Inoubliable Model Army (IMA
Hi Aya, thanks for chatting with IMA! Congratulations on a stellar debut at the Spring/Summer 2015 collections. How are you feeling now that you've had time to decompress from the shows and to realise the full extent of your Fashion Week achievements?
Aya Jones (AJ Thank you for inviting me to take part! I feel really excited, it's like a dream come true. I can't believe what has happened to me and I hope that the best is yet to come!
IMA: As a relatively new face to modelling, would you mind sharing your backstory with IMA's readers?
AJ: I'm 20 years old and French but my father is from the Ivory Coast in Africa. I started modelling a few months ago after being discovered on the streets of Paris by Johann Mapaga. I initially started doing some test shoots, learning to walk, to be a model, and then joined Silent Paris and the Lions Management NY.
IMA: This season you appeared like a bolt out of the blue as an exclusive at Prada in Milan. Describe the process that was involved for the Prada casting and when did you find out that you had been confirmed for the show?
AJ: In the beginning my agency sent my pictures to Ashley Brokaw, Prada's casting director. I met with the Prada team twice and then went to Milan to see Miucca Prada. I walked and tried clothes for her, and the following day I was confirmed as an exclusive for the show!
IMA: Your exclusive debut at Prada set the wheels in motion for an epic Paris Fashion Week with turns on the runway at Miu Miu, Viktor & Rolf, Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Nina Ricci, Sacai and Paco Rabane amongst others. Were the shows a complete blur or are there any defining moments either on or off the runway which standout in hindsight?
AJ: The whole of Fashion Week was a great experience, a whirl of colour, textures, sounds, and feelings... but Prada was the most exciting. It was my first show and my heart was beating very hard!
IMA: The month long fashion frenzy is a real test of mental and physical stamina. How did you prepare in the lead up for the shows and what has been the most sage advice that you received from your agents that helped you throughout the shows?
AJ: I tried to follow a healthy lifestyle - doing sports, eating well, and sleeping a lot. And of course my family's encouragement was really important for me. My booker, Patricia Lejeune, told me that whatever happens to always be strong and professional regardless of the time of the night and the height of the heels... and to never give up and to stay strong!
IMA: The casting process for shows can be particularly intimidating with so many beautiful girls vying for limited runway slots. What was your approach heading into castings and what advice would you offer to make a positive impression at castings?
AJ: I'm someone quite peaceful and relaxed. Of course, I was a bit stressed but it was good stress. Patience is very important in this business, always be available, and try to give designers and casting directors the feeling that they can count on you.
IMA: Did you have an interest in modelling prior to being discovered and are there any key modelling figures who you admire?
AJ: I admire Veruschka as a woman and a model. She changed fashion and was the first supermodel of the 60s. From my generation, I like a lot Sasha Pivovarova, Daria Werbowy, and Carmen Kass.
IMA: A model's fashion sensibility is an important part of her overall package when presenting to clients and also off-duty with the rising influence of street style photographers and bloggers. How would you describe your street style and what are your current fashion must-haves?
AJ: I'm quite simple in the way I dress and I love basic items. There's nothing better that skinny jeans, a white t-shirt, and Alaia shoes.
IMA: Diversity in modelling has been a contentious topic over the past few seasons. Did you notice diversity on fashion's runways this season and how important is it to you to see diversity reflected in fashion and the media?
AJ: Diversity is our world. But it's true that diversity has been a contentious subject for a long time. I didn't really notice more black or Asian models this season but Balmain's designer Olivier Rousteing has shown great support for black models in his shows and campaigns
IMA: Modelling at times can seem like a 24/7 existence. How do you unwind outside of work and what are your keen interests and passions beyond modelling/fashion?
AJ: I love cooking, especially African food. My father is a really good cook, he owns a restaurant in Paris specialising in cuisine from the Ivory Coast. I love cooking with him!
I also discovered yoga a few months ago and it really helps me to find balance and to feel less pressure.
IMA: Your Paris-based agency Silent Models played a pivotal role in keeping the momentum going throughout the Spring/Summer 2015 season. What do you value most about the management team and approach at Silent?
AJ: I think Silent Models have a different approach with their models. They're focused on building careers and not only on making a lot of jobs with no specific meaning or strategy behind them. In France we say "savour priviléger la qualité sur la quantité". It's my choice and my booker's one as well, Patricia Lejeune. I'm really happy with Silent Paris and feel very safe and protected.
IMA: One of the most enjoyable aspects of Fashion Week is the camaraderie backstage between the models. Did you find time to bond with other girls in between castings, round the clock fittings, and the backstage madness?
AJ: Everything is still new for me since I just started my career two months ago with the Prada booking. But I really appreciate the girls that I an growing with like Othilia Simon, Elodia Prieto, and Morgane Warnier who was also discovered by our scout Johann Mapaga. It is very nice to meet girls backstage and to have a bit of fun before the shows.
IMA: What do you enjoy most about modelling and what are your long-term modelling aspirations?
AJ: Hard question... maybe meeting people; stylists, designers and photographers and learning about their world. It's really inspiring. I think modelling above all is a job of learning to deal with humans and different personalities. My long-term aspiration would be to shoot with an artistic photographer and of course being part of a campaign ;-)
IMA: What makes you "Inoubliable" (Unforgettable)?
AJ: Unforgettable! What a wonderful song by Nat King Cole. Seriously, I do feel memorable when a very important client asks me to try something on and than says "that's perfect on her".
I had a feeling she was part Ivorian.
