Emilie Evander, 15, Napavine, models clothing for Gucci in Paris during Milan Fashion Week. Her modeling career has taken off since she was discovered in a mall and signed to an agency.
Emilie Evander is seen during New York Fashion Week in this photograph provided by her modeling agency.
A Napavine teen has risen in the ranks of the fashion world, securing runway walks in Paris Fashion Week, and with designers such as Gucci in Milan Fashion Week.
Emilie Evander, 15, never saw herself as a model until one day she was discovered by chance. At the age of 11, Evander was scouted in a mall in Hawaii and referred to TCM Models in Seattle.
She decided to explore the option to see if it was her passion. Since that time, Evander has signed with Wilhelminia NY, Major Models Paris and WhyNot Milan. She was selected by Wilhelminia as one of the “Models to Watch” in 2015.
Her new career has provided many opportunities for the teen, and she has been able to travel to New York, Milan and Paris. She was the closer for Gucci Women’s Milan Fashion Week, and also participated in Gucci Men’s Milan Fashion Week. She is currently in Paris, where she will walk in Paris Fashion Week. The opportunities have allowed her to meet Alexander Wang and Alessandro Michele from Gucci, two of her favorite experiences so far.
As a high school student, the Napavine freshman said the biggest challenge is staying on top of her homework, a tough feat when competing in shows across the world.
Throughout her travels and her shows, Evander has learned the importance of going after her goals.
“I have learned not to give up on your goals and dreams,” she said. “In this industry, more times than not you may not get confirmed for a booking. You can’t take it personal, if you are passionate in what you do, keep trying.”
The 5-foot-11 teen has also improved her communication abilities and said her confidence and interviewing skills have grown throughout the process.
“I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity of meeting and interviewing with people in the fashion industry,” she said.
Her mother, Chante, said it has been exciting to watch her child have an opportunity in something she is passionate about.
“From the beginning we have always said that this is her journey and we want her to gather as much life experience as possible for her future,” she said. “Our family and friends’ positive support has been tremendous. We are so very thankful for all of their support.”
Chante said one of the most important lessons she wants Emilie to learn from the experience is to realize that it is OK to take risks.
“My husband and I try to challenge all of our kids to do things outside their comfort zones,” she said. “We feel that it allows them to grow as individuals and to find each of their strengths.”
As for future plans, Evander said “the sky is the limit.” Once she finishes walking at Paris Fashion Week, she plans to return to Napavine for school. From there she would like to do a campaign for a major designer, although she said it would be hard to chose just one.
This is only the beginning for the up-and-coming teen, a model who stays true to her roots and thanks her community for its support.
“The community of Napavine has been amazing,” Evander said. “Everyone’s support has been tremendous. I love the town I live in.”
