Why I’m organising world’s ‘highest’ fashion show — Jessica Minh Anh

Jessica Minh Anh, director of J Model Management and creator of the most daring and breathtaking fashion shows the world has seen, is once again hosting another iconic show on November 1, 2013, in a previously uncharted terrain which is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona, USA. What makes this show so distinctive is the concept of models walking in the sky, wearing designs from all over the world, at an incredible height of 4000 feet and she has handpicked  Nigerian talent Helen Apreala to join her in this venture. She spoke with Adetorera Idowu about her upcoming fashion show, love for the art and her preference for organising unique fashion shows.

Having the first fashion show on the Skywalk of the Grand Canyon is no small feat. Why this location?

I am a fan of great heights. So the fact that the Grand Canyon Skywalk positions J Autumn Fashion Show at Eagle’s Point (4000 feet high) is very appealing to me. Of course, this is not only the world’s highest fashion show but also the most unique one with the concept of models walking in the sky, which makes imagination a reality. The glass structure of the bridge is absolutely genius and when combining that with the breath-taking background of the Grand Canyon, we are looking at the ideal catwalk.

What do you hope to accomplish by hosting the first fashion show in one of the most stunning landscapes?

I personally believe there is no better place on earth for a natural catwalk. This is it. It is an absolute honour to be entrusted by the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation and Hualapai Tourism to host the show here. Similar to my other unique catwalks around the world, I would like to show the new generation that everything is possible.

This is not your first venture into uncharted fashion territories. Why the love for unique fashion shows?

I always want to do something different. Hosting shows at unpredictable venues or using a brand new concept allows you to be the most creative you can be. It also inspires fashion designers to produce something unique and memorable to match. These venues are a lot more intriguing and interesting than the usual standard ones.

Do you particularly love art?

I do. I draw, paint, and play the piano. My whole family is very artistic and we keep an open mind to art and beauty. I never limit my imaginations and I keep exploring new things.

When and why did you start J Model Management?

I founded J Model Management a month after graduating from University of Birmingham in MSc Marketing Communications. I wanted to start producing my own shows immediately using my knowledge and experience in IT, Event Management, Marketing, and PR, and that was what I did. I had a specific direction in mind, and I had to be the one making the decisions.

What has been your experience organising fashion shows?

I love organizing events. It’s in my blood. Being responsible for the entire production from putting ideas together to handling logistics management, creative arrangement, and PR activities with a fantastic team is a dream come true. I cannot think of doing anything else. Fashion allows you to be adventurous, and I am all about bringing excitement to other people. So I believe I have the best job in the world.

Which have been the most challenging and rewarding?

The toughest part to me in hosting these history making catwalks is time management. We organize each show in less than 3 months without cutting any steps. This means we work almost 24/7. I commit 100 per cent to the projects and it is quite difficult to find time for other things. The grand success of each show is definitely rewarding, but what I treasure the most is the appreciation of clients, fashion lovers, and supporters around the world. It motivates me to go the extra miles.

What is it that struck you about Nigerian talent Helen Apreala?

Helen’s collection shows Africa’s rich heritage and culture. It’s emotional yet very positive. The pieces are effortlessly beautiful because they combine vintage details and a modern outlook towards fashion. I adore her usage of fabrics and prints such as luxurious African Lace, Kente, Ijaw Cultural fabrics of KuruKuru betei, guguru, and classic embroideries. I believe she’s the perfect representative for Nigeria in the show.

Will you be scouting other Nigerian talents over time?

Definitely! We look at 40 different countries when selecting designers for each show. We showcased another Nigerian talent, Mai Atafo, in our previous show in Paris.

How would you describe your personal sense of style?

I do not have a massive wardrobe but every piece is very carefully selected. I wear red a lot and dresses that make a statement. I do go easy on normal days with a short dress, minimum makeup, no jewellery, and straight hair. I do not believe you have to overdress all the time to be beautiful. It’s important to dress according to the occasion.

What advice would you give to talents in the fashion industry?

Fashion is one of the most exciting but also competitive industries. It requires a lot of dedication, hard work, attention to details, and a fighting spirit to survive it. But if that’s your dream profession then you should definitely go for it no matter how hard it may be at times. Doing what you love is the greatest happiness.