Annalynn Grace
We are thrilled to unveil GMARO Magazine June 2024 Issue #19 stunning cover featuring the incredible Annalynn Grace, captured by the talented Kirstie Donohue. Dive into the world of Annalynn, a rising star whose journey from her first mermaid-themed shoot to the grand runways of Paris and Milan is nothing short of inspiring.
Handling industry pressure with grace, Annalynn embraces a ‘shake it off’ attitude, supported by her strong network. Her advice for aspiring models? “Be kind, work hard, and never give up. Every closed door leads to new opportunities.”
Off the runway, she’s a competitive swimmer, ballet enthusiast, and avid traveler. Despite the industry’s competitiveness, she remains positive and connected, always ready to make new friends.
Fitness and nutrition are key to her success, focusing on healthy, balanced meals and enjoying every moment of her fitness routine.
Catch the full interview and exclusive photoshoot in GMARO Magazine June 2024 Issue #19. Stay inspired and join us in celebrating the elegance and resilience of Annalynn Grace!
——————————————
Photographer - Kirstie Donohue @kirstiedonohuephoto_fashion
Cover Model - Annalynn Grace @annalynn.grace.official
Makeup Artist / Hair Stylist - Whitney Genee' Esthetique @ultra_glam_muva
Fashion Designer - Mila Hoffman Couture @milahoffmancouture
Mila Hoffman Couture "Milan Winter Bloom" collection shown at Milan Fashion Week
What’s your go-to outfit for a casual day?
Remember I am youthful. I love the casual feel around crop tops paired with biker shorts, white nike socks, a tennis shoe, pony tail and call it a day.
What are your hobbies outside of modeling?
I love to travel. I am a competitive swimmer which keeps me really busy as I push myself to improve each time. I also love ballet, volleyball, hanging out with my friends and family, and sometimes doing nothing, surrounded by my amazing Siberian cats.
How do you deal with the competitive nature of the modeling industry?
I keep my outlook positive. I am always looking to make a connection and a new friend as I walk runways around the world. It is competitive, yes, but we are all working towards similar goals which puts a commonality between us that is not found in other areas of our life. I don't let the harsh stuff get to me. I always show up to do my best, as I am my own brand. I want to be known for hard work, for my grit, my kindness, my attention to detail and my overall humility in everything I do.
What’s your approach to fitness and nutrition?
Our body is our vessel. We have to feed our body with healthy foods and not go to junk food that is sometimes a fast grab and go. Our body will reward us for taking good care of it. I do not like a lot of sugar. I do not drink soda. I stay hydrated and love fruits, vegetables and if I have a weakness it will be carbs, chocolate and cucumbers. Fitness is a part of my every day, I do not look at it like a chore, but instead a hobby that I enjoy. I enjoy swimming laps in the pool, stretching my body and being mindful of how my body gets stronger as I push it to become better.
What’s been your most exciting travel experience for work?
I love to travel to Europe! The history and beauty all around me when I have traveled to Paris and Milan captivated me fully. It has made me fall in love with runway and fashion even more to see where so much inspiration was born in many ways. Being surrounded by cultures, delicious foods and amazing people has been an exciting and rewarding part of my modeling career.
What are the essential items you always carry with you on shoots?
Never forget lip gloss, hair brush, hair spray, bobby pins, face powder and an amazingly comfortable pair of shoes.
How do you unwind after a long day of shooting?
After a long day, I am exhausted. I wash my face, take a long shower, and honestly collapse on my bed and am out like a light. 4AM hair and makeup calls, all day shooting at different locations, and finishing up sometimes after dark.... sleep is my favorite unwinding activity.
What has been your most challenging shoot location and why?
The Eiffel Tower during Paris Fashion Week. We had to shoot after our show which made the location super crowded. I had fun taking photos with little girls that thought we were princesses, but the crowd made it hard to get through the photoshoot with ease. I know they didn't mean anything by it, but trying to take photos when people are walking in front of the photographer, behind myself, or just getting really close to take photos with their phones, makes a long (and hot) day. It ended up being a funny story to tell as the designer and other helpers all held hands to make a wall to block off our area to finish the shoot and it makes me laugh to look back at that moment.
Can you describe your first modeling job?
My first modeling job I was casted for a mermaid collection by Mila Hoffman Couture in Miami, Florida. It was exciting but also nerve wracking as I was not sure what to expect. It ended up being super fun to have my hair and makeup resemble fish scales, with pearls in my hair and creating a vision of under the sea across so many dress designs in the show.
What has been your favorite campaign to work on so far?
So far my favorite campaign is tied between Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks. Both by Mila Hoffman Couture. My dresses in those events were exquisite, with the venues breathtaking. I felt as though I was brought back in time and surrounded by the beauties of the past, captured with a twist of today's modern kiss. I believe that my designer has a unique eye for capturing the smallest of detail, displaying a lineup of art that takes my breath away every time, though these two times were my favorite to date.
How do you handle criticism and pressure in the fashion industry?
I have a 'shake it off' attitude, there will always be haters. Reminding myself I have so many that support and encourage me in an industry that can often be cruel is essential. Keeping myself grounded with a strong support system is very important and pushing through with determination helps drown out the negative noise. I also am determined to always do my best, stay true to my values and show up knowing I will give my all, regardless of the criticism that will always be out there.
Can you walk us through your daily skincare routine?
First things first, washing my face. I use Cetaphil, it is easy on the skin. Then I make a skincare smoothie. Yes, that is actually what it is called. It is basically a concoction of moisturizer (Glossier), Glo Recipe dew drops, Byoma hydration serum mixed together and applied. I finish it off by spraying my face with rose water. My face has remained very happy with this routine, especially when there are times HAMU can be cruel to our skin.
How do you decide which projects or brands to collaborate with?
I want to make sure I work with brands that do not break any values that I have. I want to work with brands that are timeless, classic, fun and will be mindful of my youth when choosing me as their mannequin. I want to collaborate with visionaries. I love strong ideas and allowing me to showcase their work is an honor every time.
What advice would you give to aspiring models?
Be Kind. Work hard. Show up, and show up again. Remind yourself of the strength you have inside. You will fall a few times, and just remember to get back up and take the next steps. Doors will close, sometimes slam in your face. Do not take that personally. Shake it off. Take the chances to learn more and to grow. There is always a new door that is opening. Also, it is okay to cry on the hard days. You will laugh on the exhausting ones too. And then you will surprise yourself in how much you will grow in all the in betweens to achieve your dreams.
What’s one myth about modeling you’d like to debunk?
I'd say that people think modeling is easy, just walking down a runway, or head to a photoshoot is no big deal right? Lets debunk that real quick. There is a lot of pressure and expectations in modeling. You are representing a brand. You have 100s of photographers snapping photos right into your eyes and you have to make sure you are giving your best in that very moment. Your hands have to be right, your expression, your makeup. It is a lot of hours to prepare for a small amount of time. It is worth every minute, but it is definitely NOT easy.
How do you prepare for runway shows?
Practice, practice, and more practice. You need to practice so much that walking runway is like a muscle that knows just what to do when the que hits. You need to know your poses. Not just 3, know 20 or more and be comfortable with them. On the day of the runway, there will be a lot of chaos for a few moments on the runway stage. From early morning HAMU calls, to backstage prep, to line up and then showtime. It is a lot of controlled chaos that will put all the practice to test, and if you practice enough you will feel the adrenaline of the joy of the moment you just helped create.
