As plans start to come together for New Zealand Fashion Week 2014 the focus now turns to the hundreds of models from New Zealand and overseas who are converging on Auckland this Saturday vying to be part of New Zealand Fashion Week.
One of those models is 14-year-old Zoe Beck, a year 10 student from Tauranga Girls College, who will attend the model casting hoping to be selected to showcase for some of NZ’s top designers. Zoë was proudly put forward for casting by her agent Donna Malneek of Voda Model Management in Wellington. See our photos from the NZFW Model Casting here.
Freelance writer Sharyn Smart spoke with Zoë’s mother Donna Beck before they headed off to Auckland.
SS. So, Donna, tell me about what’s happening for Zoë this weekend?
DB: Well, Zoë was put forward for the model casting for NZ Fashion Week by her agent Donna Malneek of Voda Model Management in Wellington. It’s such an honour for Zoë to represent the agency and she’s really excited to have been asked. Whether she makes it into the final cut or not, we are all extremely proud of Zoë, even to be considered at 14 for such a prestigious event is a thrill in itself.
SS: Do you think Zoë is nervous?
DB: I think Zoë’s probably more excited than nervous. She is actually quite experienced on the catwalk, and she’s very mature. Designers are often quite surprised when they hear she is just 14, as she carries herself and looks much older than she is. She’s very calm and in control even when there’s a lot of hustle and bustle backstage. Recently she coped really well with a last minute change of shoes, from boots to very very high and thin stilettos which were 2 sizes too small for her. The designer literally had a change of mind within seconds of Zoe being due to step onto the catwalk and wanted the stilettos to be worn. And she totally rocked the catwalk. The designer was really impressed!
SS. So why did Zoë get into modelling?
DB: Zoë’s always been really interested with anything to do with being in front of an audience and entertaining people. I think she really enjoys the fact that once you are on stage, or on the catwalk, you become someone else and step into fantasy land. You become the character that you are portraying and I think modelling is a lot like that. Zoë has been on the stage extensively since she was three, so she’s no stranger to having an audience to perform to. When she was just 8 she even got to play three different roles with the Imperial Russian Ballet Company when they did their tour of NZ! It was quite an experience for an 8 year old!
SS. What sort of modelling experience has Zoë had so far?
DB: Zoë has been lucky and she has been really busy over the last few months for designers including Kharl Wi Repa, head designer at Emmanuel Gerros Ltd. Kharl’s collection is all to do with glamour and will debut at this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week. Both Zoë and I very excited for him as Zoë started out with him at the very beginning.
SS. I hear that Zoë is not content with just modelling, and that she is already making waves within the fashion industry herself as a designer?
DB: Yes, Zoe’s interest in fashion started at a very young age when she began experimenting with fabric and crafts with her grandmother. I sew myself and as a young child she was always digging through my fabric scraps making them into bags and clothes for her dolls. As a hobby photographer, I guess you could say Zoë’s creative streak is a bit of a chip off the old block. Zoë already has a lengthy list of designing accolades to her name and numerous trophies, most recently winning runner up at Creation Fest in the Wearable Arts Section (in which she competed against experienced designers and adults), two 1st placings at the South Waikato Wearable Arts Awards and a 3rd placing at the BOP Global Connexions Competition.
SS. What advice would you give to other Mums who have teenagers who are interested in modelling?
DB: Definitely do all you can to learn about the industry and how it works. Be actively involved, know what’s going on, and always chaperone her to everything. Ask questions and get to know as many people as you can. It’s really good to find someone who can take you under their wing, and modelling agencies and some designers are really good for this. We have met some amazingly wonderful and supportive people over the last year. Not only do the agencies promote their models, but the really good ones actually get to know them personally and offer great guidance for young girls. We were really very lucky for Zoë to be signed by Donna Malneek at Voda Model Management in Wellington. Donna has been amazing supportive to both Zoë and myself within an industry that can seem quite daunting to newbies.
SS. I’ve heard that Zoë has lots of other interests besides designing and modelling, how does she fit it all in?
DB: We are both pretty organised and both of us keep everything in our diaries- we would be completely lost without them! I think I’m fairly strict in terms of my rules and expectations of Zoë, but on the other hand we don’t take things too seriously. Life is supposed to be fun and full of rich experiences. Sometimes it’s all too easy to get caught up in the rat race, and you just end up existing rather than having fun. But, there have been times when Zoë enthusiasm needs to be reined in a little as it’s all too easy for her to over commit herself. I am a stickler for homework, and she has to make sure her school grades do not drop as a result of her extra activities and interests.
SS: It sounds like Zoë has a great life.
DB: Yes, I think a lot of people who don’t know Zoë’s story could easily look at her and think she has it all, but life hasn’t always been easy for her. I’ve been unwell for a number of years, and she also suddenly lost her Dad in a car accident four years ago. But, coming to terms with everything Zoe decided to take life by the horns and get in there and achieve. I’m sure there are many adults who could learn a thing or two about life from her. She knows what it’s like to go without, and I think that sometimes this has been a good lesson for her. Nothing is handed to you on a plate, but everything is gained from plenty of hard work and a positive outlook.
SS: You are obviously very proud of your daughter, how would you describe her character?
DB: Zoe isn’t afraid to stand up, be herself and be proud of who she is. She has a kind heart and a great sense of humour. She has some really good friends at her school and I think at this age, good supportive friends are really very important. It’s far too easy for young girls to listen to the negativity of some of their peers and to give up rather than trying to achieve. I also believe in having a sense of humour. We are both often in fits of laughter when we are at home together, laughing about the stupidest things. Although I am definitely the parent, people often comment that we seem very close- almost like sisters.
Zoë is an inspiring young teen that I’m sure has a lot of exciting things ahead of her. To follow Zoe on her many ventures you can find her on Facebook at Zoe Beck-MODEL
Photos below Donna Beck.
Below: Zoe Beck walks for designers pictured far left.
By Sharyn Smart
Photo credit Emmanuel Gerros Ltd
8th August 2014
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