Blog Email Twitter Facebook
Home PageGalleriesArticlesEventsPress/LinksContact Us
Model Of Diversity Model Of DiversityModel Of DiversityModel Of DiversityModel Of Diversity
Interview with Kariza Chan - by Suzanne Fatta, Models of Diversity
"You can only perceive real beauty in a person as they get older." -Anouk Aimee

SF Hello Kariza, and thanks so much for doing this interview with me for Models of Diversity. Can I first ask you to tell our readers a bit about yourself? We know you're a Chic, Mature, fabulous woman - you were the winner in the age-40 section of Harper's Bazaar "Fabulous at Every Age" contest in 2009 and got to meet Liz Hurley. But how did you get started in the model/ fashion business?

KC There was an open call with Red Model Management of NYC about three years ago for the S-Class division and I got a call back the very next day. Sad to say, this division was canceled a year ago

SF Have you encountered any discrimination for being a mature model?

KC There are so few 'go-sees' for us gals as is and the market is only using mature supermodels. I guess if you don't tell them your real age it's ok, just the age range, when they hear the real numbers it's a big no-no...

SF Have you ever felt discriminated against for your ethnic background/ race? If so, is it 'worse' or 'better' than discrimination based on age?

KC Seriously, I cannot name any Asian mature models. Being Chinese and an older model is a double whammy...
SF You mentioned that you never dreamed you'd be a model before 40, let alone after, and yet you are tall, thin, beautiful and already in the industry. Why not?

KC Well, starting a family at a young age was the most important thing to me, although I was approached by an agent when I was about 25 because they did not know I was already 3 months pregnant! I didn't continue to look into it because I was looking forward to having more kids...

SF What gave you the inspiration to start Fashion Justice and Oh Chic?

KC I just needed to be heard and make some noise for women over 40, but found out later that even my own girlfriends (they're models too but just wanted things to fall into their lap) aren't even interested in helping me to fight the industry -- it kind of made me sad. Thank God that someone like Angel and MOD is there to help...

SF What motivates you to keep fighting from day to day in this industry?

KC I wrote to many notable designers and magazines and even models about the issues, and of course I was ignored! They simply don't care because big money is made on the young not old models, per se... it's also what the public demands but how cold we go about changing that if we are not to be seen???

SF Your Three "No's" in Fashion are Racism, Ageism and Sizeism, as you support models of all sizes, ages and races. Are these all-inclusive enough? Have you missed any "isms", so to speak?

KC Let me see, I think the with gender issues, male models are important too of course. 'Genderism' next, what do you think?

SF You mention in your blogs that you feel Americans are not doing enough to help models of diversity in the industry, whereas as an American fighting the same battle in the UK, I am often told that things are better in America than Europe. What do you think about this?

KC The Germans and the Canadians are using unknown mature models for their fashion magazines and fashion shows, I'm not seeing that here in the US.

SF If there had been a top mature model, or Chinese model, earlier in your career, do you think that might have inspired you?

KC Of course! But I'm happy to be the pioneer to start this fight alongside with MOD! And hopefully others will speak up too...

SF Do you think the age range for a mature model should change? I just turned 35 and was surprised to find out now I'm a mature model, especially because we have models in their 60s and 70s at Models of Diversity/ Sinclair Management.

KC The 30s are a funny time and I guess because it's a transitional age...

SF What do you think the real purpose of a model is? Is it to sell a fantasy? Or to sell a garment? If the main role of a model is to sell a garment, then I strongly believe that model should represent the community buying that product. What do you think?

KC It should represent the public and real people. We are being ignored because the public do not see everyday people as beautiful people... Ever ask yourself why only celebs and supermodels are only consider the world's most beautiful people in the People Magazines???
SF Anything else you'd like to add?

KC I'd like to make this a fashion revolution! The women in this fickle fashion industry should not look down at us. All these famous female designers could and should support mature models...we need the jobs too!!!

SF Kariza, it's been a pleasure speaking with you, and we're very inspired by your campaign. From all the staff, fan, friends and community of Models of Diversity, we thank you so much for your time!

KC Suzanne, thank you for taking your time to setup this interview. I would really love to meet you lovely ladies real soon and hopefully to do even more in person! God Bless you all.

You can find out more about Kariza and her campaign at www.fashionjustice.tumblr.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Fashion-Justice/102102166500807