A Washington DC local, and teacher, Jeronique a rising model in the industry. It's hard to miss this runway vixen even with her heels off, which I don't think she even has time to slip out of them between all the running around she does. I caught up with her this past February for DC Fashion Week right before she took off to walk the runways in Paris Fashion Week. Here she weighs in on her first time in Paris, runway tid-bits, struggles growing up tall, and make-up!
How long have you been modeling?
I've been modeling seriously for 6 months.
What was your first impression of Paris?
Everything is bigger here. Everyone in this city is just as vibrant as the city in some way. My goodness I've never seen so much bread and most importantly, I should have really learned more French.
What designers did you walk for?
I walked for Nathanelle and collaborated with Pohjanheimo and did a few photo shoots for designers and photographers.
Did you score any freebies from any of the designers?
I got some cool stuff, not really any clothes, but I always appreciate a good post show model bag... Even if it's a trinket. It shows the designer cares about the models and not just their clothes.
Did you have a favorite designer from the show?
From the entire Paris fashion week... I really like Pohjanheimo's line and I can't wait to rock my A/W 17/18 Mohair coat. When I say it's like wearing a cloud on your shoulders I mean it.
Were there any trends that you would rock now that you are back home?
When I was in Paris I felt a "lack of style sense," compared to what's worn there. I mean I was surrounded by fashion shows everywhere, but the main shows were the regular people... so some of the trends that I may consider could be that I definitely have to learn to appreciate lower heels (I've always liked taller heels) but in Paris it seems more appropriate to ditch a few inches. I also want to make bolder color choices the colors were bright and I'd definitely love to rock that 'bold color' trend this spring.
What's your ethnicity? Have you encountered some of the challenges that we hear about when it comes to black models in the industry?
I'm black and ethnically connected to Africa. I have to be in the industry a bit longer to give a genuine response. At this point my heart is in the industry and I just hope the industry has a heart for girls and women like myself who have a bit more melanin in our skin and bones.
Did you notice any more or less diversity amongst the models between the U.S. and France?
For the fashion week seasons, many of the models are reused and many travel the full circuit to be in each of the presentations. So that's just my roundabout way of saying the markets are similar in makeup.
When you are off the runway what kind of make up do you use?
I try to go makeup free off the runway to protect my skin, but in the event that I feel a need to add something my go-to is Iman Cosmetics. I love her and I love her line.
You are tall and slender, literally tower over me lol, do you maintain any specific diets? or can we all just be jealous of your amazonian genetics?
Diets freak me out... Even thinking about dieting makes me rebel... I will go to the store and buy a bag full of chips and chocolate and binge eat if someone mentions dieting to me... So, I thank God that my dad passed me many of his genes, including my height and metabolism. I was teased a lot for being "tall and skinny" as a kid, so I struggled with feeling comfortable in my slim build (especially as a girl)... So no one needs to be jealous, we are all booming in some way. We just have to figure it out and play to our strengths.
And for the locals.... what's your favorite cheat day foodie spot in DC?
Cheers. It's "genuine DC"... It can get loud, crowded, and sometimes slow (in terms of wait time) but they serve some great food. I love it.
