THE VCFS MODEL: VOLUME 2021
As summer reaches it’s bitter end, VCFS approaches its sweet beginning.
With our 2021 Theme: CONVERGENCE finally announced, we are so excited to set forth in hiring our new 2020/2021 VCFS modelling team! Though COVID19 has likely altered the execution of this year’s show, our team refuses to slow down! The show must go on, and so it will.
Regarding what we can expect from this year’s modelling team, our fabulous Head Model, Amanda Gimera is here to provide some insight:
“This year, we are hiring on the understanding that (a) not everyone will be returning to Kingston in the fall semester and (b) We may not be doing a show at the Grande theatre. Therefore, I have shifted away from hiring on the basis of walking ability to finding unique, creative and self-motivated individuals who are eager to participate in collaborative projects! Models will be assigned to project photoshoots that they will execute from home with myself, alongside creative and pres on zoom, as we coach them through the vision. That being said, the models will also contribute to this vision by creating a setting/mood/vibe that they believe fits the scene. Essentially, this years models will be taking a more active role in the creative process and must be willing to commit fully to the VCFS initiative! We welcome absolutely everyone to audition and can’t wait to begin our journey.”
Apply here at: https://www.voguecharityfashionshow.com/apply
We at VCFS strongly believe in community. We also believe in establishing an inclusive environment that is a safe place for all, at all times. Though we intend to uphold the VCFS values, we also come to you this year, promising new ones. In addition to supporting Almost Home as our chosen charity, VCFS recognizes the significance of the issues brought to light by recent attention on the Black Lives Matter movement. Specifically, the importance of continuously advocating for and working towards justice with marginalized communities, especially Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous and people of colour. As the groups that face the most oppression within society, these individuals tend to be in most need of services like those that Almost Home provides. Disparities within accessibility to healthcare and shelter for QTBIPOC are greatly heightened due to their identities, which is why the work of this charity is so necessary. We will be working with Almost Home to support initiatives that focus on QTBIPOC specifically within their organization. Additionally, we are also committing to supporting QTBIPOC within our own organization, the Queen’s community, and Kingston at large. We promise that our support will be unwavering and look forward to being held accountable for this.
For anyone debating whether they wish to join our team, we contacted some of our former models in order to provide an idea as to what your experience with us would look like!
Amanda Gimera // 2020/2021 Head Model, Former Model & Choreographer
“I joined VCFS in my first year, completely unassuming of the incredible community I was about to walk into. Over the last three years, the Vogue Charity Fashion Show has defined my time at Queen’s and created gateways to incredible people, opportunities and experiences that I know I would not find elsewhere. VCFS brings together students from all walks of life who each offer their own unique and creative flare. From the socials, to rehearsals to our long Sunday night all-casts leading up to show-week, we end each year saying good-bye to what feels like a second family. I cannot say enough about this incredible organization and the dedication of the individuals who work tirelessly each year to raise the bar and leave our audience inspired and wanting more.
As this years Head of the Model Portfolio, I want to assure you that a pandemic is no exception to that rule. This year we are seeking models who are intuitive, creative and ready to redefine VCFS in innovative and inspiring ways. Although VCFS is going to look a little different this year, we are well on our way to making our production bigger and better than ever. VCFS is about to introduce a team of models like never before and we cannot wait for you to be a part of the Vogue family!”
Cassandra Harvey // 2020 Model
Being part of the VCFS 2019 was a highlight of my first year! I got the opportunity to work with such amazing, passionate people. I also got to try modelling which I had never done before. It was so much fun getting to do the photoshoots and have my hair and makeup done! The best part about VCFS is that a community of all Queens students come together to raise awareness and money for such an amazing cause. For me, VCFS gave me confidence. I remember being assigned the lover scene and thinking, “oh no how am I supposed to be sexy and keep a straight face?!” because I'm known for my smile and "cuteness". I never looked at myself and thought, “wow ya im hot” but Sam and Abby (choreographers for the scene I was in) and the rest of the vogue family were always there to cheer me on and give me boosts of confidence! The VCFS family is a group of accepting loving and kind hearted people…”
Trevor Gooden // 2020 Model
“Being a model in VCFS this past year was an incredible experience. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and take part in a unique performance and opportunity. Working with some of the most talented students I’ve ever met as a huge privilege and helped to make my third year the best yet. VCFS made the year fly by with tons of chances to get involved and be creative in ways I had never before. By the end, I was incredibly proud of the work VCFS had done in raising $77’000 for Youth Diversion, and I can’t wait to see where the show goes this year!”
Celine Petrossi // 2020 Model
“Being apart of VCFS was something I actually hadn’t thought of until I saw the 2019 show, and my mind was blown. I had a friend apart of the 2020 exec and she had encouraged me to try out for modelling. To say I was nervous was an understatement. However, from the moment I received my acceptance, my first year on VCFS quickly became my best year at Queen’s. I learned so much about myself, my community, about fashion and about Youth Diversion. With that, I also found a place to be creative alongside likeminded people who quickly became nothing short of my family. It was such a fun experience, and knowing that what we were doing was working towards a positive end goal for an incredible cause made it even better! I truly can’t thank VCFS enough.”
Cole Hazan // 2020 Model
“Vogue pushed my comfort zone in ways that I didn’t think it would. I auditioned for the show because I love fashion, but I absolutely underestimated how much time and effort goes into putting on a show like vogue. Within a few weeks, I felt as if I had discovered a community where I could be my genuine self, surrounded by people I adored and trusted. The memories I have, as well as the people I befriended during my vogue experience, made a huge impact on my undergrad at Queen’s!”
Brock Reissner // 2019 Model, 2020 Model, 2020 Model Intern, 2020 Model Choreo
“Applying for Vogue was easily the best decision I made during my undergrad. Having never been on stage before and with no modelling experience, I was nervous but excited for the challenge. Being a model for Vogue really allowed for me to step outside of my comfort zone and to explore my creative and artistic abilities. Vogue creates such a supportive and accepting community, and I can truly say I have met some of my best friends through it. What I love most about Vogue is that they always support a new, local charity-based organization. It really is amazing to see so many students come together with a passion for art and charity, and to support our local community through the show. Vogue gets even bigger every year, and I strongly encourage you to apply to be apart of something that is so special!”
Melody Kang // 2019 Model, 2020 Model
“Being part of vogue has added the sugar and spice to my otherwise professional and stoic academic career. Not only are you spending your time and energy building something creative, exciting, and fun - it's all for a great cause. I've made great friends and memories being a part of vogue, and I'd recommend applying to be a part of this welcoming community of brilliant students any day. It's been empowering getting to walk in front of a supportive audience, in clothes handmade by a student, for non-profit organizations that can really benefit from the money that's raised. Thank you VCFS! Will miss you all dearly.”
Although VCFS has been a home to many, we continue to recognize and improve upon the faults within our system. The following statement made by former model, Chidera, sheds light on her experience as a black woman of colour in the Vogue Charity Fashion Show and draws our attention to areas where we must improve. We wholeheartedly promise to continue learning and creating an environment that is totally and completely inclusive, representative and respectful.
Chidera Ekeanyawu // 2020 Model
“Navigating the VCFS as a model, and woman of colour was quite the experience. Overall, I'd say it was a great opportunity to be involved in, and have under my belt for experience. However, oftentimes I felt kind of out of place as the VCFS has predominantly catered to white men/women and european standards of beauty. As a result, in places such as makeup, I felt as though i wasn’t being given the same quality as others based on the lack of makeup artists that can do makeup for people of colour.
Aside from that, I felt extremely blessed to be part of such a great model group, and my head model, and intern at the time Sarah and Brock were so sweet and they made sure I felt included, and provided such an inclusive and warm space for all models. I was also privileged to make amazing friends within my scenes, and share the stage with a variety of talented individuals.
I loved it. Although I would implement some changes, I loved it.”
We sincerely hope you consider joining our team, as we are so excited for what lies ahead! This year is certain to be unlike any other. As well, with a mission of utmost importance, we are committed to ensuring this year sparks positivity and necessary change. We hope you decide to join our team and we look forward to meeting you!
Apply today at: https://www.voguecharityfashionshow.com/apply
Mikayla Bergamin // Press and Media Editor
Featuring Amanda Gimera // Head Model