Camerone Parker – Photo Courtesy of Vickie Lan Photography
CitS: How did you first get involved in the world of fashion?
CP: I was actually ‘discovered’….at the ripe ‘old’ age of 23! My very first agent immediately called me a ‘Triple Threat’. Along with print work, I could ‘walk’ (runway) AND ‘talk’ (spokes model; host; voiceover, etc).
Understanding that ‘success’ in this business ISNT just about beauty, it’s becoming a ‘brand’.
Gorgeous people exist EVERYWHERE. It doesn’t necessarily mean having great DNA translates into being a model. Fashion is constantly evolving. It absolutely requires the right ‘look’ to sell it. Honestly, I would never, ever call myself ‘beautiful’ in this industry. I am just a killer ‘brand’ of unique and edgy!
Fashion Week El Paseo 2015 – Photo Courtesy of Yasin Chaudhry
CitS: What is your favorite memory in your modeling career?
CP: ::laughing:: Probably my very first paycheck!!
My goodness, I can’t just narrow it to one…..
– Most recently – I was the closing model for the ‘Stars of Project Runway’ show at Fashion Week El Paseo 2015. Daniel Esquivel (from Project Runway Season 11 & Project Runway All Stars) created a breathtaking one-of-kind gown that simply was pure joy to walk.
– Appearing on Oprah
– Being the ‘Muse’ for JohnSun Silks/Crystal Cruise Couture
– Walking for designers Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, Bert Keeter, and Sue Wong.
Fashion Week El Paseo 2015 – Photo Courtesy of Palm Springs Life Magazine
CitS: What does a typical day look like for you now?
CP: A ‘typical’ day for Camerone Parker?!
::giggle:: the word ‘typical‘ just doesn’t exist in my world!!
I am truly fortunate to embrace this additional gift of time I’ve been blessed with. Maintaining my health right now is priority #1. Every day is a challenge for me. As many people know, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998 and kept it a secret until 2009. Like everyone, I have good days and not-so-good days.
CitS: How did you become involved with Tucson Fashion Week?
CP: I was ecstatic when Paula Taylor and Melanie Sutton acquired Tucson Fashion Week in 2013, and was honored in being asked by them to join TFW’s Advisory Committee.
Talk about two dynamic forces coming together! Paula’s legendary fashion show production combined Melanie’s seamless set styling/marketing maven. They have created a stellar platform for emerging designers with TFW.
Pitching the idea of a ‘Project Runway’ night at TFW 2014 to Paula and Melanie was very exciting. With the help of my good friend Bert Keeter (Season 9) we were able to secure a phenomenal lineup of Project Runway All Stars….Korto Momolu (Season 5), Peach Carr (Season 8), Daniel Esquivel (Season 11), Mila Hermanovski (Season 7), and of course Bert Keeter.
I’d love to see another Project Runway night in 2015. I just worked with Michelle Lesniak (Winner Season 11), Dom Streater (Winner Season 12) and Patricia Michaels (Top 3 Season 11) and Daniel Esquivel. These four would truly bring a breathtaking show to Tucson.
Project Runway at Tucson Fashion Week 2014
CitS: What is your next career move?
CP: I am proud to say that I am turning 50 in September. With that, several exciting opportunities have recently come my way because of my appearance at Fashion Week El Paseo. I am tremendously grateful to designer Daniel Esquivel and Susan Stein, Creative Director of Fashion Week El Paseo, who took a big chance in booking a ‘classic’ model into their show lineups.
Additionally, as Host of ‘Project Runway’ at Mercedes-Benz Tucson Fashion Week, it has opened the door for several other Project Runway show events throughout the nation in 2015. I so love my Project Runway family!!
I am very thankful for where I am in life today. The journey has been abundant in highs and lows….Without a doubt – I see life in brilliant technicolor!
Project Runway Night at Tucson Fashion Week 2014 – Photo Courtesy of Vickie Lan Photography
CitS: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring fashionistas, what would you tell them?
CP: Above all, never, ever think you’ve seen it all or KNOW it all!!
Educate yourself on Fashion history, especially icons. Immerse yourself in literature (magazines, blogs, etc) Understand the meaning of COUTURE, and to quote Coco Chanel, “Every day is a fashion show….the world is the runway!”
Mercedes-Benz Tucson Fashion Week 2014 – Gown: Bert Keeter MTO – Photo Courtesy of Jackie Sterna
Can’t get enough of Camerone Parker? Be sure to follow her on Twitter @FabuFashionista!
Thank you Camerone for giving our readers a behind-the-scenes look into your career. We are so excited to see what you will do next, and you can be sure we will be there cheering you on.
XoXo
Couture in the Suburbs
