AUGUST 2016
World Fashion Media News
FASHION MODEL OF THE MONTH
GIGI GUSTIN
NEW JERSEY
I'm Gigi Gustin!
A born and raised jersey girl since 1996. The only thing bigger then my heart is my dreams. I entered the industry at the age of 5, when I began doing Chuck E Cheese Commercials. The energy 5 year old Gigi had is still the energy 19 year old Gigi has. I also did runway shows, and print jobs as a child. I also found enjoyment in singing. I have been singing on stage since I was 6 years old at my church in front of hundreds. My parents were very involved with the church, which is what enabled me to be able to do those things. When I was about 9 years old, my parents divorced. There was no one to take me to New York for auditions and castings because both my parents had to take on full time jobs after the separation. This event also took a toll on my participation in the church considering the church looked down upon my parents divorce. To me at the time, this just meant less work, and more play time!
As I got older, I started to understand what a blessing and privilege those experiences were. I longed to have them once again. I was lost. This hit me hardest in high school when everyone started talking about college, and what they planned on doing with the rest of their lives. I knew college just wasn't for me, but when your mom is the secretary of the presidents office at a college university around the corner from your house... You don't feel like you have much of a choice! It took me four days to snap out of it. Yep I attended college for four days. I always knew deep down that i wasn't put on this world to sit at a desk. I know I have God given qualities and characteristics powerful enough to change the world. I'm meant to be behind a TV screen, not a desk. I know God made me talented. I know I need to be a role model. I know I am meant to be an example of originality. Even if it takes everything i have, I know I have what it takes.
I came to the conclusion that God wanted to give me a choice. God wanted me to work hard in the industry as an adult who could understand what I was doing. He didn't want me to grow up hating what I was meant to do because I was forced into it as a child. He wanted me to make the choice. He wanted me to say "this is what I want to do because I love it." I know this because of my crazy ambition and drive. These God given qualities are the tools I need to accomplish my goals. So, when I hit 18, I took it upon myself to get started. I got myself an agent. My agent signed me up on a website that puts out castings. My priority was to be cast in a movie or TV show. I have always loved acting. But I was first casted for a run way show to walk for designer Lainy Gold. Meeting Lainy has been a huge blessing. As I continued to book numerous TV shows on the food network, HBO, SyFy, Investigation Discovery, and do some guest hosting for Video City TV, and Film Festivals, I was also given continuous opportunity by Lainy to shoot for her fabulous collections, and eventually, became a Lainy Gold house model! The great thing about modelling for Lainy is she is constantly thinking of her models best interest. Not only does Lainy provide me with endless opportunities in walking for her, and in doing print work, but she has always encouraged me to walk for other designers, and booked me work even outside of her own brand. Bascially Lainy also plays as an agent in my life. Lainy will go up to bat for any of her models.
I have also participated in a MIU MIU campaign, modeled Liliana Montoya swim wear, Covered the Hampton's magazine with a beautiful bio and magazine spread, walked in New York Fashion Week, and the very first New Hampshire Fashion week, as well as some other jobs and gigs. I also participated in multiple pilots for potential reality TV shows this year, the most recent being "Posing" where I participated in an under water photo shoot. I have used the shots and print work in previous shoots to submit to bikini competitions such as the Miss Tantini Bikini Pageant hosted and judged by celebrity guest judges and MC where I placed top 6, and the Splash girls contest where I placed top 3.
I am very excited for what the future holds as I have plans to shoot two films this fall, and am currently been working with a Music producer. Modeling for Lainy has definitely benefited my acting and improv skills being as though she has such charismatic clothes! As far as modelling goals go, I would love to get myself in to Sports Illustrated. Every shoot is a step closer! I am excited to say I have just become an official client of Fin Models as I am also a client of Jo Anderson Models and Talent. I am so thankful I have had the pleasure of shooting with photographers such as Bill and Erica Reynolds, top fashion Photographer Anton Oparin, Joey Del Paluzzi, Raul Equsiquiza, Miguel Aviles, Aldo Antonio, and more!
I am just a young adult following her dreams. I am not saying it has been easy. It's not all glamour and giggles! A path without obstacles can't possibly lead somewhere promising. The harder the struggle, the more beautiful the outcome! Diving back into the industry is the best decision I could have made. I am overjoyed to be teen model of the month! I am sp grateful for this rewarding recognition of my accomplishments. I promise the world there is so much more from me to come!
Thank you Aldo Antonio for submitting me, and a special thank you to the friends, family, and fans that keep me going! I am excited and honored to be August 2016 - "Model of the Month"
