RAINA HEIN: Surviving Model/Actress Q&A

Raina Hein FCM September 2014 editorial outtake

You saw her fantastic Sept/Oct editorial, and hopefully her feature (or buzz) pointed you here to actually read the answers to FCM's interview with Raina Hein. Beautiful, intelligent, and deserving model with amazing on-screen and print talent as a world class Actress/Model. 

-Contributing FCM Writer, Asha Spacek

Asha/FCM: You not only look mesmerizing & move well with cinematic intent in film, video, and commercials, but while you started as a model, do you think your new, or maybe long-term goal might sway toward acting?

Raina: When I first started modeling, I never saw myself acting or really even gave it any thought- it was always too scary. I knew I loved performing in a sense, but it wasn't until after living in LA for two years that I gave it a try and then realized I absolutely loved it. It's one of the most challenging and difficult things I've ever done, which is why I love it so much. I do enjoy modeling quite a lot, but I don't get to really show the world everything I've got inside of me like I do with acting. It's a very freeing feeling.

Asha/FCM: Being part of a two-time NCAA National Championship volleyball team in college, what are some of your thoughts/feelings on recent NCAA rulings with college unionization, monies, etc?

Raina: If you are referring to the recent Northwestern football player labor debate that the NCAA just entered into regarding unionization, I'd have to say that pursuing a college degree while getting a scholarship to play your sport, should be a privilege and not a job because otherwise it could diminish the desire for an education that would benefit one for a lifetime and place more desire on getting paid. However, I do think that college athletes on scholarship can definitely feel like they are an employee because they are giving a significant amount of their college lives to their sport while following strict rules and regulations in return for compensation of room, board and scholarship. When looking at the money aspect of it all (as far as football goes), television contracts alone rake in billions of dollars- I can certainly see why players are upset for not receiving a percentage of this considering they are the ones out there putting in their very best work nearly all year-round. In my opinion, after looking at the big picture and all the college students in this country; getting room, board & scholarship is a pretty big reward and shouldn't be overlooked or taken for granted by anyone. It's a good debate, and I can definitely see the points from both sides.

Asha/FCM: You hear a lot these days about companies and individuals finding or knowing they're brand. Do you think we have a clear understanding- or in case we've missed it- what is your overall brand message?

Raina: I would like to think my brand is a mix between happy, confident, healthy, energetic, goofy, fierce, chic and artsy. My number one goal is to always be me, stay true to my morals and values, and be a good role model, all while having fun and learning as much as I can. I'd like to think I accurately portray my overall brand message- hopefully I'm right.

Asha/FCM: According to Twitter, seems like major travel this week [esp modeling] any projects you can tell us about? 

Raina: Yea...LAX and I have a pretty tight relationship. You know you travel too much when airport employees know you by name and ask, "What kind of candy do you have with you today?"

I was just in Barcelona for a week shooting the campaign for Tarik Ediz, and was in Monaco, and London two weeks ago for a meeting with a magazine. Besides those trips, I have been traveling back to my hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota every other weekend or so to visit my loved ones whom I'm always missing.

Asha/FCM: You have amazing legs and abs. What is your workout/diet routine like to stay so toned, rather than just 'slim' like many models?

Raina: I love to stay active. I try to go hiking with my fluffy munchkin companion as often as possible which is usually two or three times a week, and I like to go on a 3-5 mile run twice a week. Other than that, I eat pretty healthy and drink a lot of water. When it comes to treats, I don't forbid myself from having them. If I do, I'll go crazy- candy is my weakness...okay and maybe frozen yogurt and sprinkles too. But, I always eat them in moderation, and I believe that if you consistently fuel your body with healthy and nutritious foods, you won't crave the junk food as much. I eat a lot of nuts, fruits, greek yogurt, hummus, veggies, healthy grains & fish, and snack all throughout the day. But I think the real secret is laughing alot...seriously.

Asha/FCM: What has gone ultra dark-haired brunette done for your career?

Raina: I didn't move to LA and start seriously modeling or acting as a blonde, so I can't really say for sure. However, I think it does give me some edge and sets me apart from a lot of girls in LA- I like being different. If I were to guess, I'd say I would work more with dark hair than with light hair, so I plan on keeping it for a while. But don't tell that to my Grandma...she's not a fan;-)

Asha/FCM: For a bit of online clarity, who are your currently represented by [all areas of booking]?

Raina: I am represented in a few different markets: Paris, Barcelona, Hong Kong, NYC & LA.

My head representation or "mother agent" for print and runway work is Photogenics phira@photogenicsmedia.com

For all my theatrical and commercial work I am represented by NTA Talent Nick@ntatalent.com

Asha/FCM: Knowledge is power. It seems like you continue to extend your skills and education. Congratulations! Who/what clients are on your model AND acting bucket list?

Raina: I would love to have a recurring role on a TV series or a lead in a feature film one day. I think playing a villain or some type of Angelina Jolie character would be really fun. Working on a show like Lost, Scandal, Breaking Bad, or True Blood would be a dream. I'd love to work with Steven Speilberg, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, Baz Lurhmann, or Andy Tennant. As far as modeling goes, doing a campaign with exotic cats has always been a dream of mine- it'd be so much fun! Meow. I'd also love to shoot for Lela Rose, Vivienne Westwood, Free People, Calvin Klein, VS, Sephora, MAC, and more. There are so many passions and ideas I have and they're always growing and changing.

Asha/FCM: Outside of your professional career, are there any causes or groups that are important to you (or still learning/deciding)?

Raina: I support breast cancer groups dedicated to spreading awareness, research and help programs like the American Breast Cancer Foundation and Susan G Komen.

I am also very supportive of all groups promoting positive self esteem for children and teens such as: Girls For A Change, Write Girl, the Dove Self Esteem Movement, and the Love Your Body campaign by NOW foundation. Some other groups that are important to me are ones dedicated to ending child abuse such as: National Children Alliance, and the Kempe Foundation.

I have a lot of compassion for children and teens- so much so, that I've been giving some serious thought into perhaps one day going back to school and getting my MA in child counseling.

Asha/FCM: Anything else you want the industry, and/or fans to know about Raina?

Raina: Some of my favorite quotes: 

-Believe in yourself. If you don't, you won't succeed.

-Live for moments, not for things.

-Life is a journey, not a destination. So no matter what you have or where you are, you have what you have and you are where you are, so enjoy as much of it as you can, because life is too short to not do so.

-Never ever let anyone make you feel less than extraordinary.

-"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." -Vincent Van Gogh

Thank you for your time, and to your continued success...!

My personal/top "Fashion Wish List" of clients I'd love to see Raina booked for (sorry, couldn't narrow down to ten):

Dolce & Gabanna- Valentino- YSL by Heidi Slimane- Balmain Paris- La Perla- Gucci- Roberto Cavalli- Burberry- Tom Ford- D-Squared- Viktor & Rolf- Miu Miu

Accessories: Bvlgari- Jimmy Choo- Prada

Raina Hein FCM Sept/Oct Pink Issue

Feature/Interview Recap: Without seeing one another's answers, or in this case, my feature, prior to our interview, both myself and Raina made reference to Angelina Jolie, and while she opted wishing to model VS, I raised the luxury stake (because I think she is more high end like Liu Wen) and opted La Perla. Based on her online presence, her personality traits I noted, were repeated in her brand revision, which means -I suppose- she IS who she portrays to be. Lastly, I am happy she is modeling internationally, as much as she is thinking about her future with the pursuit of acting; plus, her love for cancer related non-profits go perfect for this 'Pink' Issue for a FCM Sept/Oct Breast Cancer Month [October] Observance nationwide. I wish her so very much new business and fans around the globe. Great gal! Ciao, Bella...

If you haven't seen Raina's editorial and feature, go here

FCM Contributing Writer, Asha Spacek
e: ashas@fashion-couture-mag.com
t: @ashaspacek , p: +13108746243

Fashion Couture Magazine

Interview with Liz Black, fashion designer

1) What is your inspiration?

Each season, I am inspired by different things. My first season was about art and photography and the following season, architecture was the main focus. My latest collection, AW 12/13, was inspired initially by the Olympic spirit of London and the atmosphere of the whole city. As a result I looked at Superheroines for their strength and sporty look.

2) What was it like working with Lady Gaga? Where did that inspiration come from?

It was an amazing feeling to see Lady Gaga wearing the iconic circle bow dress! I always had her in the back of my mind when I was designing it. Her stylist spotted it and we have been collaborating since. The inspiration for the dress came from artists, Sophia Delaunay, an Orphist painter who did a lot of work with circular forms.

3) What other celebrities have you worked with? What was it like?

I am very lucky, some great celebrities, including Amber Le Bon and Noemie Lenoir, have worn my collections. My garments have walked down the red carpet at The Brits, The Grammys and Cannes Film Festival. It's great to see my hard work recognised and -most importantly- that people like it!

4) What is in store for the future?

I am working towards developing my label into a high-end luxury brand and will continue to exhibit during London and Paris Fashion Week, with hopes to show in New York in the future. I am always willing to be involved in collaborations as well.

 

5) What item might you begin donating to breast cancer and how did you decide to do so?

We have designed a luxury, pink garment and will donate a percentage of the profit to breast cancer. Every year we collaborate with a charity, last year we raised money the help victims of the 2011 Japan earthquake and most recently, we’ve also done work with Chamos de Venezuela, a charity that helps deprived children in Venezuela.

To check out more on Liz Black, take a look at her website.

Jennifer Novoseletsky 

Carol Wafer's Interview for FashionGun

1. What is FashionGun and what is your role?

I am the Founder and CEO of FashionGun.

2. How did you build your team to make your vision come true?

It all came together in a fantastically fortuitous fashion ([how is] that for alliteration?). 

Last November, Ian Miller and I founded the company. It was just the two of us for a few months. I knew the basics of what we needed and I had some ideas of whom to bring on. Our lineup of our [monthly] crew has changed a few times since then. They were very talented [people,] but it wasn't the right fit or feel for the company.

Jessica Krantz joined the team and was one of the first co-founders to join and, besides Ian and myself, is the co-founder that has been with us the longest. Jessica got her job by more or less stalking me. I'm joking of course, but she was very persistent and has proved to be one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

I have been very fortunate to find the people that I have.

FashionGun's full cast of characters can be found on www.fashiongun.com

3. How long have you been in the art and then fashion industry?

Ha. A long, long time. I started modeling as a baby/small child. Both of my parents were models and it was a [source] of strain with [my] parents. It was "not the life" my dad wanted for his daughter.

 My mother is a professional artist and I was that kid you see at a gallery opening or an Art gala dressed to the 9s and holding precocious conversations with adults, who thought I was ever so cute and very well bred as well as spoken. I was always at Art events and it is a world I feel has never left my identity.

I started painting in high school but soon lost focus when I began my career as a screenwriter.

Fashion has always been a HUGE part of my life and more importantly who I am. I think I have my father to blame. He had me in Calvin Klein bloomers as a tot and Gucci bags as a teen.

My life has always been about which costume I was going to wear on which day. I think my favorite signature styles from high school were my goth/punk [style,] which gave way to my 1940s swing phase...which never really ended.

After graduating from culinary school with more than a few degrees and accolades I turned my focus back to fashion and re-entered the world of academia. In school I took a class on styling for photography. I felt that for the first time in my life I truly found my calling. It’s one thing to be good at the endeavors one takes on (not to toot my own horn), but it's an entirely different thing to find the thing you excel at above all else. To find a form of art that is your own and to know that your abilities and talent reach far above average, you know you have found love.

Signature Pieces:

Menswear (ties, bow ties, suspenders, hats).

Animal Print (leopard in all colors).

50s and 60s wear.

80s gear updated.

Black.

 

4. Tell me the story about how you got started?

Ian, my life partner, had expressed that he wanted us to work on a project together. He's a tech product manager and it's more or less his scene, a world that I knew VERY little about. I've been an entrepreneur for many years and had companies in many fields so I do know a little something about that end of the game, but not much else. I think my natural talent exists in building powerful teams.

We had a hard time thinking of an idea. He wanted to do something that drew a parallel with my life and career as model and wardrobe stylist.

One night I was going through my inbox of Model Mayhem answering emails from publications and photographers wanting to shoot me. I was frustrated by the site, the way it functions, and the way it malfunctions. There were so many things that I hated about my life on the site. Ian came over to offer assistance in some way. When he looked at the site, the first thing he pointed out, or rather gasped at, was the over all aesthetic of the site. His next words changed my life forever. "Why don't you just create a better model mayhem?"

5. Tell me a story about what has shaped your desire to build a company such as FashionGun?

There have been many reasons why I would have quit. Just dropped FashionGun. So much adversity, so much stress. The feeling of this is never going to happen can be overwhelming and I think it is a normal part of entrepreneurship. The thing that keeps be dedicated is knowing that yes, I am solving a problem that I have, but beyond that I think of my team and I think of my community here is San Diego. I think about all the models, makeup artists, photographers, hair stylists and all the other roles that make up our amazing in industry. I think of little boys in the mid-west who devour Vogue in hopes of being a designer someday. I think of the girl in inner city Nashville who dreams of becoming a makeup artist and watches Project Runway like it's going out of style. I think of the high schooler who would love to grow up for a career in fashion but has no idea how to get there or what is even out there.

I started for FashionGun for me. For my needs. But I stay because I love it, and because I have created something bigger than me. Something bigger than all of us here at FashionGun. I awakened this sleeping giant and I'm so ecstatic to know that I am actually doing something that in some way makes the world a better place.

6. What is in FashionGun's future?

To disrupt the world of tech and take the fashion world by storm. FashionGun will always work tirelessly to stay the best and give the most.

Interviewed by Jessica Krantz, Co-founder of FashionGun. Edited by Jennifer Novoseletsky.

Jennifer Novoseletsky