Shelby Coleman: Model Moment

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- Sachin Bhola





“Thankful.”

It’s her latest Facebook status.

With what is essentially a poor man’s publicist, you would expect her Facebook updates to read more like Paris Hilton’s tweets – smug and self-absorbed.

But despite her envy-inducing life (she was discovered by Giambattista Valli himself at the age of 16, she now travels around the world as a top model -- need I go on?), Shelby Coleman remains down-to-earth.

“My family couldn’t care less about what magazines I'm in or what store my picture is hanging in. They will still tease me and give me crap about everyday things,” says Coleman. “One time my mom booked a ticket from New York back to Chicago [her hometown] because I wasn't focused on school work. She said that if I don't step it up then we're going home.”

I first met model Shelby Coleman during the production of the Chanel Cruise 2008 fashion show. Her sense of style, race (alongside model Yasmin Warsame, she was one of only two colored models casted for the show; incidentally, Warsame was kicked out of the show due to her tardiness) and natural poise were notable.

Two years later, at the young age of 18, she is wise beyond her years. Here, she offers modeling advice and talks to me about her experience on and off the runway.

About Shelby Coleman

Sachin Bhola: How did you get started in the business?

Shelby Coleman: I did some modeling in Chicago, my hometown, since I was about 13. I was more focused on school though, so I would only do local jobs. Then, when I turned 16, I was at a casting for a Giambattista Valli trunk show in Chicago. He saw me and told me he wanted me to do his fall show in Paris. So I went, and then IMG found me and signed me.

Sachin: What has been the highlight of your career?
Shelby: Definitely being brought to Paris for the first time and walking for a top designer.

Sachin: What do you wish to achieve in the future – on and off the runway?
Shelby: My goal is to bring something new to the fashion world and eventually become a household name. As well as to be an inspiration for young black models and young girls in general. At the same time, to start a family and surround myself with the people I love.

Modeling Advice From Shelby Coleman
Sachin: What challenges have you faced in the industry? How are you overcoming them?
Shebly: Rejection is normal in the industry. Coming into this not knowing that was very tough, but now I don't even think twice about it. If I don't get a job for whatever reason, I say "oh well" and focus on the next job/casting I have.

Sachin: What are some common mistakes new models make?
Shelby: Getting all worked up and offended when not booked for jobs. Don't take it personally!

Sachin: How do you stay so grounded?
Shelby: My family couldn't care less about what magazines I'm in or what store my picture is hanging in. They will still tease me and give me crap about everyday things. One time my mom booked a ticket from New York back to Chicago because I wasn't focused on school work. She said that if I don't step it up then we're going home. That was when I first started, so I know better now. Hah!

Sachin: What has modeling taught you about life?
Shelby: More than any book has ever taught me! I've learned so much, it's crazy. I've learned how to carry myself better, deal with people judging me on a daily basis, and how to be very independent at a young age. Not to mention the huge amount of people I meet from around the world and how their lifestyles are so much more different than mine.

Shelby Coleman On Fashion & Style
Sachin: Who is your favorite model? Favorite designer?
Shelby: Liya Kebede is my favorite model. She's an obvious and classic beauty yet she's unique. My favorite designers are Alexander Wang, Giambattista Valli, Marc Jacobs, Balmain, and Gucci.

Sachin: If you had to boil your wardrobe down to 5 pieces, what would they be?
Shelby: Tight jeans, my delicious Burberry heels, a simple white tee, a blazer, and a sexy short dress.

Sachin: What’s on your iPod playlist these days?
Shelby: Lil Wayne is all over it. I also have Coldplay, Beyonce and Lady GaGa.

Thank you, Shelby! You're beautiful inside and out :)

Photos (from beginning): (1) Shelby's comp card (2) Steet style (3) tbc (4) Giambattista Valli Resort 2009 (5) Sachin Bhola (me) and Shelby backstage at Chanel Cruise 2008

For more photos of Shelby Coleman, check out her profile on Style.com.

Whitney Eve Fashion Show

Happy to have been at the show (not so happy with the quality of my camera). One day we'll meet, Whitney Port!

Men's Huarache Sandals

Please note that my blog has moved. Check out the upgrade at: http://www.sachinbhola.com/blog - Sachin Bhola


Ethno American is a major theme in my wardrobe, so major that I will discuss it in an upcoming post. This one, however, puts the spotlight on a related shoe style that I’ve been fascinated by: huarache sandals.

The term “huarache” translates into “sandal” from the pre-Columbian language P’urhepecha, which is spoken in north-west Mexico. Thus, the term “men’s huarache sandals” is redundant (I’ve used it for SEO purposes, wink wink).

Huarache + Attitude = Huarachetude!

I first discovered these Mexican sandals while living in Los Angeles in 2006. Not surprisingly, they had become popular in North America in the 1950s and ‘60s via hippies, and, therefore, is a common find in today’s California flea markets.

Forget the hippies -- it was my hipster L.A. friends, Melanie and Kim (above), that popularized the style for me. (I really shouldn’t call them hipsters; hipsters hate it when you out them.)

Sachin Bhola’s pick :)

Where: eBay

Price: $6.55

I bought my first pair from the Rose Bowl Flea Market (Pasadena, California) for less than $10. And I recently bought a second pair of men’s huarache sandals off eBay for $6.55 (pictured here). Sweet deal.

Huarache sandals were originally consumed by peasants, which meant that they needed to be produced with inexpensive material. The use of rubber from recycled car tires for the soles became popular in the 1930s as this material was robust and inexpensive.

But buyer beware: As time went buy, this style inspired many variations of the original model. If you're looking for the real deal, here’s a checklist:

- Huaraches are traditionally made from hand-woven leather.

- Stitching and weaving is done by hand.

- The soles are made from old rubber tires.

- The hand-made quality, in theory, means that no two pairs are identical.

For Summer 2010, Asos.com has released various men's huarache sandals -- fashion versions, of course. 

Shown above:

Top Row: Woven Slip On ($47.35)

Bottom Row (left to right): Hirachi Sandal ($59.18); Step Down Basket Weave Sandals ($42.27)

Can't get enough huaraches? Check out this cool blog: HuaracheBlog.wordpress.com   

Men's Combat Boots Fall 2010

Please note that my blog has moved. Check out the upgrade at: http://www.sachinbhola.com/blog - Sachin Bhola

In my New York Fashion Week Fall 2010: Men’s Trend Report, I talk about “carryover” trends. As the name suggests, these trends simply refer to those the industry has seen in a previous season – say, Fall 2009 – that has reappeared this season.

Without getting into why designers do this (no, it’s not because they hit a creative wall and fell back on last year’s sketches; something tells me sales, retail and forecasting has much to do with it), it’s important to point out the benefit to the consumer: saving your money.

Why spend money when you’ve already made the investment? And when it comes to men’s combat boots, we’re talking low-risk investment. The term “perennial” here doesn’t even do it justice. From the first boots worn by the foot soldiers of the Roman legions to modern-day subcultures, it’s safe to say this style is enduring. Now that’s some serious ROI.

With that in mind, here’s a roundup of men’s combat boots for Fall 2010 that you can buy now – and carryover for years to come.
xxxxxx

Sachin Bhola's Pick :)

Brand: Topman

Name: Black High Leg Boots
Price: $150

There's only one Topman store in North America (it's in Soho, New York). What's up with that? I bought these during Fashion Week. These are great if you have skinny legs because they don't leave any opening around the calf when laced up. 

Brand: Browning Arms Co.

Where: eBay

Condition: Vintage, 1960s

Price: $99

Fashion aside, men's combat boots were designed for soldiers during, well, combat. Because they're designed to withstand rugged environments, many "regular" guys make this their footwear of choice during the fall and winter because of the water-resistant, cold-weather-resistant properties.

And these guys don't turn to the Topmans of of the world; they often shop at army surplus stores or eBay. You can find vintage models that have stood the test of time, often for much, much cheaper prices.

During Montreal Fashion Week Fall 2010, I worked on the production of the Barila show. The stylist, Christina Louiso, borrowed men's combat boots from an army surplus store to create the looks. Though typically worn on men, this was an excellent choice for this women's collection. Well done, Christina!    

For the boot history nerds: Each soldier of the New Model Army was issued three pairs. The soldiers were required to rotate them after every march for even wear. We could learn from them.

Before lace-ups, combat boots were often designed with buckles. It's not my thing, but wearing a buckled version would make for an interesting twist on the models we see today.

Brand: H by Hudson
Name: Angus Brogue Boot
Price: $203

Speaking of a twist, who said men's combat boots for Fall 2010 had to be black? This color speaks for itself. The broguing also adds visual interest. Look at them: You can tell these are going to age nicely :)

Brand: Whyred

Name: Luc
Price: $270

I'm loving the canvas upper on these ones. Like everything in menswear, evolution comes through the details. Click on the brand link for more photos. This pair from Whyred is reminiscent of Hedi Slimane for Dior Homme. Nothing wrong with the withered-15-yeard-old-anticonformist-Euro look.
  

Here are some more men's combat boots for Fall 2010 that I like. Left to right: Common Projects, Expedition Boots ($558); Frye Boots, Rogan Tall Lace Up ($258); Aldo, Wile ($140).