Erzullie Icon and Plus Size Model Chezka Santos becomes the face of the latest Erzullie Corporate 2017 collection. From being a self-confessed "fan girl" she now graduates and becomes a model with her own brand signature --- sweet and bright in the outside, but dark and deep from within.
But all of this did not come without the struggle. Here she is opening up how she bagged her first official collection and what did she do to nail it.
1. Congratulations! You have been chosen to be the model for the Corporate 2017 collection! How do you feel?
When I knew that I am the chosen model for Corporate 2017, my initial reaction was "Seriously?? Paano??" Hahaha. I just can’t believe it really. The moment I knew that I will lead Corporate 2017, I told myself, "Ok Chezka, this is it... You have to be ready".
This is going to be my first collection, it's a make or break project. I have to make sure I'll come in well-prepared. But at the same time, I didn’t even know what to do since it's my first time. So when they provided the concept of the shoot, I have practiced right away. I even listened to the music that will be used during the shoot. As early as that day, I felt like I needed to be in character so when the day of shoot comes, everything will just come out naturally.
2. Why do you think you were picked out of the whole roster?
To be honest, until now, I can’t believe that Im the one chosen for the Corporate 2017 collection. But I believe the theme they thought of having for this collection matched the aura that I have right now.
I also felt it, that there's something in me that changed. I used to be shy or probably intimidated whenever I do OOTD shoots before, but this year, I felt different. I felt that I don’t have to be intimidated as each and every one of has our own style, personality, strength. Well maybe I can say that 2017 is my year--- work wise, modeling career wise… everything. I’m just so thankful to God for everything.
3. What did you think of the collection so far? Why so?
Right after the fitting day, I can’t forget about the collection! I can’t move on! Haha
It may sound cliché but I fell in love with it.
Every single piece, I felt like it looks good on me. Kidding aside, yeah I fell in love with the entire collection. I wanted to have each and every piece of it.
4. If you were not chosen as the Corporate 2017 model, who do you think would be the next best bet and why?
If I were not chosen as the Corporate 2017 model, I guess the next best bet would be Audrey Lee. Reason why I thought so is because I had same fitting day as her. All the pieces look fabulous as she wore it.
Audrey also is known as a strong, successful career woman and it’s just sooo natural for her to showcase such type of collection. She's gorgeous, fierce, definitely a woman of class.
5. What were your thoughts before the day itself? Why so?
So after the announcement, I got soooo excited mainly because I really wanted to do that type of shoot. Strong, vampire-like, dark. I don’t know but whenever I see photos with that peg, I feel empowered. Seems like there's something within me that needs to be pulled out. Like I’m like a new-born vampire who needs to feed her thirst.
Given those facts, the pressure was all on me again, before that big day, I prayed a lot that I will be able to execute what I practiced for. I prayed and hoped that I will be able execute the right attitude needed for the theme. Well bottomline is it was sooo nerve wrecking - that's even worst than what I felt when I had my 1st date. Haha
6. How did the shoot go for you? Why so?
Honestly, I didn’t know how collection shoot goes since this is my first time.
I was tooo excited, first because of the look that I will have that day. Z and Ms. B (Zaza Rodriguez and Berna Cuevas) was able to enhance my beauty again and they did a pretty good job! While they are fixing my look for the shoot, the music is playing in the background getting everyone in the mood.
Actually it really helped a lot coz while I am hearing the background music and they are doing my hair and make-up. I felt like I’m a vampire and there's something within me that wants to come out. I felt like I wanted to scream! For me, that’s totally the reason why the shoot went well.
One of my most favorite part of the shoot was whenever they are styling me. It’s memorable for me because I was so amazed on how ideas flow. Those people around me can think in just a snap and ideas are actually great and awesome!
Also, I really want to commend the entire Erzullie team. Why? Well mainly because they were the only bunch of people I know with great creativity, team work and oh yeah great humor!
7. What were you thoughts about the photoshoot experience AFTER? Why so?
I can’t move on… haha. I can still remember each and every single thing happened during the shoot. There's this "kilig" inside of me, I’m just so proud of the team for pulling up a very successful shoot.
I’m so thankful that I was the one chosen. I felt so great! I’m just so excited to see the fruit of our labor, I can’t wait for the success of this collection.
8. Messages to the Erzulliestas
Fellow Erzulliestas, always remember that great things happen in your own perfect time. This is applicable in all aspects of life. If there are things that’s not working out the way you wanted it to be, it may not be the time yet. Be patient, don’t lose hope, pray and work hard for it. God will give you your best rewards in His perfect time.
Continue to be a blessing to others. Love yourself and show the world what our curves can do... Rock on Erzulliesta!
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Erzullie is an invite-only fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Get invited: www.erzullie.com
