Fusion Of Effects: Meet the Model: Kelleth Cuthbert

With |FAT| just around the corner, designers have been getting loads of very well-deserved attention. We all want to know about their work and the great designs they’ll be sending down the runway. But what about the people who’ll be wearing them? The |FAT| runway will be helmed by both new and experienced models, including the ever talented Kelleth Cuthbert.

Kelleth has been blazing a trail for herself, garnering great success and doing it in a style all her own. As a model, she’s incredibly versatile. You’d never guess she got her start in alternative modeling when you learn that she’s the face of Square One’s Be the One campaign. Nor would you believe that the girl staring in the Bergstrom S/S catalogue has a cover and feature in Auxiliary Magazine clad in lace and PVC (check out page 21). Chameleons take note, this girl has got you beat.

Square One / Auxiliary Magazine

And Kelleth has way more than a pretty face to offer – the hard working model is as grounded as can be. She received an education in Social Work before throwing all of her eggs into the fashion basket. She’s almost as dedicated to the gym as she is to her steady boyfriend. Yep, she’s about as normal as can be, despite the fact that everyone and their brother want to work with her. Flipping through |FAT| promo images validate this: she’s in more of them than any other model.

So have a read below to find out more about this uber-accomplished model and see some of the |FAT| artists she’s worked with. Want more photos? Have a look at her Next Models Canada profile.

How did you get started in modelling?

After high school, I began getting scouted by various agencies. Shortly after, a local photographer (Zaiden) contacted me on MySpace and asked me to shoot. The rest is history!

When you first began working did you expect, or plan, to gain so much traction in the “alternative” sphere?

There was an element of strategizing that took place from the very beginning of my career. While I marketed myself as an alternative model, I realized that creating and maintaining a look for myself that rested somewhere in the threshold between “alternative” and “mainstream” would yield me the most success. Versatility is everything. Some alternative designers cater not only to members of alternative subcultures but to other customers as well. I knew that having a look that could carry me over to commercial bookings would also help me to, in turn, gain traction in the alternative sphere.

Starkers! Corsetry

When did you make your |FAT| debut? Have there been any standout moments?

I have been participating in FAT since 2008. A stand out moment for me was walking in the Artifice Clothing show in 2010. I wore a metallic red Morrigan PVC dress with a matching shrug and a Cyber Gladiator Armor (a metal arm attachment that lit up!)

You’ve been extremely successful in crossing over into traditionally mainstream modeling, how did you find this transition? What are some of the biggest differences you’ve seen between the two genres? Any surprising similarities?

It was a surprisingly seamless transition. Alternative fashion has immense influence on mainstream fashion trends so there are certainly more similarities than differences. For either genre, as a model, I am portraying a character, an idea. The biggest difference is generally the target audience.

Kali Clothing

You’ve been praised for your work ethic; how do you stay grounded in an industry that’s seen so many people lose themselves?

In Crystal Renn’s book, “Hungry”, she talks about how, as a model, you will essentially be faced with a combination of both rejection and disproportionate amounts of adoration. The trick is to not take either of them too seriously.

As a model, you’re expected to look the part of each designer’s aesthetic, but what about your own – can you describe your own style for us?

My style is a little Nancy Spungen, a little Bettie Page. My wardrobe is primarily black but I often accent everyday fabrics with latex or PVC pieces. I almost never wear sensible shoes!

Any special talents we should know of?

I recently taught myself to juggle for a commercial casting!

Regen Chen The Exorcist

Can you offer some words of wisdom for the aspiring and first time models prepping to walk the runway at |FAT| next week?

Be yourself!|FAT|is a celebration of the eccentric, the unique, the alternative. Bring your personality and your individuality to the runway. And have fun with it!

We hear you’re off to work in Hong Kong soon, how exciting! What are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to digging my heels into a new market while having the opportunity to explore the culture.

What do you see yourself doing next?

Traveling as much as possible! I hope to work in at least 3 different markets this coming year.

Want to see Kelleth in action? She’ll be walking for Toxic Vision at |FAT| next Friday at 9:00pm. Can’t wait till then? Then check out this great behind the scenes video of her cover shoot with Sessions Magazine.