KENDRA SPEARS: THE INTERVIEW

 

KENDRA SPEARS

the  Interview

Kendra Spears @ NEXT 

PONY RYDER: When and how did you start modeling?
 
KENDRA SPEARS: I did the Ford Supermodel of the world contest in 08 as the Myspace contestant.

PONY RYDER: So, you started your career through the Ford/Myspace contest and got instant exposure.

 
KENDRA SPEARS: I definitely think it gave me an advantage. The myspace portion of the contest was so new and innovative that a lot of people took note of me.

Elle – October 2009 France

PONY RYDER: So, as I understand you had braces while you were in that (Ford) contest.

KENDRA SPEARS: Yes I did. I got them off in March, then I moved to LA soon there after.

Vogue China by Lachlan Bailey

PONY RYDER: Did you ever think during the start of your career that you would become one of the top newcomers?
KENDRA SPEARS: It’s all about believing in yourself, so I have to say yes.

PONY RYDER: Did any agency approach you in general before signing with Ford models?KENDRA SPEARS: No, I kinda always knew I would be with Ford just because of their reputation. They’re like my family.

For Calvin Klein Swimwear

PONY RYDER: How would you explain the fact that you, an American girl, started your career on Milan and Paris Fashion week, and not on the runways of NY fashion week? Was it surprising for you and your agents?
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 KENDRA SPEARS: I think it was a surprise to everyone, but I think the designers in NY are a little hesitant to make any newcomer big. It worked out great though and I’m looking forward to doing all the NY shows this coming season.

PONY RYDER: Tell us a bit about the organization on your career when you were doing your first castings and jobs in Europe, as opposed to the management in the US.

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 KENDRA SPEARS: Well when things weren’t going so well in NY I thought to myself, I have to have something that other girls don’t have. I put away all the new clothes I bought and dropped the fakeness of it all. I think a lot of it is about personality and having that show on the runway.

Numero Tokyo 2011

PONY RYDER: Kendra, how was Milan and Paris for you? Did it level up your expectations? 🙂
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KENDRA SPEARS: Oh man, it was great! It was also probably the most exhausting time of my life. It was way more than I expected.

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PONY RYDER: This season you walked for Valentino, Gucci, Hermes, Nina Ricci… Do you get booked directly, or do you run from one casting to the other?
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KENDRA SPEARS: I don’t think I got any direct bookings :)… I went to every casting and call back for every show.

Beauty S/S 2011

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xPONY RYDER: What is the most important thing that a girl should do to present herself well in castings?
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KENDRA SPEARS: Confidence is key. You have to be sure of yourself or no will be.
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PONY RYDER: By your opinion, what made you stand out as a new model?
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KENDRA SPEARS: Every trend is recycled in some way, and I think people see the 80s/90s supermodel in me. “It’s all about timing” (Douglas Perret).

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PONY RYDER: Your mole, like Cindy’s, is starting to be your signature. How do you feel when people compare you to Cindy Crawford? 
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KENDRA SPEARS: I’m honored. She’s always being a role model for me. I love how she took her career in so many different directions.

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PONY RYDER: Tell us about the backstage during fashion week! 
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KENDRA SPEARS: Ummm.. Backstage is very hectic. I met a lot of amazing and talented people. Not just models but hairstylist, photographers, make-up artists, and just interesting people. Some of my favorite shows were when I had my close friends backstage and we were just about to joke around.

headpress via Stereo_Flo

PONY RYDER: How do designers decide which girl will be wearing a certain outfit? Do new girls get better pieces, or do superstars have demands? Is the organization of a huge show like Valentino different to shows of other designers?

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KENDRA SPEARS: I definitely think that supermodels and the top girls get the best outfits, but that’s all in ones opinion. Like in Valentino I thought it was so cool to wear red but that may have just been a coincident. Organizing a show is such a process no matter how big or small it is.

Burberry Prorsum S/S 12 London

PONY RYDER: Your first season and you already opened a show for John Richmond! Does opening a show put more pressure on you compared to doing a show among other girls on the runway? Is there any pressure at all? 

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KENDRA SPEARS: Ha… That was amazing. I went for the fitting at the end of a VERY long day and I ended up staying there for almost an hour trying on clothes and laughing with John and everyone else there, and even eating some pizza. At the show the next day he told me I was opening the show. I was so excited, and it gave me more confidence because I knew they liked me.

PONY RYDER: After the amazingly successful show season in Europe, what are your plans and expectations for the next season? Will you be focusing on Europe again, or are you going to put a little more effort in conquering the NY runway?

KENDRA SPEARS: I’m going to focus on it all. I’m really looking forward to this season with some experience behind me. I’m going to expect the most.

PONY RYDER: Were you ever told to change something about yourself during fittings or castings? 
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 KENDRA SPEARS: No one’s really ever said anything to me, but I am who I am, and some things I can’t change.

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PONY RYDER: Who taught you how to walk and perform on the runway?
KENDRA SPEARS: My bookers. It just takes time and practice… and confidence.

Prada S/S 2011

PONY RYDER: What do you think is the most important thing in presenting the outfits on the runway? Is there a difference in your presentation (in your walk) when you open a show, opposite the one when you participate in the show later on?

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 KENDRA SPEARS: Girls should walk the same if they’re the first, middle, or last. Just really strong. When I’m about to walk out, I think how can I show everyone how great this outfit is.

PONY RYDER: Now that your career is on the up, do you get different treatment in the industry?

KENDRA SPEARS: Yes, but just that people already have an idea of me when I go casting, and sometime they’re familiar with my work.

PONY
RYDER: You already did Akiabara campaign, and you are also the face of
the “future” BCBG campaign, as well as the face of GAP! These brands
usually book established girls.

KENDRA SPEARS: Thanks.
They expect a professional. 

With brands like Gap they go with the same
feel for most of their campaigns. I always do research on the brand,
photographer, and designer just to get an idea of what they like.

PONY RYDER: How long does a shooting for a campaign, cover, editorial last? How do you deal with it?

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 KENDRA SPEARS: It just depends. Covers usually don’t take long. Editorials can take half the day for one shot depending on the MU and hair. Really it just depends.

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PONY RYDER: Kendra, you have amazing Amica cover, Cover cover 🙂 … Is the set and the make up the same as when you are doing editorials?

KENDRA SPEARS: Not really. It’s natural compared to most editorials that I’ve done, the set is plain, and the shoot is usually pretty quick because there’s only so much varitation.

D&G S/S 12 Milan

PONY RYDER: What is your X factor?
 KENDRA SPEARS: My personality. I think people appreciate someone who can laugh and have a good time while working hard.

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PONY RYDER: How do you maintain your skin? 
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KENDRA SPEARS: It’s really difficult but I just use basic wash and lotion because I have super sensitive skin. I also hardly ever wear make-up when I’m not working. But what it comes down to is what you take in comes through. So if you’re eating greasy foods you’re going to have greasy skin.

Versace ss12 – Milan

PONY RYDER: What hair products do you use?
KENDRA SPEARS: I’m using Redken right now. I don’t straighten or curl and I only shampoo twice a week.

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Versace Details ss2012

PONY RYDER: What is the best beauty advice you know of? 

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KENDRA SPEARS: Stay away from the sun.
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PONY RYDER: What is inside your make up bag? 

KENDRA SPEARS: 

• Mac nude eyeshadows, 
• concealer, 
• Chanel mascara, 
• and Nude moisturizer.

PONY RYDER: Your body is amazing! How do you stay in shape?!!
xKENDRA SPEARS: Thanks 🙂 
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I eat healthy and walk everywhere. I always take the stairs, stretch in the morning, and make it to the gym a couple of times a week.

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PONY RYDER: What advice would you give to new models?

Emilio Pucci Details

xKENDRA SPEARS: Keep with it, if it’s truly what you want to do. It’s a very hard job. 
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I’m very fortunate to have gotten so far so early but some of the top models were working for years before they were noticed.
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PONY RYDER: Do you have any model friend you would like to see presented on Pony Ryder blog?
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 KENDRA SPEARS: Nika Lauritis, my roommate!!!

SPECIAL THANKS TO FORD MODEL MANAGEMENT.

Interview with fashion model Kendra Spears is original work of Pony Ryder Blog.