Melissa Garbin is a model and an international DJ. She is also the finalist of Miss Multiverse Australia. I hope you’ll enjoy the interview;
How did you fall in love with modeling?
Modelling started out as a way to learn more about myself and how far my limits would expand. Then it became a platform to encourage and empower others to grow trust in oneself and embrace their unique self but since then Its became a lot more to me then just a camera and pose, its so much bigger then that now and the world literally sells through models not just as a canvas but as a reassurance of product quality, Its amazing how far the industry has come and changed..
How were you discovered?
I have been a Ballroom, Latin, Modern & Ballet dancer since I was young so it started out as part of my job to have professional images, but it grew into a passion. I sort of got my foot in the door by continuous enquiries, I decided after a year of saying “I’m not a model, Im a dancer”…that its ok to be both, from then on i embraced the title of what people assumed and I since have embarked on the journey of the growing fashion industry.
How would you define your personal style?
I am energetic, charismatic and inspired.
I believe you can be all things amazing but if you don’t have goals and inspiration, you can loose your direction.
Where did you grow up? How have your roots influenced your sense of style?
I grew up all over the place, my young years were in a small city called Albany, WA, where being different was craaazyy unacceptable. Then I spent many years living on my family farm out side of Perth, then on to private schooling in Perth. Then I livd in San Francisco, and as a DJ by night i am flown to all parts of Asia and Australia so my creativity has come all the areas of life i have walked through. I learnt people everywhere are different so unless you plan on staying in one place your entire life you should just be who you want and style how you desire. You can only please yourself at the end of the day!
Who is your style icon and why?
Kanye, I love that he’s bold, creates exactly what his mind comes up with and lets no one stand in his way. (yes, he takes it to extremes) but I believe in his idea of being himself.
His fashion influence have shaped the Kardashian family also, obviously, and I enjoy the race attire Kim pulls off. I encourage bravery and stepping out of the norm or comfort zones.
I own a fashion and styling boutique company called Kitty Kitty Bang Bang that embraces all forms of high demand American Fashion influenced heavily by celebrities.
Who is your favorite photographer and why?
I don’t have a specific one….
everyone has unique skill and taste in capturing and editing so to pin point one is pretty dramatic. But I like free flowing artists, I can’t stand looking at models who look as if they posed from a “how to pose for dummies” beginner book. Originality is key in a world full of saturation.
What advice would you give to aspiring models out there?
Learn to pose in the mirror using your own body, do what your body feels good doing and what compliments your body shape….dont try pose like a victoria secret model because thats not you and I don’t believe in comparing yourself to others. Relax into your own body and gain confidence in YOURSELF, everyone is beautiful and modelling is like going to the gym, if you do the same excersises repetitively your muscles remember and not becomes easier or you become more flexile, if you pose everyday in the mirror and practise, when it comes to doing it in front of a camera your body will remember where to put itself and you will feel whats right and in place. Practise is key!
Do you edit your own photos? If yes, which programs do you use?
If I have got one of my friends to take the image I edit the contrast and lighting and crop it. I try not to brush up my photos to much unless the lighting is wrong.
Airbrush is my go to as it allows me to do very minor touch ups rather then making the whole photo look airbrushed and fake.
Keeping real in a world full of screens and editing apps is important.
We would like to express our gratitude to Melissa Garbin for this great interview.
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