn't understand my style perspective so I would emulate to the point where it wasn't really me.
However, as I aged and Instagram began to bloom into what it is with the advent of the blogger, I found these everyday women the most inspiring. One blogger in particular, Aimee Song, is my forever inspiration. She pulls together outfits that are not only incredibly creative, but elevated and elegant. Nowadays, I find that individuals who go slightly against the grain and who form their own fashion rules, to be the true leaders in fashion.
VIM: What was your introduction to the Seattle fashion community?
RACHEL: To be completely frank, I have always ridiculed Seattle for its somewhat lack of style. When one thinks about it, though, it makes sense. We are surrounded by stunning outdoor beauty at all corners and people live to explore it and aren't focused on dressing up for the next function. I think you can do both. I have always been the overdressed one in the room and, it wasn't until I entered the modeling world, that I discovered there are some stylish people on this side of the US.
VIM: In these past two years you’ve worked with various Seattle fashion designers and appeared in numerous music videos? How was those experiences and what are your plans for the future?
RACHEL: Since I started modeling and saying yes to my creativity, life has changed and moved full speed ahead. I am pushing more than ever against the mindset that models have to fit into a certain mold to be skilled. Whoever said that needs to check themselves!...or just look at my work, ha! I also found my passion in voicing that you can live with a mental health issues and still succeed.
Designer: Kiel Ortega (@kiel_ortega04). Photographer: Mark Salondaka
Designer: Allen Sessing-Hunter (@kralizak). Photographer: Gabino M (@gabinomphoto).
You can have a past of an eating disorder and still walk the runway. I spend a lot of time on social media and this is never talked about! But I'm here to change that. This tangible drive to improve has lead me to walking in numerous runways and to work with local designers and photographers
“This tangible drive to improve has lead me to walking in numerous runways and to work with local designers and photographers.”
I can't tell you how good it feels to meet people and continually be inspired by their vision. When I look back, I never imagined I would be where I am today and I am not sure what the future holds. I am just saying yes to opportunities that fit who I am. Each step I take down this path, I realize that my destination is still unknown.
“I am just saying yes to opportunities that fit who I am. Each step I take down this path I realize that my destination is still unknown.”
Sometimes, I believe that I want to be a typical model who only walks runways and is seen on magazines, but I don't think that's who I am. So, cheers to the future, because I choose to see the unknown as exciting.
