Marianne Haney
~ Senior Model ~
Copa: Where are you from?
Marianne: I am a 5th generation Washingtonian. I grew up on the west side of Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown (yes it did matter what side you were from.
My cousin was John Carroll, founder of Georgetown University.
I still live about 1,5 miles from where I grew up.
Marianne: I am a 5th generation Washingtonian. I grew up on the west side of Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown (yes it did matter what side you were from.
My cousin was John Carroll, founder of Georgetown University.
I still live about 1,5 miles from where I grew up.
Copa: At what time did you become interested in fashion & style?
Marianne: After my father's passing the trajectory of my life of my life changed. I was sent to a girl's boarding school in Southern Maryland, St. Mary's Academy School for girls. This was the beginning of being taught proper manners, decent and respectable dressing and a "never give up" attitude, It has never left me, thank goodness. I ended up attending and graduating from Holy Trinity School for Girls in Georgetown.
Marianne: After my father's passing the trajectory of my life of my life changed. I was sent to a girl's boarding school in Southern Maryland, St. Mary's Academy School for girls. This was the beginning of being taught proper manners, decent and respectable dressing and a "never give up" attitude, It has never left me, thank goodness. I ended up attending and graduating from Holy Trinity School for Girls in Georgetown.
Copa: What was your first experience in modeling, and how did you receive the opportunity?
Marianne: I became interested in fashion when I was around 8 years old. My mother's closet was filled with fabulous dresses, matching shoes, bags and absolutely stunning hats. I never saw my mother in a pair of slacks, let alone jeans. She knew when I had gotten into her goodies, as I never put them back in their proper space. I was reading Glamour magazine when I was about 10 years old. Later, Vogue and Bazaar when I was about 14. I couldn't wait until the first of the month came so I could purchase the new issues. As I got older, I would read the likes of foreign Vogue magazines with Woman's Wear Daily. My passion is as strong now as it was then.
Marianne: I became interested in fashion when I was around 8 years old. My mother's closet was filled with fabulous dresses, matching shoes, bags and absolutely stunning hats. I never saw my mother in a pair of slacks, let alone jeans. She knew when I had gotten into her goodies, as I never put them back in their proper space. I was reading Glamour magazine when I was about 10 years old. Later, Vogue and Bazaar when I was about 14. I couldn't wait until the first of the month came so I could purchase the new issues. As I got older, I would read the likes of foreign Vogue magazines with Woman's Wear Daily. My passion is as strong now as it was then.
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Copa: How do you remember your first photo shoot experience?
Marianne: My first experience in modeling was back in the late 70's. I had been a DC policewoman for two years and felt myself becoming a little rough around the edges. I decided to lose about 70 pounds, I found an absolutely fantastic photographer (Dave Spagnolo) and headed to NY to see Mr. Ford. Bad timing. It was a Friday afternoon, and he was ready to get out of town. He said I was very pretty but not very photogenic. I cried all the way home on the train. I woke up the next morning and was angry. Angry that someone would tell me that I couldn't do something so I decided to pound the streets of DC. Instead of becoming a small fish in a big pond (NY) I became a big fish in a small pond (DC). The rest is history. At 72 I am still walking the runways with THE modeling agency here in town.
Marianne: My first experience in modeling was back in the late 70's. I had been a DC policewoman for two years and felt myself becoming a little rough around the edges. I decided to lose about 70 pounds, I found an absolutely fantastic photographer (Dave Spagnolo) and headed to NY to see Mr. Ford. Bad timing. It was a Friday afternoon, and he was ready to get out of town. He said I was very pretty but not very photogenic. I cried all the way home on the train. I woke up the next morning and was angry. Angry that someone would tell me that I couldn't do something so I decided to pound the streets of DC. Instead of becoming a small fish in a big pond (NY) I became a big fish in a small pond (DC). The rest is history. At 72 I am still walking the runways with THE modeling agency here in town.
Copa: Who are your top 3 models of all time, and why?
Marianna: My top three models of all time????? That's a tough one. I would say first one would be Linda Evangelista. She was an absolute beauty. Those eyes, mouth, nose...exquisite. She also had this fabulous way to change her look (mainly hair color) every 6 months or so. It definitely worked to her advantage. The second one would definitely be Margaux Hemingway. She was a real beauty. She possessed a strong body that served her well. Last, but not least, Patti Hansen. A true natural beauty with a great, strong body. All three of these women would be beautiful without a stitch of make-up on. That's what constitutes real beaty. It went too far with the skinny bodies and layers of make-up on. Thank goodness, that has changed over the years. There is beauty in all sizes. The one thing I would add is DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Tight is vulgar. It doesn't make you look better. Also, keep the length of your dress at an appropriate length. People aren't interested in seeing your privates. Last but not least, look in a mirror before you leave the house, front and back.
Marianna: My top three models of all time????? That's a tough one. I would say first one would be Linda Evangelista. She was an absolute beauty. Those eyes, mouth, nose...exquisite. She also had this fabulous way to change her look (mainly hair color) every 6 months or so. It definitely worked to her advantage. The second one would definitely be Margaux Hemingway. She was a real beauty. She possessed a strong body that served her well. Last, but not least, Patti Hansen. A true natural beauty with a great, strong body. All three of these women would be beautiful without a stitch of make-up on. That's what constitutes real beaty. It went too far with the skinny bodies and layers of make-up on. Thank goodness, that has changed over the years. There is beauty in all sizes. The one thing I would add is DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Tight is vulgar. It doesn't make you look better. Also, keep the length of your dress at an appropriate length. People aren't interested in seeing your privates. Last but not least, look in a mirror before you leave the house, front and back.
Copa: Please tell our readers about your present modeling experiences.
Marianne: Most of the women that I see in the audience are of the “mature ladies” category. When they see someone my age walking down the runway, their eyes light up and they profusely clap. They can imagine what the dress I am wearing might look like on them. When a young model walks it’s a little harder to imagine. I also think they love the thought of someone my age still working. It makes them happy.
I also love being around the young models. You can ALWAYS learn from them.
Marianne: Most of the women that I see in the audience are of the “mature ladies” category. When they see someone my age walking down the runway, their eyes light up and they profusely clap. They can imagine what the dress I am wearing might look like on them. When a young model walks it’s a little harder to imagine. I also think they love the thought of someone my age still working. It makes them happy.
I also love being around the young models. You can ALWAYS learn from them.
Copa: How does fashion emphasize your life?
Marianne: As I stated earlier, fashion has been a part of my life since I was 8. It still is. A day doesn’t go by where someone doesn’t say to me “you look great." Looking great at my age is a true compliment. When I teach my etiquette classes (yes, I have been teaching etiquette since the late 70’s) I tell my students that they have ONE time to make a first impression. There are no do overs. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look presentable in this day and age.
Marianne: As I stated earlier, fashion has been a part of my life since I was 8. It still is. A day doesn’t go by where someone doesn’t say to me “you look great." Looking great at my age is a true compliment. When I teach my etiquette classes (yes, I have been teaching etiquette since the late 70’s) I tell my students that they have ONE time to make a first impression. There are no do overs. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look presentable in this day and age.
Copa: What advice would you give to anyone who wishes to become part of the fashion industry?
Marianne: My advice to anyone who wants to pursue the fashion industry is “you have to feel it." You know if you’ve got it. A passion and love of garments, knowing how to mix high end with low end, and be daring. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something you love. Ever.
Marianne: My advice to anyone who wants to pursue the fashion industry is “you have to feel it." You know if you’ve got it. A passion and love of garments, knowing how to mix high end with low end, and be daring. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something you love. Ever.
Copa: What does the future hold for Marianne in here wonderful world of Fashion?
Marianne: That’s a great question. For one, I never want to stop working. Ever. As I have become older there are certain things, I feel an older person should not do. I would like to continue to spread the word on that topic. I also see myself getting more involved with teaching my etiquette classes. We live in a world where there is an epidemic of bad manners; undisciplined children (and adults). If I touch one life, I’ve been a success.
Marianne: That’s a great question. For one, I never want to stop working. Ever. As I have become older there are certain things, I feel an older person should not do. I would like to continue to spread the word on that topic. I also see myself getting more involved with teaching my etiquette classes. We live in a world where there is an epidemic of bad manners; undisciplined children (and adults). If I touch one life, I’ve been a success.
