Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Fashion Magazine

Models are used for displaying clothing. It might seem easy but these days there's more than meets the eye when looking at finished photos. Forget prima donnas because now designers and agents are demanding models with more than a svelte physique - they want individuals with personalities and talent to match. Grace V has it all.

This young woman grew up on a farm surrounded by animals. Perhaps it's her hobbies and genuine background that makes this young model so down-to-earth. "I like to sew, to dance, to ride horses," says Grace. "I grew up on a farm, so I love animals. I love hanging out with my friends and family, and often going to Vancouver Island to visit friends."

After being encouraged to enter the fashion scene she decided she had nothing to lose. She signed with local agency Lizbell and the rest is history. "I'm really into fashion and I'm really into Vogue," she says. "Some people told me I should give it a try so I did." At 14-years-old she has just four months of professional modeling under her belt, but has her sights set high. At 5'8" with seemingly endless legs and blonde hair, she knows what she wants despite her young age. "Runways in Paris are my dreams," says Grace. "To travel, to be well known enough that people are asking me to come to far away places." The young woman has developed an opinion on the fashion world rather quickly and meeting local professionals has made her want to stay. "I think Vancouver has many talented models, stylists and photographers, " she says. "We just don't get as much publicity as we deserve."

Quickly thrown into the fashion scene Grace was paired up with local talent to begin building her book. "My favorite project was probably a creative shoot I did with photographer Kin Chan," she says. "We were doing it in some sand dunes in Richmond." More than anything, shooting quickly became a creative outlet and a place where Grace could be herself. "When I get in front of the camera I feel comfortable and feel like little bits of my personality can come out very easily. I definitely love photo shoots. I love being around the fashion, it's all so beautiful." She's not holding back when it comes to dressing up on a regular day either. "I like to think I dress uniquely," says Grace. "I have lots of fun when it comes to my clothes."

Although Grace is her first name, the hardest part of her job tends to be the stilettos she slips onto her feet. "My most challenging part is the shoes. They can be very, very tall, and when it comes to walking I have difficulties…but shhh, that's a secret," she says. Thanks to great friends and photo shoots that compliment her busy high school schedule, Grace's transition into the modeling world has been a smooth one. "Most of the time shoots are after school time, so it's not too hard," says Grace. "Most of my friends were very excited for me and very eager to see the pictures."

To check out this up-and-coming model's portfolio go to lizbellagency.com and find her under "new faces." Keep your eyes peeled for this rare blonde beauty. We'll be watching her hobble, then later, gracefully blitz across the runway to the very top.