Now Casting: Julia Fleming

START
body

Philadelphia native Julia Fleming was scouted earlier this summer, but within days of signing a contract with Next Model Management she was booked to walk in over 30 shows for the Spring 2016 collections, like Céline and Versace. The soon-to-be famous fresh face tells us about how she was discovered, the first time she met Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa, and the time she and David Beckham made eye contact while she was naked backstage. Here’s Julia!

How were you discovered?
“My parents happened to run into a friend of mine who is signed to Next [Model Management]. My parents showed my photo to her agent and almost right after that, I signed a modeling contract with them.”

What was the first runway show that you walked in?
“Victoria Beckham was my first show and my first booking as a model. My legs were shaking during rehearsal, but it all ended up going really well.”

What’s been your favorite modeling career moment so far?
“Walking for Versace was an unbelievable moment for me because it was just felt so big. I met all of these supermodels there and I was speaking to Gigi Hadid before I walked the runway. My absolute favorite show was Valentino, though, because I love the clothes so much.”

Who are your role models?
“It might sound like a cliché, but I really look up to all of the Victoria’s Secret models. I particularly admire Adriana [Lima] and Candice [Swanepoel]. It’s insane how hard you have to work to get—and keep—a spot in that show. My biggest dream is to be a VS Angel.”

What’s the best modeling advice that you have ever received?
“Right before Fashion Week started, my agency told me to always keep an open mind and to maintain a positive attitude no matter what happens on a job. It’s really important because it can completely change whether or not people want to work with you again.”

What would people be most surprised to know about you?
“Probably, that I didn’t know anything about fashion until I became a model. Now I know who the big casting directors and designers are, but if you asked me three months ago I wouldn’t have had a clue. I actually remember going to a fitting at Calvin Klein and I thought Francisco Costa was just a stylist. We were joking and dancing the whole time, but I don’t think I would have been so relaxed if I’d known who he actually was.”

What’s your most embarrassing moment?
“When I was changing backstage at Victoria Beckham, there wasn’t anywhere private to switch clothes. I was trying to change really quickly and was completely naked when I looked up and saw David Beckham. We made eye contact and I was so startled that I just burst out laughing. He then cracked up too because he could see I was freaking out.”

What do you do to stay in shape for your job?
“I come from an athletic background, so I’ve always been really active. I’ve played lacrosse since I was five and my parents own two yoga studios in Philadelphia, so I love to do yoga. I also do Ballet Barre and I try to run a lot—it really helps me to stay toned.”

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of modeling?
“I have two neighbors at home who suffer from a rare genetic disease called Progeria. It causes you to age really quickly and only 250 people in the world have it. I started fundraising for them a little over five years ago and it’s something I continue to do as much as I can. I hope that I’ll be able to use modeling as a platform to raise more awareness and funding for research about this disease.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“It’s a tough one. I was at college when I was scouted, so now I’m taking some time off and seeing how it all goes. Hopefully, I will stay on track and continue to get a lot of work. I would love to be the face of a beauty brand like Estée Lauder in 10 years.”

END

prev link: https://www.crfashionbook.com/fashion/a10021599/now-casting-julia-fleming/
createdAt:Wed, 14 Jun 2017 13:37:05 +0000
displayType:Standard Article
section:Fashion