Samantha Gradoville - sounds quite American, and it is indeed. Born and raised in Nebraska (geographical heart of the U.S.) the Next signed wunderkind got this special booking which every model aspires to get; a job, that is actually done within a few minutes and not even highly remunerated. But the fact that makes this job to absolutely be the most respected runway job in the fashion industry, is to gives you the chance to tower up from a new face, one face under 10000 other faces, to a rising star. top flight. Within some minutes. To not put you on the rack anymore, let us tell you (we're sure most of you do already know) Samantha opened, closed and leaded the finale of the Prada Fall 2010 show in Milan last week which was never done by an American model before - everything in exclusive agreement between Samantha and Miuccia Prada, of course. What makes it more interesting is, that Samantha is further on the first model, who opened the show although she's been around for almost one year on the runways. But, let's explain her career & goals for modelling in more detail and how our Samantha obsession started!
We discovered her when a picture of a mysterious brunett popped up on our screens, from Devastee Fall 2009 show. First thing we did, scouring our main source that is tfs for more information. People were already curious about this 20yo epic when a member popped up and was like "hey guys, it's Samantha here." It was Samantha indeed, and as delightful as she is, always been very obliging to answer questions and to give info about her recent work. Not later than 4 weeks, we featured her on the basis of an interview on Digital Diamonds - which finally gave us the major Gradoville crush. Samantha started out with modelling classes when she was 13. It all got under way when she was 16 and went to Los Angles together with her mother (who seems to be a lovely one as not every mother supports this) in order to sign up with NEXT after her former agent closed down his business. Late last year the time had come, prestigious runway bookings from Yves Saint Laurent to Cacharel and some decent print work, afterwards. Her goal is (well we don't know if it still is) to be featured on one of that ultra large billboards spanning buildings. If that comes true someday? Well, this question should be rhetorical at this point of her career; to make this text (/which was actually intended for a little indroduction for the small Question & Answers) we stop introducing and are so keen to share with you the following Q&A:
Samantha, congratulations on the Prada Opening/closing and final leading slot! As you are over-busy at the moment, did you actually have the time to realise what you've archieved in that "Prada night" yet?
Yes, I knew very well everything I was being blessed with the moment I learned that I was confirmed for Prada exclusive. It was a great honor to simply walk in the show, but to open? and to close? It is more than I could have ever dreamed
How did this Prada opening/closing option come into being and who & when were you told about the Prada booking?
It came together very slowly. I was waiting for the actually confirmation on the exclusive until right before the show. They had the fittings on the night before the show. After I was fit and I went to leave, the stylist and Russell (Note: Marsh, casting director of the worlds prestigious fashion shows) both whispered to me “Congratulations! You know you are opening the show, right?!” I didn’t really believe them until I was actually in the first look, walking down the runway!! Earlier that morning, they fit me for a second look, and then told me I might close the show as well. But again, I didn’t really believe them until I was walking out in the last look.
So, let's talk about the collection, did you find a piece of that collection which you'd love to find in your wardrobe?
My first look, the black dress, was my favorite piece of the collection. And the knee-high socks were so cute.
Decide: Are you personally a Prada or more of a Miu Miu girl judging from the style of garments which Miuccia designs for those two labels?
I own more Miu Miu than Prada, so if you want to go by that… I guess I am more of a Miu Miu girl? The line is a bit more playful and youthful, however, I do like to sophistication that goes hand in hand with the Prada line. Ah! I can’t choose!!
How was that moment for you when you went out the backstage, first girl, best outfit, through this amazing location, the Vogue US crew inculding Anna Wintour and tons of Hollywood A class celebs looking at you?
It was nothing short of wonderful. It was the most adrenaline I have ever felt surge through my body.. I was experiencing my dreams coming true.
Did you have the possibility to meet and talk to Miuccia that night?
Through the exclusivity, I was in the Prada factory each day, working alongside her. She is an amazingly talented woman, a very hard worker, and has a sweet heart. It was really such an honor to walk in her show and be a part of her collection. The smile on her face after the finale was priceless
As mariemaud.com says TheFashionSpot celebrated your success all night, how is that to have peole that are inspirated by you even if they don't know you in person?
I think it is really great to have people that are out there supporting me and wanting me to succeed. I love them all! If I can inspire people and be living my dream in the process, it makes everything that much better. Modeling, in a sense, is a career focused on inspiring people. It inspires people to think differently, to have their own style and voice, and inspires them to see the beauty in all things. I am just so happy to be a part of it all.
How are you going to keep everyone up to date on your career in future?
My twitter is
http://twitter.com/sammigrad and I have a blog too,
http://samanthagradoville.blogspot.com/
Be not afraid to subsrice to her blog and to sometimes drop her a comment. Samantha is neither a diva nor ignorant and should be a role model to everyone showing that it's worth to invest hard work, disciplin and to especially pay patience into something you do really love. Thank you for doing this Q&A with us Samantha! We love you!
paging Mr Meisel. Fingers crossed.
