Stolen with Style (25 page)

Axelle's guide to surviving in the world of fashion

If you want to blend in with the fashion set, it's worth learning the lingo. Here's a handy guide:

*BIAS-CUT:
A special technique used by fashiondesigners to cut fabric on the diagonal. A dress cut on the “bias” gives an impression of great fluidity.

*BOOK:
This is another word for the all-important portfolio models have. A book or portfolio is used to show clients and designers both how a model looks in photos, and what kind of work they've done.

*BOOKER:
A staff member at an agency whose job is to handle requests from clients and to represent and set up appointments for models.

*DIGI-TECH:
The digi-tech is responsible for regulating exposure, color, and light conditions of the photos taken by the photographer on set. The digi-tech checks and corrects the images in real time as they are imported into her or his computer.

*FITTING:
A session that may take place before a fashion show or photo shoot where the clothes to be modeled are fitted onto the model.

*
GALA:
A large and lavish social event. Dress code leans towards formal, so long dresses and black or white tie.

*GO-SEE:
An appointment for a model to see a photographer or a client. Unlike a casting, there is no specific brief.

*LIGHT METER:
A device used to measure the intensity of light for a photo. Photographers or their assistants will hold a light meter up in front of the model before taking the photograph.

*LOCATION VAN:
A vehicle that has been specially outfitted to drive a fashion team to a location, and serve as HQ when working outside of a studio. Besides a kitchen, dining table, and lavatory, you'll also find a special area for makeup and hair, and styling.

*OPTIONS:
An option is put to a model by a client to see if he/she would be available for their shoot. Options are then either confirmed as a booking, or released.

*TEAR SHEETS:
These are photos which are literally torn from magazines, and which a model can use in her book. Tear sheets from magazines like
Vogue
and
Elle
are what every model hopes to have in her book.

*TEST:
Resembles a normal photo shoot, but organized by a modeling agency in order to provide a new model with photos for her book and practice in front of the camera.

*ZED CARD or COMPOSITE CARD:
This is basically a business card for models. A5 in size, zed cards or composites normally show at least two photos, as well as basic info such as a model's hair color, eye color, height, and agency contact details.

And if anyone's still suspicious that you don't belong, just throw in one of these handy phrases...

“DIY Converse is
so awesome
!”

“I still haven't decided if the
midi-length
is for me.”

“Sometimes I just need to wear a
statement
belt.”

“
It's all about
a ladylike bag right now.”

“
I'm loving
patchwork jeans.”

“Did you
self-style
for the gala last night?”

“Cool
cross-body
!”

“OMG, orange is so
the new black
.”

“Beanies
aren't just for winter
, you know...”

Now don't forget the air kisses, darling! Mwah, mwah!

Carina's favorite places to visit in the city of romance and fashion

“I was lucky enough to live in this inspiring, extraordinary city for a few years when I was working as a fashion model. And while the city demands the best of everyone and everything—no doubt about that—it also offers up a world of dazzling delight and wonder. So here's a list of some of my favorite Big Apple sights and experiences.”

C
ENTRAL PARK:
Whether you're in the mood for a brisk morning run or a romantic stroll at sunset, this is the big-city park that dreams are made of. Romance, beauty, a sense of escape, and cute, bushy-tailed squirrels: this park has it all. I dare anyone to spend some time in this sylvan fantasy of fountains, vistas, and wooded trails, and not fall in love with it.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART:
We all need to feed our minds, and the Met, as it's known, is the ultimate grocery store for brain food. From intricate Egyptian jewelry that's thousands of years old to the famous painting of Madame X, prepare to be dazzled. Afterwards, take a break on the grand stone steps outside.

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY:
Right. So there are libraries, and then there are libraries. Where else can a book lover experience the thrill of having two iconic stone lions waiting to greet them, awesome architecture, a leafy terrace upon which to read the books you just checked out, and a snack bar in an elegant marble hall? Not to mention having one of the finest and largest book collections in the world at your fingertips? Nowhere but here, that's where.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING:
Go at sunset, on a clear, warm evening, to the viewing platform on the 86th floor, to enjoy what has to be the most romantic view in the Big Apple! Plus this sumptuous and sleek art deco building is straight out of Batman—even the elevators are amazing. So don't forget your camera. And don't forget to brush your teeth before going—you never know when romance might strike, and if it happens at the top of this building, you definitely want to be prepared!

BALTHAZAR:
Let's face it, sightseeing works up an appetite. So if you're craving some French-via-New-York brasserie food, feel like you're oozing style, and want to do some major people-watching in the heart of SoHo, Balthazar is the place for you. I find lunch is best—and don't forget to order the fries. Oh, and if you see the Beckhams, try not to stare!

THE HIGH LINE:
Need to escape the gritty NYC pavement, and maybe stop for an ice cream while listening to songbirds trill? Want to experience Downtown NYC at its funkiest best? Then the High Line is the place to go. This park of tall grass and blossoming shrubs is built on a former elevated train track. How cool is that? Every city should have one. Seriously. You'll love it.

BENDEL'S:
Although every floor of this enchanting department store oozes glamour, I have a special weakness for Bendel's chic toiletry bags. Covered in the iconic Bendel's brown and white stripe, they may be pricey, but they are worth it – they instantly add a touch of Manhattan pizzazz to any bathroom!

STREET ART:
Keep your eyes peeled, girls, because NYC has the most amazing street art! While wandering around, you're sure to walk into or past all sorts of fab graffiti; you'll see walls, sidewalks, and even the sides of trucks that have received clandestine art treatments. And all of those sleek skyscrapers and the miles of gritty cement pavements really make the perfect backdrop to the colorful, vibrant street art you'll find. Take photos!

PREMIUM LACES:
Like Axelle, I have a weakness for a cool pair of sneakers, and in NYC you'll find oodles of fun, fab ones. You'll find them everywhere, although I can say that, as of this printing, there's an especially fantastic collection of sneakers at the tiny shop, Premium Laces, in SoHo. Definitely keep a bit of extra space in your suitcase for the trip home!

HAVE FUN

Thank you for reading
!

We hope you enjoyed
Model Undercover: New York
by Carina Axelsson.

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Model Undercover
series. In case you missed it, the first book in the series is
Model Undercover: Paris
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THANK YOU:

Peter Usborne, and your fantastic team at Usborne Publishing, for making the journey to publication such an amazing, fabulous ride! Jenny Tyler and Rebecca Hill, for your expertise, faith and enthusiasm! Anne Finnis and Sarah Stewart, for being such wonderful editors. Anne, I never quite know what to expect, but it's always good! Amy Dobson, Anna Howorth, and Sarah Aspinall, I can't tell you how much fun it is to work with you, and to be the lucky recipient of so much of your talent and time.

To Dominique Raccah, and the zesty team at Sourcebooks, for all of your support and encouragement. Steve Geck, for your keen eye and unflappable charm—even when faced with deadline changes and last minute tweaks. You have all been absolutely lovely!

To my agents, Jenny Savill and Andrew Nurnberg, of Andrew Nurnberg Associates, for your unfailing support through so many false starts. Jenny, you are yet again the recipient of the gold medal prize for patience!

Marc, for your quick answers to all sorts of questions concerning the technicalities of fashion photography. You've been a star!

Alexandra, for all of the support and enthusiasm you've shown me since the beginning of this endeavor. You've been a rock!

Helle, for understanding so much.

To my family, for your constant encouragement and love.

Gustav, for everything…

Get the inside story on the creator of Model Undercover

Carina Axelsson is a former fashion model whose jet-setting career saw her starring in advertising campaigns and fashion magazines across the globe, including shoots for
Vogue
and
Elle
.

After growing up in California, Carina moved to New York, and then later to Paris, where she studied art and rounded off her days in fashion with a short stint working as a PA to international fashion designer John Galliano. Her experiences—along with a love of Scooby-Doo and Agatha Christie—inspired her to write
Model Undercover
.

And as for her character's unusual name…

“Sometime before I wrote the first notes about this girl detective there had been posters up all over Paris with a cut, spunky-looking, long-haired singer named Axelle. I think they were advertising her concerts or new album. It was the first time I'd seen the name Axel—which I only knew as a man's name—feminized and in French. I loved it straight away! And, obviously, the name became lodged in a corner in my brain because as soon as this girl detective came into my mind the name attached itself to her—she never had another. And just so you know, it's pronounced with the accent on the second syllable, like the verb ‘excel'—not like the car part!”

Carina now lives in Western Germany with her partner and four dogs. She writes and illustrates full-time. You can find out more about Carina at
www.carinaaxelsson.com
.