Cyrene Renee
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa: Where are you from?
Cyrene: I'm originally from the Bronx, New York, born an raised. After separating from the military and government commitments I have since moved back to New York.
Cyrene: I'm originally from the Bronx, New York, born an raised. After separating from the military and government commitments I have since moved back to New York.
Copa: When did you discover that you had a love for fashion?
Cyrene: I discovered that I loved fashion very early on in my youth. I would take the time to make clothes for my Barbie's and stuffed animals. Even though I had clothes for them I found it fun to cut up old shirts and see what I could make on my own. Everything from dresses to shirts I would sew little outfits for them and use dye to make the colors I needed. If I wanted a certain design I would use markers. After I would make the clothing I would make dressers and drawers out of boxes, tape and glue to keep them in. I was always making something.
Cyrene: I discovered that I loved fashion very early on in my youth. I would take the time to make clothes for my Barbie's and stuffed animals. Even though I had clothes for them I found it fun to cut up old shirts and see what I could make on my own. Everything from dresses to shirts I would sew little outfits for them and use dye to make the colors I needed. If I wanted a certain design I would use markers. After I would make the clothing I would make dressers and drawers out of boxes, tape and glue to keep them in. I was always making something.
Copa: What types of clothes gathered your interests?
Cyrene: I wouldn't say so much for the actual clothing gathering my interest. I will say that my style is more classic than trendy. It's not the cost of what something is or even the name brand, its how you wear it and how it makes you feel. Confidence is key to wearing anything. If you love it then own it. If I wear something I like and happen to get a compliment well that's great. Its good to be our own individuals and fashion is a good way to express our own individuality.
Cyrene: I wouldn't say so much for the actual clothing gathering my interest. I will say that my style is more classic than trendy. It's not the cost of what something is or even the name brand, its how you wear it and how it makes you feel. Confidence is key to wearing anything. If you love it then own it. If I wear something I like and happen to get a compliment well that's great. Its good to be our own individuals and fashion is a good way to express our own individuality.
Copa: When did you discover that you had a knack for modeling?
Cyrene: When I was younger I would would play dress up in my mothers clothing with my friends. Put on her high heeled shoes and "strut my stuff" up and down the living room. I think I started that around six. I always loved watching runway shows. I would watch fashion show recordings on cable after school and on the weekends for hours at at time. Since my High School was in Manhattan, I would purposely walk by Bryant Park where New York Fashion Week was being held just to get a glimpse of anything that was going on. Even if it happened to be the outside of the tents.
Cyrene: When I was younger I would would play dress up in my mothers clothing with my friends. Put on her high heeled shoes and "strut my stuff" up and down the living room. I think I started that around six. I always loved watching runway shows. I would watch fashion show recordings on cable after school and on the weekends for hours at at time. Since my High School was in Manhattan, I would purposely walk by Bryant Park where New York Fashion Week was being held just to get a glimpse of anything that was going on. Even if it happened to be the outside of the tents.
Copa: How did you handle your first experience in a fashion related situation?
Cyrene: My first modeling experience was DC Fashion Week. At first I didn't say much. I personally like to sit back and observe my surroundings, the people, the atmosphere, the energy when I am in a new territory. It was busy, clustered, at times frustrating and fun all at the same time. I was nervous, but it was all exciting to finally be able to live out my dream. I met a lot of cool people to include photographers, models and designers. Some I am still really good friends with. That was 4 years ago.
Cyrene: My first modeling experience was DC Fashion Week. At first I didn't say much. I personally like to sit back and observe my surroundings, the people, the atmosphere, the energy when I am in a new territory. It was busy, clustered, at times frustrating and fun all at the same time. I was nervous, but it was all exciting to finally be able to live out my dream. I met a lot of cool people to include photographers, models and designers. Some I am still really good friends with. That was 4 years ago.
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Copa: Was your first photo shoot something that you had expected and how did you handle it?
Cyrene: My first photo shoot was at the National Harbor in Maryland. It wasn't a big production. I provided my own hair styling, make up and wardrobe. It was much different than runway which I had been doing for about a year before my first shoot. It was a warm spring day and throughout the course of the shoot we drew a small crowd peering in. From the pictures all you see is me sitting on rocks with the sun settinf. In reality it was about 15 onlookers behind the scenes taking cellphone pictures and selfies. I didn't mind and it actually happens often during on location shoots. As for studio shoots those things aren't going to happen for obvious reasons. I prefer outdoor shots over studio. There is more freedom with using different aspects of a location than a studio. Although studios guarantee a controlled environment when dealing with weather, lighting, changing looks and styles.
Cyrene: My first photo shoot was at the National Harbor in Maryland. It wasn't a big production. I provided my own hair styling, make up and wardrobe. It was much different than runway which I had been doing for about a year before my first shoot. It was a warm spring day and throughout the course of the shoot we drew a small crowd peering in. From the pictures all you see is me sitting on rocks with the sun settinf. In reality it was about 15 onlookers behind the scenes taking cellphone pictures and selfies. I didn't mind and it actually happens often during on location shoots. As for studio shoots those things aren't going to happen for obvious reasons. I prefer outdoor shots over studio. There is more freedom with using different aspects of a location than a studio. Although studios guarantee a controlled environment when dealing with weather, lighting, changing looks and styles.
Copa: Describe for our readers some of your experiences working and living in New York.
Cyrene: New York to me is just home. I don't focus on the bright lights, cliché and fast moving pace. Its just family and love. I've done a lot of work in the DMV area which prepared me pretty well for the New York atmosphere. There is the expectation that you are professional and know what to do when to do it. As with any profession you need to be skilled and your performance should reflect that.
Cyrene: New York to me is just home. I don't focus on the bright lights, cliché and fast moving pace. Its just family and love. I've done a lot of work in the DMV area which prepared me pretty well for the New York atmosphere. There is the expectation that you are professional and know what to do when to do it. As with any profession you need to be skilled and your performance should reflect that.
Copa: What is your opinion on the different worlds of fashion and modeling of Washington, DC and New York?
Cyrene: New York is known for fashion. Walking down the street can be a runway show in itself. Everyone has their own style and own flavor. There is always something going on in NY regarding fashion even in the none fashion week time periods. DC on the other hand has a smaller fashion market. Its a place centered around politics and government. That doesn't mean there isn't a DC fashion scene. I know people outside of the small community that had no idea there were even fashion shows in the area. It is as if you are not in the world of fashion you don't know it exists.
Cyrene: New York is known for fashion. Walking down the street can be a runway show in itself. Everyone has their own style and own flavor. There is always something going on in NY regarding fashion even in the none fashion week time periods. DC on the other hand has a smaller fashion market. Its a place centered around politics and government. That doesn't mean there isn't a DC fashion scene. I know people outside of the small community that had no idea there were even fashion shows in the area. It is as if you are not in the world of fashion you don't know it exists.
Copa: Which fashion show did you like the best so far and who is your favorite fashion designer?
Cyrene: My favorite show so far that I have been in was the Bravo TV/BMW sponsored shlw with model Mica Huges. There was only 12 models and one designer and one look per model. The organization was great, it started on time, the makeup and hair styling were really good and the models were treated nicely and with respect. I also like to do charity shows like the Fashion For Fighters Gala which supports the Navy wounded warriors project. Being an air Force Veteran myself its a great way for me to give back to my brothers and sisters in arms.
As for favorite mainstream designer I really like Zac Posen. Not only are his designs beautiful, fresh and fashion forward made a bold stand with his "Black Models Matter" campaign during NYFW. I also enjoy him on the TV show Project Runway where he serves as a judge. His opinions are always honest and more positive critiques than rude.
My favorite local designer is Arreit Nicole of Why B Posh. Not only are her designs beautiful, elegant and well made she herself has a beautiful spirit. I have worked with her during a fashion trunk show and also featured on her website.
Cyrene: My favorite show so far that I have been in was the Bravo TV/BMW sponsored shlw with model Mica Huges. There was only 12 models and one designer and one look per model. The organization was great, it started on time, the makeup and hair styling were really good and the models were treated nicely and with respect. I also like to do charity shows like the Fashion For Fighters Gala which supports the Navy wounded warriors project. Being an air Force Veteran myself its a great way for me to give back to my brothers and sisters in arms.
As for favorite mainstream designer I really like Zac Posen. Not only are his designs beautiful, fresh and fashion forward made a bold stand with his "Black Models Matter" campaign during NYFW. I also enjoy him on the TV show Project Runway where he serves as a judge. His opinions are always honest and more positive critiques than rude.
My favorite local designer is Arreit Nicole of Why B Posh. Not only are her designs beautiful, elegant and well made she herself has a beautiful spirit. I have worked with her during a fashion trunk show and also featured on her website.
Copa: What does the future hold for Cyrene Renee?
Cyrene: As for the future I can only hope and pray that it holds more joy, more love, more peace and more blessings. It's a blessing to be able to wake up and do exactly what you have your heart set out to do. I don't take it for granted and I try to help who I can along the way. Whether it is by encouragement, coaching or networking.
I love modeling, but I also love to be behind the scenes as Creative Director. If I have the opportunity to be a creative visionary I leap to it. I hope to do more of everything. I would like to do another addition to my Shades of Beauty photo series. I would like to expand my network of artist to include designers, make up artist, stylist and hair stylist to create fresh and new concepts and then make them timeless. I want my future to include everything God has in store for me.
Cyrene: As for the future I can only hope and pray that it holds more joy, more love, more peace and more blessings. It's a blessing to be able to wake up and do exactly what you have your heart set out to do. I don't take it for granted and I try to help who I can along the way. Whether it is by encouragement, coaching or networking.
I love modeling, but I also love to be behind the scenes as Creative Director. If I have the opportunity to be a creative visionary I leap to it. I hope to do more of everything. I would like to do another addition to my Shades of Beauty photo series. I would like to expand my network of artist to include designers, make up artist, stylist and hair stylist to create fresh and new concepts and then make them timeless. I want my future to include everything God has in store for me.
Photo shoot information
Theme: 2016 Fall Fashion
Title: Autumn in the City
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Creative Director: Cyrene Renee
Photographer: Nichole Beatty of Katherine Costello Photography
Model: Cyrene Renee
Thank you
Cyrene Renee
Model/Creative Director
www.cyrenerenee.allyou.net
~Copa