Whether you're a designer or a model, exposure is the name of the game. It's a truthful statement in so many industries that "if no one sees you, they'll never get the chance to know how great you are."
Holly Kagis has modelled in
runway shows all over the
world but this September she stormed the runway at
the iconic New York Fashion Week (NYFW). As one of the "Big 4" which includes
Paris, London, and Milan, NYFW is one of the most acclaimed and anticipated
shows of the year. The world watches, meaning that the world gains immediate
exposure to exceptional talent like Holly. The event also translates into major
economic impact. Senator Brad Hoylman (of the 27
th district)
states that NYFW brings in an estimated $900 million to the economy of the
city. Both NYC and the fashion industry put their best foot forward via models
like Kagis and the most forward thinking designers in the world. It's a perfect
storm which is far reaching. For Holly it was a frenetic and fantastic
experience to add to her already long resume and another runway step down the
same path as famed figures such as Giselle Bündchen (earning an estimated $30.5
million last year), Adriana Lima (more than $10 million) and Karlie Kloss ($9
million).
New York City is inherently fast
paced but even more so during Fashion Week. It's as if the entire city takes
part. NYFW hosts events at multiple venues across town while most other cities
utilize only one. Holly found the intensity empowering, channelling it for her
appearances at shows such as NYFW powered by Art Hearts Fashion Week, Fashion
Palette NYFW, and designers such as Fernando Alberto Atelier, Elliatt, NNCY,
Alexandra Propescue-York, Elle Zeitoune, Avery Verse, DA by Daniel, Atelier
Nicola D'errico, La Piacentini, Pin Up Stars, Cotton Inc, Santina Nicole and
INIFD & London School of Trends. Donning the gamut of styles from casual
chic to couture gowns, making changes at a breakneck pace;Holly confirms that
the pace is intense. Regarding her appearance at Art Hearts Fashion she says,
"Because I'm walking for eight to ten different designers each day at NYFW, the
atmosphere backstage is very high-energy. It's constant action and everything
is fast-paced". There are a lot of quick adjustments with full hair and makeup
changes between shows. It's chaotic but I've always loved working in those
high-energy environments. The madness backstage at a runway show is part of the
fun. The shows at NYFW and LAFW are held in incredible venues that I love to
work in, and the crowds are high-energy too."
The magnificent venues of NYFW are an equal part
of the mystique which surround the event. A historic Gothic Revival synagogue
built in 1849, the Angel Oresanz offers views of the models and designs from
either side of the runway and the mezzanine level. The building has hosted
events by Salman Rushdie, Maya Angelou, Alexander Borovsky, Spike Lee and
Philip Glass; acclaimed artists of different mediums. NYFW is equally
prestigious in impacting culture around the world andHolly is aware of the
significance of walking the runway at this venue. Kagis appeared at 15 NYFW
events in September of this year representing many designers from all over the
world. Following the event, she was immediately booked to shoot a campaign for
Australian designer DA by Daniel Alexander with photographer Bob Cooley and
couture Milliner Marilyn Van Den Berg. A proud Australian, the model loves to
support designers from her homeland. She states, "I walked for Australian brand
Elliatt at NY Fashion Week. I loved their collection. There's so much talent in
the Australian Fashion Industry but designers have to work so hard to get their
product on the international stage. I'm so grateful to have had a career that
has taken me all over the world and I have had so many incredible US clients
like MAC Cosmetics, Victoria's Secret, and L'Oreal but it's always really
special to get to support Australian designers who have worked their way to
this point where they can debut a collection at NYFW."