Six models blog Charleston Fashion Week

Stay up with life from behind the scenes at Charleston Fashion Week through these six models that are keeping blogs on TheDigitel.com

And, if you haven't already been there, check out our Fashion Week page.

Tom Yu

Go read entries by Tom Yu.


Read more stories on this subject in our Charleston Fashion Week topic page.

Where are you from?

Originally from Seoul, Korea, and currently live in Charleston.

Any modeling/fashion background?

I have no modeling experience but I have done a few prints for Style Exchange and Nantucket Brand.

Why did you try out for Charleston Fashion Week?

I love fashion and Charleston Fashion Week is a great opportunity to be involved in the Charleston fashion community. Unfortunately I missed out on the last two fashion week events and I wanted to be sure I didn't miss out this year!

What excites you most about Charleston Fashion Week?

I am excited to see the Emerging Local Designers showcase their designs.

What runway shows will you be modeling?

I will be modeling for Charleston Formal Wear (Berlin's) and Billy Reid.

Who is your favorite runway model?

This is a tough one, I would say Mathias Lauridsen.

Source of inspiration?

My inspiration comes from my father. He owned several clothing stores, so I began learning about fashion at an early age, and have spent many days and weekends working for him.

Go read entries by Tom Yu.

Anna Davis

Go read entries by Anna Davis.


Read more stories on this subject in our Charleston Fashion Week topic page.

Where are you from?

Sumter, South Carolina

Any modeling/fashion background?

I started modeling a few years ago when I was sponsored to attend the International Modeling Talent Agency in Los Angeles California. I then received a modeling contract with MMG in New York City for two years. After my two-year stint in NYC, I moved to Charleston.

Why did you try out for Charleston Fashion Week?

I tried out for this years Charleston fashion week because of how amazing my experience with CFW was in 2008. It was a blast!

What excites you most about Charleston Fashion Week?

The excitement of the crowd, the runway, and the hype backstage took me back to my first days modeling and I almost had to remind myself that I wasn’t in New York City.

What runway shows will you be modeling?

This year I will be participating in Emily Bargeron's up-and-coming designer show on Tuesday, the Mary Porter couture show and Billy Reid show on Wednesday, the Belle Couture Bridal, and Charleston’s Gown Boutique bridal shows on Saturday.

Who is your favorite runway model?

I’m going to stay local with my favorite runway model! Ghana El Shabazzi lights up every room she enters! Her sweet spirit and love for fashion makes me feel warm inside. Not only is she a great friend to every person she meets, but she rocks the runway like no other, you really just cant help but to stare.

Source of inspiration?

I would have to say that my biggest source of inspiration is Jesus. His unconditional love, and mercy has really helped me hang in the industry without doubting myself or letting all the criticism get to me.

Go read entries by Anna Davis.

Chanel Gordon

Go read entries by Chanel Gordon.


Read more stories on this subject in our Charleston Fashion Week topic page.

Where are you from?

I am from Atlanta, Georgia.

Any modeling/fashion background?

I participated in Charleston Fashion Week last year. I also made it on the first episode of Project Runway 2009.

Why did you try out for Charleston Fashion Week?

Charleston Fashion Week = free haircut, right? No, seriously I really love fashion. I love runway. I love to model. Makes sense right? Plus, I did it last year and had a lot of fun.

What excites you most about Charleston Fashion Week?

The fact that the fashion week event gets bigger and better every year. One of the most exhilarating feelings is walking down a runway and having (what seems like) thousands of people looking at you and only you! Plus, I was told a free haircut was involved! : )

What runway shows will you be modeling?

This year I will model for 6 runway shows! In chronological order: II Brunettes, K. Morgan, Gwynn's, Belle, Couture Bridal, White, Lindsay Carter: Troubadour

Who is your favorite runway model?

I'm going to go with the young Janice Dickinson.

Source of inspiration?

Chanel: simplicity, class, and a lot of black.

Go read entries by Chanel Gordon.

Katie Kern

Go read entries by Katie Kern.


Read more stories on this subject in our Charleston Fashion Week topic page.

Where are you from?

Originally from the ATL, but I now reside in Charleston.

Any modeling/fashion background?

I have modeled for various agencies over the years doing print and editorial work. I was also the Charleston Magazine style intern.

Why did you try out for Charleston Fashion Week?

It is a great opportunity to get involved in the Charleston Fashion community and because I can work the runway.

What excites you most about Charleston Fashion Week?

For a full week, Charleston Marion Square is transformed into a mini Bryant Park NY Fashion Week. The city takes on a new energy.

What runway shows will you be modeling?

Emerging Designer Caroline Baker, Emerging Designer Jonathan Nigel More, Boutique NV, Mary Porter, II Brunettes, Saks/Mary Norton, Seeking Indigo, Teal, Gwynn’s, White and Emerging Designer Lindsey Carter

Who is your favorite runway model?

Naomi Campbell. It does not get any better than her.

Source of inspiration?

My modeling and fashion inspirations come from my mom and everyone who has paved the way to make all of this possible.

Go read entries by Katie Kern.

Chelsie Ravenell

Go read entries by Chelsie Ravenell.


Read more stories on this subject in our Charleston Fashion Week topic page.

Where are you from?

Well honestly, sometimes I think that I am from mars. Realistically, I have traveled a lot, visting cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Tempe, AZ, and Wilmington, NC. I call Charleston home, and live on James Island.

Any modeling/fashion background?

I have modeled off and on for about 10 years. I remember my first runway show was about 9 years ago for a store called Structure – it is now known as Express Men. I was so nervous and shy, I almost didn't go out on the runway. Now I am an exclusive model for Kenneth Beatrice, the well-dressed company.

Why did you try out for Charleston Fashion Week?

Charleston Fashion Week is a chance to be a part of something very special in Charleston. I couldn't pass that up!

What excites you most about Charleston Fashion Week?

Well, I am a clothing designer myself, so to see my hometown being talked about in New York City is big! Watch out world, here we come!!

What runway shows will you be modeling?

Saks 5th Avenue, Biton, Billy Reid, Style Exchange, Gown, Alena, and Gwynn's

Who is your favorite runway model?

London Ravenell. He is 3 years old and doesn't have a clue. He just walks with a swagger! I try to walk like him every time.

Source of inspiration?

My uncle Kenneth and my grandmother Beatrice are my sources of inspiration. They both have given me all the tools to be successful.

Go read entries by Chelsie Ravenell.

Bianca Gardner

Go read entries by Bianca Gardner.


Read more stories on this subject in our Charleston Fashion Week topic page.

Where are you from?

I was born in Soest, Holland, but I am half Spanish (from Spain) and half American. I am a military brat and have been living in Charleston for 6 years.

Any modeling/fashion background?

I am very excited because this will be my third year participating in Charleston Fashion Week! I have modeled for other local fashion shows, including Elysium with Roxy/Quicksilver, Tanger Outlet Malls, Poe's Studio at VooDoo Lounge and bridal shows. I have also done some print work with local photographers.

Why did you try out for Charleston Fashion Week?

How could I not?! Fashion Week is what I wait for every year, and every year it just gets better and better.

What excites you most about Charleston Fashion Week?

I love walking into the tents on the first day and seeing how great everything looks. But my favorite part of CFW is walking out on that runway, working it, having everyone looks at you with the cameras flashing and the music playing. There is no feeling like it, it's a rush!

What runway shows will you be modeling?

This year I will be representing K. Morgan, II Brunettes, and Biton.

Who is your favorite runway model?

Heidi Klum is my favorite. She is beautiful, fun, flirty and can work the runway.

Source of inspiration?

My family is a strong source of my inspiration. They are so supportive. I also admire Heidi Klum and the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, because all those models are beautiful. Watching that fashion show has only made me want to make it that far!

Go read entries by Bianca Gardner.

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