An American in Paris

There’s absolutely nothing shy about Velvet! she is exactly what the fashion world needs. Velvet D’Amour as she’s known is an inspirational bold, beautiful model and photographer. She may not be your average size 6/8 Parisian runway model but then again how many of these models can honestly say they’ve hit the runway for John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier and have modelled in French Vogue for Nick Knight, in Egoiste for Ellen Von Unwerth.

Fashion is about talented people, who dare us to step out of the ordinary even for just a moment, Velvet and her photography challenges us and asks are you this bold?

1. Where are you based and what inspires you?
I’ve been an American in Paris for the past 15 years now. I find that Inspiration can be as seemingly ‘insignificant’ as watching  how hair carresses someones face in the wind, or as global as defying modern media’s oppressive dictate of ‘beauty’. Modern society drowns us in imagry which more often then not sends us the message that the vast majority of us are not ok as we are. Thus we suffer as a society when in fact that need not be, and my work is driven towards helping to change the modern beauty ethic to be more inclusive.

4. who do you aspire to be like and who inspires you at present?
I am not inspired to be anyone but myself.  I am inspired by alot of great photographers. I love Ellen Von Unwerth’s work and was overjoyed to meet her backstage at Gallaiano’s show. I love Herb Ritts, Steven Meisel, Sante
D’Orazio, Bruce Weber, Avantography/Jack Pedota and James White (who taught me photography in Firenze).

3. How did you get into Art?
Art got into me, ooo that sounds dirty, lol I think everyone has art within them, it’s just that we have lost touch with the value of art. Early cultures incorperated art in many everyday ways and we have lost touch with that.
As a child I was drawn to express myself through art, namely drawing at that stage.
I appreciated the positive reaction I received from people who witnessed my art and I believe that drew me to further pursue art in a more serious manner, thus ending up attending college to study art. I also spent a year abroad in Florence Italy and it was there that I fell in love with Europe.

6. What advice would you give to someone trying to get into the Art?
Revel in what you do, attempt to listen to your inner voice and express your vision with a passion uncontested.

Tags: american in paris, french vogue, jean paul gaultier, john galliano, steven meisel