To begin our bi-weekly model spotlights, we pulled aside Kaiya Bazemore during model practice. Our very own Nana Konadu and Tenesa Brown asked the current sophomore and Fashion Design major a few questions about the impact of fashion and Voyage to Utopia on her life.
Question: How does your sense of fashion explain who you are?
Kaiya: “My fashion sense is more…mood-driven. I notice if I’m not as happy, I wear darker colors. If I’m happy, I’m brighter. If I feel extra sexy, [I’m going to] be sexier. But also I like to try new things, even though I’m scared sometimes […] At one point of time, I believe I was in elementary or middle school, all I wanted to wear was American Eagle or Gap. [Those] were my favorites. Then I went from there, and I was more punk rock, and that was the first time I cut my hair. So, I like to try new looks and I like to try different things. I don’t have an exact style. That’s not me. The only time I have an exact style is when I’m going to the club… and that’s because I want to be sexy. Other than that, I don’t have one thing. Like I said, I’m mood driven.”
Question: What are you most excited about for the fashion show?
Kaiya: “Actually, [when] most people, before a show, are anxious or nervous, I like it. For me, that’s my adrenaline rush. When people [ride] roller coasters or bungee jumping… that feeling. For me, I like backstage. When on stage, I like to model, but at the same time, I like the rush in the background. I’m like… I don’t know how to explain it. It’s just something about it. You will never find another kind of rush like that… Behind the stage of a fashion show, you will never find a rush like that. I love it.
Question: In your own words, how does culture and ethnicity affect fashion?
Kaiya: “I feel as though [culture and ethnicity] affects fashion because everyone views it in their own way. You see [fashion], and you all maybe seeing the same thing, but everyone will have their own thought and opinion on it… Also, it depends on your background. What you were born with , what you were raised with, it all makes [your view on fashion] different.
Question: What have you learned about yourself so far [while] working with Voyage?
Kaiya: “What have I learned? [Laughs.] Actually, I thought I was going to be a horrible teacher. But it’s one of my passions. Because it’s modeling, I can show them… I learning that I can help people more than I thought I could. Also, my patience has grown. I love modeling!”
Question: So how has what you learned from Voyage affected other aspects of your life?
Kaiya: “Well before, when it came to having patience and trying, I would try. [After that] I would just say, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore.’ I relate teaching modeling to teaching my little siblings. I’m the oldest of 7, so I know how it is.”
Question: What will you take with you once Voyage is over?
Kaiya: “I’m meeting and talking to new people, so I’ll take away some friends. I’m glad to meet people as interested in modeling as I am. When working in groups, it’s always a learning experience. When I get to see them in their zone, it makes me happy. I like it!”
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