MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE
By ARTHUR L. MACK
You’ve seen the face countless times on advertisements about the Fashion Forward Group—including television shows, newspapers and other media outlets.
There’s something about that face—slender, yet strikingly beautiful—that brings out the curiosity in the viewer. It’s the eye catching poses that radiates confidence and make people take notice.
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| Puerto Rico native Tere Rodriguez hopes to make it big in the fashion industry |
And for Fashion Forward spokeswoman and model Tere Rodriguez, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Being the face of Fashion Forward Group, I feel honored,” she said
Tere, who initially pursued modeling as a hobby, modeled quite a bit in her native Puerto Rico , and last year, was a contestant in Nuestra Belleza Latina (Our Latin Beauties), a reality television show televised by the Univision Network.
“There were auditions in the U.S. and Puerto Rico ,” she said. “There was competition in six cities, and 12 contestants were chosen from each city. From there, all of us were competing in Miami
Though Rodriguez did not make the final 12, it was still an eye-opening experience for her.
“Most of the time, we were in high heels, so it was non-stop and very busy,” she said. “The day before I was eliminated from the contest, we rehearsed well into the night. I learned a lot, and realized that everything had to be done perfectly. I didn’t get a chance to eat dinner until 10:46 p.m. You then realize how hard it is being on TV, but at the end of the rehearsal, it felt good, because I got that sense of accomplishment.”
A few months later, Tere found herself in Mobile
| Tere strikes a daring pose in a setting on the beach . The Puerto Rican beauty has one of the most recognizable faces on the local modeling scene |
“Mr. West saw me, followed me and gave me one of his cards,” she recalled. “Then, we ran into Mr. Terry. We had a meeting right there in the store. After talking with them, I felt confident, because there are always people who try to trick you. But after meeting with them, I felt comfortable with them. I felt that these guys were for real, because after I saw how they worked, a realized that they were not just talking.”
It didn’t take long before Tere realized that her beauty and experience made audiences in Mobile
“The audience’s reaction made me feel great,” she said. “When you go to another country, and they see your talent, it makes you feel good.”
Tere has also made it her business to pass down her modeling wisdom to other aspiring models with the Fashion Forward Group.
“I like to do it, but without any ego,” she said. “I like to help others and give students pointers. I enjoy seeing the progress the students make. They take counsel and use it well.”
One model who has caught Tere’s attention is Justin Jackson, who is an up and coming model in the Fashion Forward Group.
“He’s really doing great,” she said. “He reminds me of myself during that part of my life when I was learning to model.”
Like many aspiring models, Rodriguez has some long-range goals.
“In the next two years, I would love to model professionally,” she said. “I want to work in a modeling agency or even owning my own agency. I also plan to compete in America’s Next Top Model.”
A NIGHT OF SOUTHERN EXPOSURE
Southern Exposure brings out fashion, and fans—not to mention contributing to a good cause.
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| Jackson preps for the show |
By ARTHUR L. MACK
Few can appreciate the work that goes into a fashion show. That’s why those who were at Café 615 on Monday, June 13 were fortunate to see the behind-the-scenes activities that take place before models stroll down the runway.
The event was sponsored by Café 615, along with the Fashion Forward Group, Lunatix & Co., Master Tailors, Inside Up, and Riza Cosmetics and Skin Care.
Models from several designers, including the Fashion Forward Group, modeled fashions that wowed the capacity crowd. And from looking at the crowd, one could tell that they were people who believed in fashion and taking it to the next level. In fact, many who were present were undoubtedly inspired by a recent Mobile Press-Register article about Fashion Forward’s mission.
In the hours leading to the event, there was a beehive of activity as hairstylists were preparing models for the event. As for the models themselves, they were trying to keep relaxed while getting a last minute meal before hitting the runway.
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| Teri Rodriguez gets some make-up before the show |
“It’s kind of crazy, but it’s fun,” said one of the models as a stylist was putting the finishing touches on her hair. “I have not been modeling that long, but I’m getting better at it. It’s very exciting to model at an event like this.”
The stylist who did the model’s hair added, “Even though it’s fast-paced, it’s an easy job for us. “There are stylists from different salons here, and we learn styling tips and we all learn from each other.”
Another model, who was also new to the business, said that modeling at Southern Exposure was a great thing.
“It’s a great fundraiser, and it’s great to see the response from an event like this,” she said. “I’m really excited to be doing this. “
One interested party at Southern Exposure was national recording star Rich Boy, who is from Mobile. In addition to checking out the show, he was also hoping to create more of a buzz for his collaboration with Fashion Forward’s Wilton Terry. The two are expected to form a clothing line in the near future.
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| Andre and Katie model some of Wilton Terry's fashions |
“It’s about planting that seed and pouring water on it,” Rich said. “I like to see different trend settings, and this is a place where we can set trends, because if they can do it in New York and Atlanta, we can do it here. We want to make people believe in themselves.”
MIXING FOOTBALL WITH FASHION
Former Williamson High football player uses athletic physique
to his advantage as he fulfills childhood dream of modeling
By ARTHUR L. MACK
When he was younger, former Williamson High football player Robert Thomas had dreams of being a model, much in the mold of Tyrese and Tyson Beckford.
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| Robert Thomas, former Williamson High football player |
Now, Thomas, one of four children born to a single parent and who is currently employed at a group home, is on his way to making that dream come true, thanks to a chance encounter with a member of the Fashion Forward Group.
“When I was younger, I was interested in being a model, but I didn’t know how to get involved,” said Thomas, who comes from a family of four and works at a group home. “One day, after I had a job at Footlocker two years ago, I knocked off from work and just happened to be browsing for clothes.”
As fate would have it, Wilton Terry, part of the Fashion Forward Group, happened to see Thomas.
“He walked up to me, and asked me if I was interested in modeling,” said Thomas. “Then, he gave me one of his business cards. I took him up on his offer, because he said he could help with getting me some exposure.”
Thomas took Terry up on the offer, and soon realized that there was more to modeling than just standing around wearing clothes. In fact, he realized the modeling world was very competitive.
“When I got into it, I though it was easy,” Thomas said. “I didn’t know you had to work hard. It was just like football—if you don’t work at it, you will not succeed. In football, it’s more than one player on the field at a tike and it’s more than eleven players that make the team, but in the world of modeling, it is only one camera, one stage, and one model, and if you don’t have it then you won’t get it.”
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| Thomas strikes an imposing pose in customized basketball gear. |
Another thing Thomas had to learn was to change what he wore to modeling shoots.
“I wore a lot of urban stuff—you know, like T-shirts and shorts—but as time went on, I began to wear more casual wear,” he said. “Nowadays, I’m trying to dress like a young man. I want to be dressed decent all the way around.”
Even though Thomas has had some modeling gigs—including a notable part in a commercial featuring lawyer David J. Maloney as well as several photo shoots, being part of Fashion Night Out on May 13 and having a part in a music video—he feels there is much more to learn.
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| Thomas talks about his budding modeling career as yours truly takes very detailed notes! |
“I’ve got to learn some stuff, like posing and being in front of the camera,” he said. “It’s hard, because there are a million folks watching you. You have to get rid of that camera fear. Also, I want to learn the modeling business inside out. I want to be on a professional level as far as speaking in front of folks, and learn the ins and outs of the business. If it brings me fame and fortune, that’s fine, too.”
Thomas knows that with being on the road to success, there are sure to be some pitfalls. One of them is being conceited.
“Modeling has improved my confidence level,” he said. “On the other hand, you shouldn’t think that you’re the finest dude in Mobile. I’m one of those guys who loves being around people—I’m a team player who can also work alone. I also love going to church—it’s the most important thing in my life. My personality will not change, because I feel that if God gave it (talent) to me, he can take it away.”
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Fashion Forward Group is dedicated to advancing the Mobile fashion scene. Fashion Forward Group is made up of passionate stylists, photographers, designers and artists. This unique blend allows us to delve deep into the fashion matrix.Often things in life can be compared to the ocean on the surface things seem tranquil and repetitive. However, when you get beneath the surface you quickly realize there is much more going on.
Fashion mimics the ocean in this way. There is always more to it than meets the eye. Fashion Forward Group will help you navigate the ever changing maze of fashion. We have expertise in almost all areas of fashion and can help you in you next endeavor be it....
- modeling, and model development
- fashion photography
- advertising
- event and runway planning
