Raphaella Gesumaria - Halo in Heels

This Manhattan Native is an Angel for real. Read some of her words...

"I was scouted and started at 10 - then stopped to finish High School.  Was scouted again and then develpoed at Elite NY. Then I met Erin and Wendy at FentonMoon Media and loved them!!! I singed a contract with FM Media on July 27th of 2009.  July 29th, I started going on castings and the 1st one I went on was for DL1961 Denim and booked it. Next day was an Alexander McQueen casting and booked that and have been working for them ever since!" 

Must be tough, having just started modeling, being naturally beautiful and young and book these amazing jobs right away including for the late great, Alexander McQueen. She even works out with David Kirsch, trainer to Heidi Klum and Victoria's Secret. So maybe that has something to do with the Angel stuff we mentioned...

"My parents always raised me to give back as much as I get. I was blessed growing up and my mom always said, 'its not what you have, its what you do with what you have.' It's selfish of me to have cars and money and houses and vaction houses and amazing clothing and shoes and food and water everyday, and when I think about the people that don't have it, it makes me sad and I want to help give back as much as I get! That is only fair..."

Raphaella told us of an idea she has for a clothing line/charity company that she wants to start and we love it. We won't tell you the name yet but it will help Models who want to donate or volunteer and get active.

"I think it would be cool to have a swim line and have the season's money go to causes that need help with water like for ocean animals and the ocean itself.  I think a runway show during Fashion Week would be amazing and bring light to where the money is going to."

We at SOMW are so happy to join teams with Raphaelle in helping create Charity Opportunities for Models to be involved. Look for official announcements in the future. 

We are also lucky that Raphaella is now signed with CLICK in Los Angeles so we'll be seeing her much more! Enjoy this recent shoot you can find on Raphella's blog. 

Raphaella Gesumaria's Blog

Photography by Yulia Gorbachenko 

MUA & Hair: Anastasia Durasova

Stylist: Frances L Urrutia

PETER MAX-MULLER From Model to Stylist

Model

Stylist

Peter knows a lot about styling slick good looking guys. He should know, he began his career in fashion modeling looking slick himself. Since then he's moved into styling for Nylon, Details, Interview, Black Book, Lumo Vogue, Elle and a slew of Hollywood's leading men. Peter sent us thoughts about styling...

"My last modeling agent was CLICK Models in LA, NY and Paris. Modeling helped a lot because it exposed me to the world of fashion, and it showed me the different jobs that you could get...I grew up in a place with no fashion or style, and I love the fact that clothes gives people away to express themselves.. 

Its crazy now with the internet how fast that fashion can go from the runway to the streets...So many more people and men are exposed to this stuff...The biggest mistake people make though is to copy things in magazines that dont fit with there personality, they try and do too much and in the end, look a bit silly... If you want to be stylish or cool the number one rule is that you have to be consistent.. Also a good rule of thumb is don't wear clothes with graphics or logos, its never cool to look like a bill board!!!  

I have worked with alot of men. Maroon 5, Dylan Mcdermott, Channing Tatum...I am most excited to work with this new singer Christian TV. We just did his video last week and think he is going to become big in the world of fashion for men..."

We want to thank Peter for leading the charge in bringing some new class and excitement in men's styling which sometimes suffers from being overly casual. Thanks for the tips!

Peter Max-Muller

www.max-muller.com

The Sassy Ways of SUWANA

If you are ever so lucky to meet this stunning model, be prepared for your cheeks to hurt. Suwana Perry is a firecracker with tons to say. But it's not fluff, she tells it how it is. Like when sleazy guys try to convince her that she needs to trust them and that they are good for her. Sorry sleaze balls, Suwana knows what she's doing, she's got this. But don't get it wrong, her heart is compassionate and true. Suwana's sweet sweet nature and sultry looks makes her a super strong model bringing freshness to every photo shoot. Just ask Tommy Hilfiger, SOMW Family Member Custo Barcelona, Essence, Honda, Colures Magazine, Glamour, Target, and the covers of 944 Magazine and Elle Girl! 

Suwana actually wanted to mention LA based designers Michael Costello, Johnny Sakalis (Project Runway S.6), Nick Verreos with Nikolaki (Project Runway S.7), and Ghia Fam. Suwana  says,

"They have been very amazing and great people to know throughout my career. What I love about them is as their careers have grown they are very loyal to the people that have been with them since the beginning of their careers. Their success makes my heart happy. Honestly, when I see anyone I know succeed it makes me so excited and happy because I know their struggles." 

That's how we feel and we want you to keep succeeding all over the place. 

Suwana with CLICK L.A. for Print and L.A. Models for Runway. 

*SOMW CHARITY WATCH*

Suwana volunteers for Hope 4 Children which helps Orphans with AIDS in Ethiopia. 

She is also talking with Reel Beauty, an organization based in Chicago that provides self-esteem workshops and counseling for young woman growing up. They are working to bring it out to LA. Best of luck!

http://www.hopeforchildrenus.org

http://www.reelbeautyinc.com/