Copa Style Fashion Events Correspondent Mikell Reed Carroll reports on International Fashion Week in Milan, Italy. 

Mikell Reed Carroll

​Chasing Dreams at International Fashion Week Milan

​While at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for HiTech MODA I was lucky to get to meet and model for Chona Bacaoco, the brains and creativity behind the MM Milano brand.  A native of the Philippines, Ms. Bacaoco now lives in Milan and her line of eveningwear for men and women are based in Milan.  She uses exquisite details and fabrics for her line and an array of colors to make it distinctive in a flooded evening and formal wear market.

After meeting and modeling for Chona, I mentioned I was excited for a family trip to Milan in two weeks.  She asked what dates I would be in Milan and mentioned she was showing her line at International Fashion Week Milan and invited me to model in her show while there.  I of course jumped at the chance.  As a mom of a 1 and 5-year-old I relish the opportunity to feel glamorous and beautiful when I can and always enjoy walking the runway in beautiful clothes!  I also knew it would be a great opportunity for me as International Ms. USA to network with models, media and designers for future collaborations.  I honestly could not believe my good fortune in meeting such a talented designer and how I felt fate must have played a hand at having us at the same time and place for such a unique opportunity!

I also got to meet the other models from around the world who had flown in for the event.  There were models from Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas.  Most were stunning young women in their teens and early twenties.  At 42 I was probably the oldest among the group of international models, which can sometimes make you feel a bit insecure, but I was able to use my experience on the runway to train some of the children, young teens and less experienced models on how to walk the runway.  This made me feel more at ease and less like a model imposter.
Later, when the International Fashion Week Milan shows started I waited my turn to walk the runway and was thrilled when even with a last minute addition of a long side cape to my dress was able to walk the runway with ease and even managed a few turns without tripping in my six-inch heels as the paparazzi and fashion photographers snapped away

A little background about me here, I am originally from a small town in Maine and grew up without many advantages in life.  I was teased a lot about my looks and how skinny and goofy looking I was with my gap-toothed smile and thick glasses.  I am now 42 years old, married with two kids and the reigning International Ms. USA currently living in Croatia for my husband and I’s jobs with the State Department.
Fast forward about two weeks after NYFW to February 20th when my family and I packed up our car at our home in Zagreb, Croatia and made the six and a half hour drive to beautiful Milan, Italy, one of the fashion capitals of the world, for a five day family vacation, intermixed with some glamour and fashion for me!

After a few days of eating delicious Italian and international cuisine and some sightseeing around the stunning city of Milan with my family, I ventured my way to Hotel Michelangelo, the site of International Fashion Week Milan events and shows.
I spent the majority of the day, Saturday February 22nd at the hotel preparing for the shows and events that afternoon and early evening.  From hair and make-up by Mao, an amazing artist flown in from Dubai to assist the MM Milano models get glammed for the show to pre-show press with press from around Italy and Europe covering the event.  I was fitted for my gown, a beautiful glittered silver floor length gown with deep V neckline. Thankfully even after indulging in pizza, pasta and Prosecco it fit with a little help from my Spanx of course

Thankfully my husband was able to attend the event and I could see him smiling and taking photos with his phone as I passed by.  I felt immediately more comfortable as I saw him and could see how proud he was of me.  We even managed a quick kiss as I exited the runway.
In a hale of dresses being thrown about and half naked bodies running around backstage I managed to find all my belongings and quickly changed into some comfy clothes and out of my heels and into flat boots to walk home after the show with my husband and get some well-deserved pasta and drinks!

It was an exciting once in a lifetime experience and one I will not soon forget.  I realize more each day, no matter who you are, your age or whatever else you may feel holds you back from your dreams, always dream big and don’t be afraid to chase those dreams!  You never know where it may take you; from a small town in Maine to New York and Milan fashion weeks! 
This tired mom is signing off for now, I need to rest after all this dream chasing because who knows when that next opportunity may present itself and I have to get up and go chasing again!

​Mikell Reed Carroll
Wife, Mom, International Ms. USA 2020 and Dream Chaser