An Interview with Jenascia Chakos, DList Fashion Director and Former ANTM Contestant
The CW was just in Seattle to recruit for their upcoming season of America's Next Top Model. While thousands of women all over the Puget Sound anxiously await a "call-back" from the ANTM producers, Seattlest got a chance to reminisce with Burien-native Jenascia Chakos, Season 2 ANTM alum, and more currently, DList Magazine's Fashion Director.
Can you tell us about your experience trying out for ANTM and how it felt getting the call back?
I had never watched ANTM before I tried out. My mom was actually the one who watched the show and found out about the audition. After standing in line for hours (because she refused to pick me up until I did it), I finally got to meet the casting crew. There were 8 girls in the room with me so I had to figure out how to stand out amongst the hundreds they'd seen that day. They had us say our name, age, height, weight & why we wanted to be America's Next Top Model. When it was my turn to introduce myself I said, "My name is Jenascia and I'm an alcoholic," and started clapping like we were in an AA meeting. I quickly let them know I was joking and everyone started laughing, mostly out of nerves I assume. In retrospect, it's not very funny, but it worked at the time. Then I told the story of my elementary school crush who said I was too ugly to be a model.
Even when I had to sign a gazillion papers, get a physical and send a blood sample (no joke), I still didn't believe it was happening. It didn't sink in until I flew out to LA for a week of psychological interviews and further auditions. It was stressful (but the kind of stress you look forward to) and I still had no idea what I was in for.
How was it working with Tyra Banks? Any stories you can share? We haveta ask!
I wouldn't say we actually "worked" with Tyra while I was there. I probably only talked to her personally a couple times and not very long. It was usually, except for maybe once, on camera. It's hard to know what a person is really like with a camera in their face but she seemed genuine at the time. I honestly don't know her any better than the next person and I think she wanted it that way since she knew we'd be talking to the media after the show. She has said and done some stuff on TV that I really don't agree with since then, but I can't really talk either. I can only watch myself on reruns of ANTM with my hands over my eyes. I was so young and ridiculous back then and if I could go back in time and talk to myself, we'd probably get into a few arguments.
Have you pursued modeling post ANTM?
I briefly pursued modeling after the show. I went into a couple local agencies but got turned down. I went to an open call for one agency and they had the receptionist tell me they couldn't represent me because of my height in front of everyone in the lobby. Apparently I am too short for conventional modeling and too tall for petite. I was slightly mortified that they had announced this in front of everyone instead of bringing me into the office like the other girls, but I knew I was going to come up against opposition after what I experienced on the show. I would still do some modeling as a hobby, but I couldn't pursue it as a career. I like being behind the scenes and part of the creative process.
I also realized that the limelight wasn't for me. I enjoy my anonymity. This is not to say that I would have been a huge celebrity, but after the show, all of the attention got a little overwhelming. It takes a thick skin to have complete strangers decide that they do or don't like you, what you should be doing with your life, blog about how they don't like your eyes or your personality or whatever it may be. I truly appreciate the people who have nice things to say, but I'm also glad I didn't win and earn a bigger spotlight. I love my life now and am grateful for the path I chose.
As a resident of Seattle, and a native of the Pacific Northwest, what's your perspective on Seattle's fashion community?
In high school I was more of a tomboy so it was jeans and tennis shoes in my closet. As I got more and more into fashion, I felt like Seattle was a little behind. There were very few people who were bold enough to wear trends that were popular in New York and LA. I think the fashion scene in the Pacific Northwest has stepped its game up in the last 10 years. Now, there is no trend too extreme for Seattleites. I love going to events and seeing what people are wearing. We have far exceeded the days of granola & grunge but have still managed to draw from those past trends as well. There are so many unique people and styles walking the streets in the Pacific Northwest that it makes me feel extremely proud to be from here. We have figured out that the most vital accessory for any ensemble is confidence. If you look like you love your outfit, no one can argue with you.
Jenascia with Kristen Puckhaber (DList Fashion Editor) and Evan Carter
I grew up shopping at thrift stores. It used to be embarrassing when I was forced to do it as a kid, but now it's like treasure hunting. I also love to make my own clothes. I don't have any formal training but I've been experimenting with the sewing machine my boyfriend got me for my birthday. There is no better feeling than getting a compliment on something you made with your own two hands. As for events, I love, love, love, love, love fashion shows. It gives me the opportunity to conceptualize content for DList magazine, network with people in the industry and have a good time all in one place. Plus, I get really excited when I see something I really like. I'm especially looking forward to Fashion First in September. I missed it last year and have been patiently waiting ever since.
What got you involved with DList Magazine?
I have been reading DList Magazine since the very first issue in April of 2007. I became friends with the owners, Evan Carter and James Zachodni, a couple years back. When the position of Fashion Director became open in January of 2009, they asked me to fill in. They felt I already had some insight on the fashion industry, they knew I loved to be creative and I got along famously with the Fashion Editor, Kristen Puckhaber. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and I feel very fortunate. It has proved to be the opportunity of a lifetime and I'm thankful for DList everyday. I truly love what I do and the people I work with.
DList stands for Dress, Dine, Drink and Dance. As the fashion director, you're probably responsible for the "Dress" angle. Who are some of your favorite local and general designers? Where do you hope to take DList Magazine, in terms of fashion? In other words, what are some of your feature ideas, and what kind of influence and impact do you hope to make on the magazine?
I'm the Fashion Director so I work side by side with the Fashion Editor, Kristen Puckhaber, on producing the fashion section. We also have an amazing Fashion Department of assistants, writers, photographers and so on that contribute to ideas and help execute everything you see in the fashion section. Kristen and I often switch off on the sections we are responsible for every month. For instance, she may do the fashion spread, while I do the product pages, reviews, etc.
We are working with more and more national and international brands and designers to make the magazine relevant to shoppers all over the country. With DList debuting the Portland, Oregon edition this August (launch party at Portland's Aura on August 19th), we want our readers to be able to find the products we feature either online or in stores in Seattle and Portland. My goal is to keep the magazine appealing to people with different tastes and styles. We want to cater to as many people as possible while staying true to our Seattle roots. The magazine was created for the people of the Pacific Northwest and I am so proud to be a part of it and to contribute to its growth.
