We all know the fashion industry is tough to break into; in fact, it can be quite daunting and nerve-wracking. So, in addition to covering style trends, industry events, and popular looks for less, I'm also interviewing leaders in the industry (editors, designers, stylists, etc.) for a series that offers advice and tips on how to get your feet wet and leap into the industry. Not only will you get the facts on how they got their foot in the door, and what they love most about their jobs, but some of the challenges they face and how young fashionistas like you can snag a job just like theirs.
First on my list of go-getters is Paige Adams-Geller, owner and designer of Paige Premium Denim. Although Paige is currently on vacation, she was kind enough to answer a few questions and offer a few words of wisdom for all you budding designers out there.
Growing up in Alaska, Paige Adams-Geller never thought in a million years she’d become a fit model. But with years of endurance, Paige has become the industry's secret weapon as denim labels everywhere shape their jeans around the woman with the most revered ‘bum’.
For years, Paige worked as a fit-model in LA; but that all changed when she met designer Jerome Dahan who launched the Seven jeans label using Paige's perfect derrière as his foundation. Shortly thereafter, Paige became the denim industry's it-girl, as she had bookings for fittings five days a week.
Now officially retired as a fit model, Paige is now designing her own jeans and for her, fit is still majorly important. In fact, she still tries on EVERY single pair of Paige jeans before it hits shelves.
“Fit is everything,” she says. “I'm sure we've all had the experience of trying on a pair of jeans that looked great on the rack but looked terrible on. No matter how great the wash is or how cute the cut looks on the hanger, if they don't fit well they aren't leaving the store.”
Her biggest advice for designers bubbling with creativity who desire to be successful:
“Don't compromise your vision. Even if what you're doing, thinking, or designing goes against the grain, stay with it. If you stick to designing what you believe in, you'll find success. I ran into a lot of naysayers, but as difficult as it was, I stayed true to my ideas and it's never steered me wrong.”
And if you’re looking to break into the industry as a model, but slightly over-weight Paige says:
“I really found my success in being a "real" figure instead of a coat hanger. For girls of any size who aspire to model, the best thing to do is to find your market and don't quit. There is a market for EVERY size and shape: fuller, smaller, shorter and taller. Find an agency that works with your figure type. There are even agencies for pregnant models!”
Thanks a bunch Paige for your lovely words of advice! And it’s so true! The best thing for aspiring models is to find a market that best represents you and never give up. So many of us quit when the going gets tough, but if we stay true to our desires and passions, success will be knocking on our doors in no time.
Need more Paige? Visit Paige Premium Denim and order the most comfortable pair of jeans known to man. And even if you don’t know your size, Paige aids us with an interactive fit guide! (Pretty cool, right?) And if you still can’t determine your size, head to your nearest Nordstroms, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, or Saks and try on a pair!
Love ya like crazy,
Deena
