Micheline Etkin is, without a doubt, one of Arizona’s most glamorous women. She struts the catwalk, floats down the Hollywood red carpet, travels the world, and most impressively, organizes events to help children in need. Of course we had to sit down with such an amazing person to find out more about her background, modeling career, and how she became a mentor to so many young girls.
Photo courtesy of: Michele Lee
How did you get started with fashion? Where did it all begin?
“I come from a family with fashion in their DNA; my father had a clothing factory and mom was his designer. She designed all of his collections for men, women and children– I always loved observing her working and many times I ended up being her personal model! {laughs}
In Brazil, there are these gigantic fashion and trade events for manufacturers, and my parents were invited to all of them. I would attend with my dad and all of his friends in the industry would preach ‘Oh my god, she {Micheline} needs to be a model’. At 14 years old, 5’10 I was a bit awkward, I never even would have dreamt that I would have been a model. I didn’t take up modeling until later in my life, but after so many requests from photographers and designers– I had to say yes.”
At what point did your career kind of turn into a career in fashion?
“I was working with my mother in my dad’s factory, modeling, giving my opinions and even designing my own clothing as a child– a hobby. Our seamstress would come to visit me every Friday. Before her visit, Monday through Thursdays, I would be brainstorming and pull fabrics, zippers buttons and decide on sketches for her to create. After I would make my selections, I would present it to the seamstress and say ‘this is what I want.’ She would take some measurements in the morning before school, and during my lunch break I would return for a fitting. At 6PM, I would finally have my brand new garment. This took place every Friday, it was absolutely magical.
Also, when I was married, I was able to design all of my clothes for the honeymoon. It was fun to put my designing skills back to work. I still saved one skirt from the trip!”
Photo courtesy of: Sylvia Hardt Photography
“I seriously considered getting into design, but I constantly find myself traveling and you really can’t establish a business unless you’re present all of the time. Being a model just helped me be a part of it. The design process is still a passion of mine– just at the hand of other designers.
Now jewelry is a different story. I prefer to have my hand in every single shimmer and sparkle when it comes to my jewelry. Even if I’m buying a finished product, I’ll turn around and tweak it a bit here and there. I must put my own touch on it.”
Micheline is now an established model and represented by The Agency Arizona, one of the top modeling agencies here in the valley (and where one of our other favorite models, Madison Brown, is also signed. Remember her from the Chasing Beauty story?).
You’ve obviously traveled all over the world, but what do you love about Arizona that’s kept you here?
“We love Arizona, although I do miss Brazil a lot. I found this to be the perfect place to raise my kids. Though, I’ll go to Paris just for the food and fashion. Not forgetting Brazil and Lebanon– my two half-home countries.”
Micheline with her children, Caroline, Jimmie, and Richard at the Stars of the Season fundraiser
Photo courtesy of: Darrylee Cohen
You work with a lot of organizations here in Phoenix like the Cardon Children’s Medical Center . How did you branch from modeling to your involvement in these organizations?
“I’m so blessed to be working with Cardon Children’s, PANDA and CASA Brazil. It’s helped me understand why I was put on this earth. It’s so rare to start modeling after you’ve had three kids and as ‘mature’ woman of 30 years old at the time. It was really amazing that I became successful at it.
Later on, I was presented with the opportunity to coach for the children’s fashion show for PANDA— it was then, that I realized my ultimate passion. God put me into a career of modeling to only prepare me for my work with the children. It could have been a different destiny, but it was thanks to my successful modeling career that they knew who I was and I was lucky they invited me to be their coach. Of course I accepted and then I totally fell in love with everything about it.”
Micheline at PANDA‘s Children Helping Children Fashion Show
Photo courtesy of: Kay & Co Photography
“I probably have coached over 1,000 kids and I’m in love with every one of them. It’s so incredible to get close to those kids during the three days – rehearsals, fittings, and the actual fashion show. I get hugs and kisses and get to hold their hands right before the show and say, “Let’s send a lot of healing thoughts to all the children around the world.” It’s always incredible to see how amazing they are and how they commit to it. I think this was a mission for me.”
“I was really touched when I found out that the young models I worked with during my runway career saw me as their mentor and role model. I knew what they were feeling because it can be a harsh industry for lots of people, there’s lots of rejection in the fashion industry. If you’re not prepared, you cannot handle a modeling career. But, when you start later on like I did, with more experience in life, you take it all differently; you understand it’s not about you, it’s about what they’re looking for. You never let anyone put you down.”
Micheline at the Stars of the Season fundraiser for Cardon Children’s Medical Center
Photo courtesy of: Darrylee Cohen
“And it’s what I wanted to teach these young girls, to love themselves unconditionally and always stand up for themselves – to not let anyone put them down for any reason whatsoever. By loving yourself as you are, you’re going to project confidence and will stand out in the crowds. Your energy changes.”
We love Micheline’s passion for helping children and young models. She truly is more than just a beautiful face, she also has a beautiful heart. The fashion industry doesn’t have to be mean or catty, and Micheline is the perfect example of that.
What does a typical day look like for you now?
“I don’t have a routine because we travel so much and we’re always on the go, but I’m always planning where we are going next.”
When she is home, Micheline loves to watch Brazilian TV and cook! She told us that she loves cooking different types of food, and enjoys finding new ethnic markets around the valley. And, of course, she’s always busy planning the next event for Stars of the Season, PANDA, and Casa Brazil.
Micheline at the Golden Globes with her husband Dr. Bruce, son Jimmie, and daughter-in-law Gina
You’ve attended so many grand events in all your travels. What has been the most glamorous?
“Brazilian Carnaval parade – being in the Brazilian Carnaval parade”
“There are about 4,000 people in the one samba school with you dancing and singing, and many thousands more in the Sambodromo (the samba arena) watching you live and also singing and dancing. The exchange of energy is surreal and unreal, there’s no way I could explain the feeling, you’ll have to be there to see it and feel it! There’s nothing like it!
Photo courtesy of: Ken Ross Photography
I was lucky to be one of the leads twice in a Samba School and right before you get started with the presentation, you get the chills and your heart stars racing, you know that the world will be watching. It’s one of the biggest live events and parties you’ve ever seen. It’s so much FUN!”
Couture in the Suburbs was so lucky to sit down with this amazing woman. Micheline really showed us that being a model is about more than just wearing pretty clothes and walking down runways. It’s about having a confidence that attracts people, and then influencing them to help give back to those in need. We can’t wait to see what Micheline has in store next. With this much talent and passion, we know she isn’t slowing down any time soon.
