Giavanna Catapano
Thrilled to grace the GMARO Magazine April 2024 Issue #45 cover, Giavanna Catapano shares her journey into the worlds of modeling and ballet, fueled by her love for fashion and unique designs. Starting with designing clothes for her dolls, Giavanna stepped into modeling, finding joy in couture shoots and ballet outfit sessions. Inspired by fashion icons like Isabella Barrett and Betsey Johnson, and ballet luminaries such as Erica Pereira and Daniel Ulbricht, she embodies a unique blend of creativity and discipline. Giavanna's recent runway debut at New York Fashion Week for LaBelle in February 2024 and her feature on the Supermodel’s Unlimited Billboard in Times Square mark significant milestones in her career. As Little Miss New York Supermodel, she sends a powerful message of authenticity and resilience to young girls. Balancing modeling, ballet, and schoolwork, Giavanna dreams of becoming a fashion designer and a principal ballerina. She remains dedicated, drawing inspiration from her fashion and ballet heroes, while navigating the challenges and triumphs of her journey. Join us in celebrating Giavanna's vibrant path in GMARO Magazine's latest issue.
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Cover Model - Giavanna Catapano @gia_vanna.c
Photographer - Julieanne Browning Pine and Fable Photography @pineandfable
Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started in modeling and ballet, Gia?
I have always loved fashion. I design my own doll clothes from things I find around the house. I said to my mom that I would like to try to model. One of the local photographers had a couture shoot and I really wanted to try it and absolutely loved it! I had so much fun! I asked my mom if I could try to do that with ballet outfits as well and that’s how I got started.
What do you love most about fashion?
The unique designs. I like wearing things that are different.
Who are your biggest inspirations in the fashion and ballet world?
The biggest inspiration in the fashion world for me are Isabella Barrett and Betsey Johnson. I love rhinestones and skirts and things that you wouldn't think about making. That is my style. For example, I have a gummy bear necklace designed by Betsey Johnson. It is so cool. I got so many compliments on it at school. I’m saving up to get one of her phone purses. My inspirations in the ballet are Erica Pereira, Daniel Ulbricht, and Emilie Gerrity of the New York City Ballet. I look up to them because I did two Nutcracker performances under New Paltz Ballet Theatre at the Bardavon Opera House where Ms. Pereira and Mr. Ulbricht were some of the featured NYCB dancers. I got to share the stage with Ms. Pereira twice now as an Angel while she was the Sugar Plum Fairy. They both were so sweet and very encouraging. I also look up to Ms. Gerrity because she graduated from my own dance studio, New Paltz Ballet Studio and became a Principal Ballerina which is so big!
Two other people I look up to in ballet are my directors at New Paltz Ballet Studio, Mr. and Mrs. Naumann both who danced for New York City Ballet under George Balanchine. Ms. Lisa Naumann has shown me how to be disciplined and really work for what I want to achieve in ballet but this has also helped me in everything in my life. And even though I have not taken Mr. Peter Nauman’s classes yet, I always try to sneak in early to watch hoping that the blinds are open to see his class with the pointe dancers.
How did it feel to walk in the New York Fashion Week for LaBelle in February 2024?
It was so amazing!!!!!! It was my first time walking on the runway!!! I had so much fun!!!!!
Seeing yourself on the Supermodel’s Unlimited Billboard in Times Square must have been exciting. Can you describe that moment?
I couldn’t believe it! I was so happy!! I was screaming from the taxi that’s me that’s me!!!
As Little Miss New York Supermodel, what message do you hope to convey to other young girls?
Be yourself and don’t let anyone try to bring you down. Keep your head up high. It’s okay to be different.
What prompted you to become a Dragonwing Ambassador?
Ive always loved ballet and fashion and wanted to do both together. The outfits of Dragonwing are very pretty and so comfortable and don’t pull when stretching.
What are your expectations for the upcoming New York Fashion Week in September 2024?
I will be walking for a couple designers and doing some photo shoots. I just look forward in having fun and enjoying what I love.
Can you share your experience or preparations for walking for the House of Barretti/Marc DeFang Collaboration-Bambini Line?
I prepare by working with my modeling coach, Hartje Andresen who is also a model in the industry. She is so sweet and really helps me with my walk and poses. She has been such a huge blessing in my life and I’m so grateful for her. I practice my walk at home with a broom stick holding my arms back. I practice in my shoes that I would be wearing on the runway and I go over it again and again.
How do you balance your time between modeling, ballet, and your schooling?
I have two huge calendars at home to help me. I start my homework in the car and continue it while waiting for my ballet class. If I have to miss school for an event I ask for my work ahead of time if possible and also bring it with me whereever I am. School is at 8:30am. I get up at 6:30am and sometimes don’t finish until 11pm at night because that’s when I practice. Some things are back to back. The weekends I do more and also try to see my friends.
What are your dreams for your future in both fashion design and ballet?
I hope to be a Fashion Designer and Principal Ballerina for the New York City Ballet. I would even like to be part of Disney one day. I hope to continue to be able to walk the runway and really would love to be part of Paris Fashion Week soon.
How do you prepare for a runway show?
LaBelle was my debut runway. I practiced my walk in the middle of the hotel hallway several times the night before but the day of runway I just focused on having fun.
What has been your favorite modeling experience so far?
My favorite modeling experience was shooting with Valerie Torstenson for Elena Pulido’s Collection in NYC and stopping traffic :). I got to walk all around Bryant Park and the outside of the New York Public Library modeling.
How does being from New York influence your fashion sense and aspirations?
I don’t know, I think because I can just be me and wear what makes me feel good because everyone wears all different styles. No one is the same.
What advice would you give to other children who want to pursue modeling or ballet?
It is not easy, but just keep trying. If you really want something you have to work hard for it. It’s not just going to class and showing up. I also practice when not there.
What's your favorite part of being involved in fashion weeks?
All the different clothes I get to wear!! It is so cool wearing the outfits that I don’t get to wear every day. I really loved meeting everyone too. I made a lot of friends at LaBelle as well as the photographers
How do you stay inspired and keep your creativity flowing?
I just grab things that I like, look cute and try to put it together for my dolls.
What are some challenges you've faced in your modeling and ballet journey, and how have you overcome them?
There have been things that I haven’t made but I keep trying. I have not gotten an acceptance yet from a modeling agency which is tough but I know whatever is meant is meant. I remind myself that some of the best models were rejected many times before they were picked. Ballet is very difficult and if you don’t have the right technique you cannot move forward so I have to practice a lot and go against many girls that are better than me. Instead of getting upset about it I go in an hour early before my classes-stretch, practice or watch the older dancers so I can get better. I have a barre at home and other things to help with practice.
Can you talk about a memorable moment you've had during a photoshoot or fashion show?
I have a few: Meeting Ms. Isabella Barrett at her after party at New York Fashion Week and getting a photo with her. She ended up posting me on her social media where I was so surprised and so happy!! Then, I was very sick in bed and had gotten chosen for her NYFW September 2024 runway I started crying because it made my day.
Another memorable moment was when I was at my debut for LaBelle Runway. I did not know who my designer was due to it being a surprise. I I started to get dressed and turned around to ask if I could know who my designer was since my dress was so beautiful and wanted to thank them…and it happened to be my designer who was dressing me, Ozlem Karatay. She starting smiling and said its me!!! Surprise!!! I was so excited and jumped up and down.
Another moment that was memorable was when I raised money for another local chronically sick child my age. The child wanted to be in a photoshoot and try for a magazine and I helped make her dream come true.
What draws you to the Krissy King The Label’s Couture Line?
I love everything about it!! Everything is so beautiful in her couture line. She’s an icon.
What are your favorite types of dancewear and activewear, especially as a Dragonwing Ambassador?
I really love the leggings especially the wild berry high rise compression legging from Dragonwing. I love stretching at home in them.
How does it feel to represent young talent in both the fashion and ballet industries?
I haven’t really thought of that I guess because I look at myself like anyone else and just love what I do. My mom has always told me to carry myself with respect and never change myself for others.
What qualities do you think are important for success in modeling and ballet?
Hard work and determination. You have to be organized too. My mom also has said to me that you can have the talent but if you don’t apply it what good is it?
How do you handle nerves before a performance or runway walk?
I try to have fun and not think about what’s coming up.
What are your hobbies outside of modeling and ballet?
I really like field hockey and acting. I have been practicing my third grade play and am Snow White. I enjoy the field hockey clubs that my school holds.
How do you think fashion and ballet complement each other in your life?
They both have a lot of moves with posing and positions. And by being flexible it helps me for modeling. Also, the experience of being on stage for dance has helped with my nerves for runway. Being backstage for ballet helped me to understand what backstage for runway would be like and be prepared.
Can you tell us about a role model you have in the fashion industry?
Like above, I look up to Isabella Barrett and Betsey Johnson with all their unique styles. I really look up to my modeling coach too, Hartje Andresen. She has taught me so much and gives me a lot of confidence and great advice.
What are your favorite fashion trends currently?
I like anything with fur on the ankles and leather boots. I love anything big- big bows, big flowers, bright colors, and anything that shines.
How do you maintain your ballet practice alongside your modeling schedule?
Organization
What's your process for selecting projects or brands to work with?
Anything that goes with my personality and beliefs. I am only 8 years old so I want to wear things that are age appropriate.
How do you envision the future of fashion and how do you see yourself in it?
I hope that I get to continue in runway and would love to do in person modeling work internationally for high fashion.
What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned through your experiences in modeling and ballet?
Hard work and to never give up. Ballet has taught me a lot with discipline which really has helped me in school and modeling.
How do you stay fit and healthy with such a busy schedule?
That is not easy, but I just try not to stress it and again just have fun. I am a picky eater so recently I have been trying to eat better as well.
What does a typical day look like for you with both modeling and ballet commitments?
Every day is different.
My schedule is: school all week then directly an after activities. I have ballet three times a week and it’s more during Nutcracker season. I usually have back to back things such as model coaching, other clubs and religion class as well. I complete my homework and practice as much as I can when I come home. Sometimes I may have private lessons on the weekend. I try to hang out with my friends when I can. My mom loves surprising my brother and I with fun things on the weekends.
How do you think participating in fashion weeks has influenced your aspirations in fashion design?
I saw the details on my own dress and have added more detail to my doll dresses.
Can you share a funny or unexpected moment that happened during a fashion event or ballet performance?
Funny- Hmmm, I think when my feet had hurt and I walked the Highline in NYC barefoot after runway to the photoshoot. My foot hurt so I took them off lol. It was also funny stopping traffic for the other photoshoot.
Funny and unexpected moment in ballet during the Nutcracker was right before going on stage my entire halo of the bottom of the dress fell out and they had to put it back in and I had to try to balance it while moving on stage so it wouldn’t fall out.
What's your favorite piece of clothing or costume you've ever worn for a show or performance?
The dress I wore and the headpiece for LaBelle. The dress was made by Ozlem Karatay and the headpiece by Chrisanthi Couture. The color was so gorgeous!!!
How do you deal with the competitive aspects of modeling and ballet?
I don’t. I just focus on what I need to improve on. I believe that Jesus has a plan for me and I lean on him. There is always going to be someone who is better than me but if I look at it that way then I am already defeating yourself. I enjoy what I do and what is meant is meant.
What's your dream fashion or ballet project to work on?
My dream is to travel internationally for fashion and I get to walk for one of my favorite designers in September!
Next year I will be old enough to try out for New York City Ballet’s performance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
How do you hope to inspire others through your work as a model and ballerina?
I hope to be a good role model and show that if you put your mind to it you can do anything and that it’s important to be kind along the way. I am going to be in LaBelle KidsHelpKids movement for no bullying and helping others.
