KENDRA SPEARS
the Interview
Kendra Spears is with Ford (NY, mother agency), Elite (Milan), Elite (Paris) and Independent (London).
Kendra Spears is now with NEXT (worldwide).
PONY RYDER: When and how did you start modeling?
KENDRA SPEARS: I did the Ford Supermodel of the world contest in 08 as the Myspace contestant.
KENDRA SPEARS: I did the Ford Supermodel of the world contest in 08 as the Myspace contestant.
PONY RYDER: So, you started your career through the Ford/Myspace contest and got instant exposure.
KENDRA SPEARS: I definitely think it gave me an advantage. The myspace portion of the contest was so new and innovative that a lot of people took note of me.
PONY RYDER: So, as I understand you had braces while you were in that (Ford) contest.
KENDRA SPEARS: Yes I did. I got them off in March, then I moved to LA soon there after.
KENDRA SPEARS: Yes I did. I got them off in March, then I moved to LA soon there after.
PONY RYDER: Did you ever think during the start of your career that you would become one of the top newcomers?
KENDRA SPEARS: It’s all about believing in yourself, so I have to say yes.
PONY RYDER: Did any agency approach you in general before signing with Ford models?
KENDRA SPEARS: No, I kinda always knew I would be with Ford just because of their reputation. They’re like my family.
KENDRA SPEARS: It’s all about believing in yourself, so I have to say yes.
PONY RYDER: Did any agency approach you in general before signing with Ford models?
KENDRA SPEARS: No, I kinda always knew I would be with Ford just because of their reputation. They’re like my family.
PONY RYDER: How would you explain the fact that you, an American girl, started your career on Milan and Paris Fashion week, and not on the runways of NY fashion week? Was it surprising for you and your agents?
KENDRA SPEARS: I think it was a surprise to everyone, but I think the designers in NY are a little hesitant to make any newcomer big. It worked out great though and I’m looking forward to doing all the NY shows this coming season.
KENDRA SPEARS: I think it was a surprise to everyone, but I think the designers in NY are a little hesitant to make any newcomer big. It worked out great though and I’m looking forward to doing all the NY shows this coming season.
PONY RYDER: Tell us a bit about the organization on your career when you were doing your first castings and jobs in Europe, as opposed to the management in the US.
KENDRA SPEARS: Well when things weren’t going so well in NY I thought to myself, I have to have something that other girls don’t have. I put away all the new clothes I bought and dropped the fakeness of it all. I think a lot of it is about personality and having that show on the runway.
KENDRA SPEARS: Well when things weren’t going so well in NY I thought to myself, I have to have something that other girls don’t have. I put away all the new clothes I bought and dropped the fakeness of it all. I think a lot of it is about personality and having that show on the runway.
PONY RYDER: Kendra, how was Milan and Paris for you? Did it level up your expectations? :)
KENDRA SPEARS: Oh man, it was great! It was also probably the most exhausting time of my life. It was way more than I expected.
KENDRA SPEARS: Oh man, it was great! It was also probably the most exhausting time of my life. It was way more than I expected.
PONY RYDER: This season you walked for Valentino, Gucci, Hermes, Nina Ricci… Do you get booked directly, or do you run from one casting to the other?
KENDRA SPEARS: I don’t think I got any direct bookings :)… I went to every casting and call back for every show.
PONY RYDER: What is the most important thing that a girl should do to present herself well in castings?
KENDRA SPEARS: Confidence is key. You have to be sure of yourself or no will be.
PONY RYDER: What is the most important thing that a girl should do to present herself well in castings?
KENDRA SPEARS: Confidence is key. You have to be sure of yourself or no will be.
PONY RYDER: By your opinion, what made you stand out as a new model?
KENDRA SPEARS: Every trend is recycled in some way, and I think people see the 80s/90s supermodel in me. “It’s all about timing” (Douglas Perret).
KENDRA SPEARS: Every trend is recycled in some way, and I think people see the 80s/90s supermodel in me. “It’s all about timing” (Douglas Perret).
PONY RYDER: Your mole, like Cindy’s, is starting to be your signature. How do you feel when people compare you to Cindy Crawford?
KENDRA SPEARS: I’m honored. She’s always being a role model for me. I love how she took her career in so many different directions.
KENDRA SPEARS: I’m honored. She’s always being a role model for me. I love how she took her career in so many different directions.
PONY RYDER: Tell us about the backstage during fashion week!
KENDRA SPEARS: Ummm.. Backstage is very hectic. I met a lot of amazing and talented people. Not just models but hairstylist, photographers, make-up artists, and just interesting people. Some of my favorite shows were when I had my close friends backstage and we were just about to joke around.
KENDRA SPEARS: Ummm.. Backstage is very hectic. I met a lot of amazing and talented people. Not just models but hairstylist, photographers, make-up artists, and just interesting people. Some of my favorite shows were when I had my close friends backstage and we were just about to joke around.
PONY RYDER: How do designers decide which girl will be wearing a certain outfit? Do new girls get better pieces, or do superstars have demands? Is the organization of a huge show like Valentino different to shows of other designers?
KENDRA SPEARS: I definitely think that supermodels and the top girls get the best outfits, but that’s all in ones opinion. Like in Valentino I thought it was so cool to wear red but that may have just been a coincident. Organizing a show is such a process no matter how big or small it is.
KENDRA SPEARS: I definitely think that supermodels and the top girls get the best outfits, but that’s all in ones opinion. Like in Valentino I thought it was so cool to wear red but that may have just been a coincident. Organizing a show is such a process no matter how big or small it is.
PONY RYDER: Your first season and you already opened a show for John Richmond! Does opening a show put more pressure on you compared to doing a show among other girls on the runway? Is there any pressure at all?
KENDRA SPEARS: Ha… That was amazing. I went for the fitting at the end of a VERY long day and I ended up staying there for almost an hour trying on clothes and laughing with John and everyone else there, and even eating some pizza. At the show the next day he told me I was opening the show. I was so excited, and it gave me more confidence because I knew they liked me.
KENDRA SPEARS: Ha… That was amazing. I went for the fitting at the end of a VERY long day and I ended up staying there for almost an hour trying on clothes and laughing with John and everyone else there, and even eating some pizza. At the show the next day he told me I was opening the show. I was so excited, and it gave me more confidence because I knew they liked me.
PONY RYDER: After the amazingly successful show season in Europe, what are your plans and expectations for the next season? Will you be focusing on Europe again, or are you going to put a little more effort in conquering the NY runway?
KENDRA SPEARS: I’m going to focus on it all. I’m really looking forward to this season with some experience behind me. I’m going to expect the most.
KENDRA SPEARS: I’m going to focus on it all. I’m really looking forward to this season with some experience behind me. I’m going to expect the most.
PONY RYDER: Were you ever told to change something about yourself during fittings or castings? How would you deal with it if something like that happened?
KENDRA SPEARS: No one’s really ever said anything to me, but I am who I am, and some things I can’t change.
KENDRA SPEARS: No one’s really ever said anything to me, but I am who I am, and some things I can’t change.
PONY RYDER: Who taught you how to walk and perform on the runway?
KENDRA SPEARS: My bookers. It just takes time and practice… and confidence.
PONY RYDER: What do you think is the most important thing in presenting the outfits on the runway? Is there a difference in your presentation (in your walk) when you open a show, opposite the one when you participate in the show later on?
KENDRA SPEARS: Girls should walk the same if they’re the first, middle, or last. Just really strong. When I’m about to walk out, I think how can I show everyone how great this outfit is.
KENDRA SPEARS: My bookers. It just takes time and practice… and confidence.
PONY RYDER: What do you think is the most important thing in presenting the outfits on the runway? Is there a difference in your presentation (in your walk) when you open a show, opposite the one when you participate in the show later on?
KENDRA SPEARS: Girls should walk the same if they’re the first, middle, or last. Just really strong. When I’m about to walk out, I think how can I show everyone how great this outfit is.
PONY RYDER: Now that your career is on the up, do you get different treatment in the industry?
KENDRA SPEARS: Yes, but just that people already have an idea of me when I go casting, and sometime they’re familiar with my work.
KENDRA SPEARS: Yes, but just that people already have an idea of me when I go casting, and sometime they’re familiar with my work.
PONY RYDER: You already did Akiabara campaign, and you are also the face of the "future" BCBG campaign, as well as the face of GAP! These brands usually book established girls.
KENDRA SPEARS: Thanks. They expect a professional. With brands like Gap they go with the same feel for most of their campaigns. I always do research on the brand, photographer, and designer just to get an idea of what they like.
KENDRA SPEARS: Thanks. They expect a professional. With brands like Gap they go with the same feel for most of their campaigns. I always do research on the brand, photographer, and designer just to get an idea of what they like.
PONY RYDER: How long does a shooting for a campaign, cover, editorial last? How do you deal with it?
KENDRA SPEARS: It just depends. Covers usually don’t take long. Editorials can take half the day for one shot depending on the MU and hair. Really it just depends.
KENDRA SPEARS: It just depends. Covers usually don’t take long. Editorials can take half the day for one shot depending on the MU and hair. Really it just depends.
PONY RYDER: Kendra, you have amazing Amica cover, Cover cover :) … Is the set and the make up the same as when you are doing editorials?
KENDRA SPEARS: Not really. It’s natural compared to most editorials that I’ve done, the set is plain, and the shoot is usually pretty quick because there’s only so much varitation.
KENDRA SPEARS: Not really. It’s natural compared to most editorials that I’ve done, the set is plain, and the shoot is usually pretty quick because there’s only so much varitation.
PONY RYDER: What is your X factor?
KENDRA SPEARS: My personality. I think people appreciate someone who can laugh and have a good time while working hard.
KENDRA SPEARS: My personality. I think people appreciate someone who can laugh and have a good time while working hard.
PONY RYDER: How do you maintain your skin?
KENDRA SPEARS: It’s really difficult but I just use basic wash and lotion because I have super sensitive skin. I also hardly ever wear make-up when I’m not working. But what it comes down to is what you take in comes through. So if you’re eating greasy foods you’re going to have greasy skin.
PONY RYDER: What is the best beauty advice you know of?
KENDRA SPEARS: Stay away from the sun.
KENDRA SPEARS: It’s really difficult but I just use basic wash and lotion because I have super sensitive skin. I also hardly ever wear make-up when I’m not working. But what it comes down to is what you take in comes through. So if you’re eating greasy foods you’re going to have greasy skin.
PONY RYDER: What is the best beauty advice you know of?
KENDRA SPEARS: Stay away from the sun.
PONY RYDER: What hair products do you use?
KENDRA SPEARS: I’m using Redken right now. I don’t straighten or curl and I only shampoo twice a week.
KENDRA SPEARS: I’m using Redken right now. I don’t straighten or curl and I only shampoo twice a week.
PONY RYDER: What is inside your make up bag?
KENDRA SPEARS: Mac nude eyeshadows, concealer, Chanel mascara, and Nude moisturizer.
KENDRA SPEARS: Mac nude eyeshadows, concealer, Chanel mascara, and Nude moisturizer.
PONY RYDER: Your body is amazing! How do you stay in shape?!!
KENDRA SPEARS: Thanks :) I eat healthy and walk everywhere. I always take the stairs, stretch in the morning, and make it to the gym a couple of times a week.
KENDRA SPEARS: Thanks :) I eat healthy and walk everywhere. I always take the stairs, stretch in the morning, and make it to the gym a couple of times a week.
PONY RYDER: What advice would you give to new models?
KENDRA SPEARS: Keep with it, if it’s truly what you want to do. It’s a very hard job. I’m very fortunate to have gotten so far so early but some of the top models were working for years before they were noticed.
KENDRA SPEARS: Keep with it, if it’s truly what you want to do. It’s a very hard job. I’m very fortunate to have gotten so far so early but some of the top models were working for years before they were noticed.
PONY RYDER: Do you have any model friend you would like to see presented on Pony Ryder blog?
KENDRA SPEARS: Nika Lauritis, my roommate!!!
KENDRA SPEARS: Nika Lauritis, my roommate!!!
SPECIAL THANKS TO FORD MODEL MANAGEMENT.
Interview with fashion model Kendra Spears is original work and courtesy of Pony Ryder Blog.
27 comments:
she's pretty..
What a paradox: All American girl, and she had to start her career in Europe. She is totally Cindy Crawford alike...perhaps they are related?
i always love akiabara's campaigns, but this one looks just boring D:
but she's REALLY gorgeous and seems to have such a nice personality
This is better than a mag interview! love it. ;)
Such a great interview, Ryder! She's a pretty girl, and she seems like an interesting person. Love how she says that confidence is the key. That is true with everything! xox
Cool cool!! She's beautiful, confident, already has the personality of an experienced professional and she gives so much advice that can be useful to new girls. It will be really exciting to see how she develops this show season in NY and in Europe shortly after that.
Thank you for posting this! love Kendra!
wow! great interview! so interesting! and great blog.
Wow she's gorgeous, seems like she hit it off real quick!
Wow, I hadn't noticed it before she said it in her interview: she really does have a Cindy-Crawford-early-90's-supermodel quality about her. It sets her apart from most of today's models, I think.
Great interview, the questions say so much more than the standard interview.
great interview! She's gorgeous!
she is very pretty, i remember when they interviewd her during the competition, she looked so sweet,
she really does look like Cindy C, i'm happy she's so succesful
She totally reminds me of a modern cindy crawford. Beautiful girl.
neat interview! she's gorgeous! xx have a good day.
Wow this model is gorgeous! Such beautiful pictures.
breathtaking! What else to say than breathtaking..
i loved that cover issue. so sexy.im not so into the new work with marie claire though. but you never know.
Yes, new mc photos are great, but she is not the type for that. I think of her more as sporty or modern/sexy.
One of my favorites!
You have been very busy recently my beloved ryder. Mazal Mazal <3
you are such a great interviewer, i'm adding you to my blogroll
the first thing I thought when you said 'supermodels' was 'cindy crawford'. she reminds me of her
she's very pretty
:)
Wow, your interviewees are getting more and more interesting. Kendra's personality really shows here, she eats pizza, and seems to take things really easy. I've noticed her since her walk at Gucci.
Thanks for this interview. Keep up the good work!
she is definitely a throwback to the supermodels of yore .
hotties .
she's a stunner .
x
Wow she is gorgeous, but her photos seen here are kinda standard? Nothing edgy about her, but she does have a great face.
I love the tomboyish feel about her. Somewhat carefree and effortless. I think the best models are the ones who are like that-- like Behati! I guess they are just a lot more open as people and thus they photograph beautifully. ;-)
she s so Hot like Cindy Crawford
you need to give credit to the photographers whose work you are posting! i see my photos on here with no credit and a lot of work went into it! if you don't know who took it then don't use it.
to anonymous: all the photos are credit to the fashion spot. if you want your photos to be credited, just email me.
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