from Supporting-Cast
As part of Prada SS08's prestigious, exclusive group of girls, Canadian Cate Chant bears a firm, intelligent persona underneath a eye-catching face. Despite her elevated status on the international scene, she stays true to her roots as a student and a lover of horses. Her young career is just beginning to blossom, but many prospects already rest ahead. One should certainly expect to see Cate in the pages of the best fashion magazines very soon!
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Full Name: Cate Chant
Primary Place of Residence: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Favorite Books: Far too many to list! I’d say the one book I keep going back to is “The Basic Eight” by Daniel Handler...I adore pretty much everything Kurt Vonnegut Jr. has ever written, and I’m a huge Harry Potter fan. I read so much, though, if I listed all my favourite books I’d take up all your bandwidth!
Favorite TV Shows: I don’t watch much television, but I enjoy the Discovery Channel and National Geographic. I also like Ugly Betty, The Office, and Jeopardy when I have time to watch them.
Favorite Films: Into the Wild, Brick, Igby Goes Down, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys…I could go on forever!
Favorite Sport: Showjumping
Describe yourself in one (Real or fabricated) word: Terse. (heeheehee—if I could have eight words: she-who-laughs-at-her-own-nerdy-jokes)
Supporting Cast: Who are some of your greatest supporters in your budding career thus far? How have they nurtured and/or encouraged you?
Cate Chant: I would have to say my family, as well as my mother agent, Chantale Nadeau. I’m leaving a bunch of people out, but Chantale was the one who got me started in the industry and my family has provided unfaltering support. When I’m in New York I get to stay with my sister, which is something not everyone has the opportunity to do—I’m really grateful for that.
SC: According to a modelresource.ca article, you were first noticed by photographer Justin Borbely on a subway -- is he aware of your current success?
Cate: As far as I know! He was very kind and I got a "congratulations!" email after I walked Prada.
SC: Before you became a model, what did you know and/or expect from the industry? How similar is your current career to your previous expectations?
Cate: I’ve always been enamoured by the fashion industry, but based on the clothes, not the modeling aspect of it. I really didn’t know what to expect when I became involved in modeling myself. Before I started, I thought it was kind of ridiculous when you’d read something in the tabloids about how such-and-such a person doesn’t eat. I’d think, hey, I’m tall and skinny and I love food—who’s to say they’re any different? Now that I’ve been around other models, I can see that’s the truth—models are mostly just naturally tall and thin girls. Aside from that, everything’s been a surprise. I had no idea what to expect and never thought about modeling, so I didn’t know much about the industry before I got into it. Everyday I learn something new!
SC: In another recent article about your career, the writer mentioned that you had never walked in heels before this summer. Do you now feel comfortable enough with the idea of pacing around in tall shoes for long periods at a time, or is it still a somewhat daunting task?
Cate: I practiced everyday until I was confident walking in heels, but I think it’s a stretch to say I’m “comfortable” walking around in tall shoes. I no longer worry about tripping over my own feet, but I usually change into my sneakers as soon as I get the chance!
SC: How would you describe the feeling of being cast for the Prada SS08 show? How did you feel when you actually walked on the Prada runway?
Cate: The Prada SS08 show was an incredible experience. I assumed that the first show I’d do would be something small and low-key, but that turned out (as assumptions are apt to be), wrong! It was absolutely amazing and wonderful experience. I’m so grateful that I was cast for that show, because it has opened so many other doors.
SC: Did you get a chance to visit other places in Milan while you were there? If so, which location was your favorite?
Cate: I was in Milan for only a few hours preceding and after the show. All I saw aside from Prada was, the hotel, Da Willy Pizzeria, and the Airport. The bed was most comfortable at the hotel, and Da Willy had the best food, but I have no basis of comparison!
SC: What are some places in the world you would love to have photoshoots at?
Cate: I think it would be wonderful to shoot in an incredible natural setting, like in the Arctic, Alaska, or the Grand Canyon. Of course that would sort of limit the styling---you’d have to wear a Parka in the Arctic, and probably a mosquito net or something in the woods...
SC: Who are some famous designers you would love to showcase clothes for on next season's runways?
Cate: I think that nearly every famous designer is so talented and it would be fun to do their shows. It’s a lot of fun and such an honor to be a part of someone’s artistic vision.
SC: What can we expect to see from you in terms of recent work?
Cate: It’s a surprise…Hahaha!
SC: Alongside fellow breakout stars like Meghan Collison, Taryn Davidson, and Simona McIntyre, you're the latest wave of Canadians to captivate the international fashion scene (Succeeding names like Linda Evangelista, Shalom Harlow, Daria Werbowy, Jessica Stam, and Coco Rocha). Why do you think that Canada has been so consistently successful in propelling models to such notable and in-demand statuses?
Cate: This is a really interesting question and it’s hard to come up with an answer. I’m not sure that anyone really knows to what (or whom) Canadian models’ success can be attributed. That having been said, I think that Canadians have that mysterious factor working in their favor. I think it helps that Canada is so multicultural, so a Canadian person doesn’t necessarily look a certain way. Anyway, I’m certainly glad that Canada’s known for propelling models to stardom, since in a way I’ve been able to ride the coat-tails of that trend!
SC: Since your career has taken off in the midst of your life as a straight-A student, will you be pursuing just one of these two endeavors for now, or will you try to juggle both?
Cate: I’m in my final year of high school, and I’m planning on staying enrolled until I graduate in the Spring. I’m also in the midst of applying to University, but I plan on deferring my attendance so I can take some time to concentrate on modeling and horses as well.
SC: What are your favorite subjects to study in school? Why?
Cate: I love school and I’d be lying if I said I had a favorite subject. I love how participating in a class like law or history lets you offer your insight on society at the same time broadening your perspective, but I also enjoy the challenge of mathematics. I like to express myself and explore different subjects through reading and writing, and I love how just about everything can be explained in science. I’m hoping to pursue environmental sciences in my post-secondary studies.
SC: On top of academics and modeling, you are also quite passionate about riding. How did you first become interested in the sport all those years ago?
Cate: I’m not quite sure how I first became interested in horses. I’ve loved horses for as long as I can remember, and I started riding lessons when I was seven. I love my horses more than anything and riding is the best thing in the whole world.
SC: What are some of your other hobbies besides riding?
Cate: I enjoy reading, art, and music immensely.
SC: How does your family feel about you potentially needing to spend more time away from them due to modeling?
Cate: Already I’ve been dividing my time between Toronto and West Palm Beach, Florida, where I live during most of the winter for riding. Now that I’m modeling as well, I’m home even less, but my family is very supportive and has been making every effort to make it possible for me to continue with both.
SC: What do you hope to pursue after your modeling career ends (Or do you wish for it to never end)?
Cate: I’m hoping it’s a little early to be predicting my own demise, but when my modeling career slows down I would love to work to spread awareness about the plight of the environment and wildlife.
SC: What are the three most important things to you in life?
Cate: I’d have to say my family, my horses, and my bookcase.
SC: Finally, where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Cate: 10 years from now? I couldn’t begin to guess!