In her new memoir, Shailah Edmonds talks about the grit and glamour it took to succeed.
Growing up in Portland, Oregon, Shailah Edmonds dreamed of a fashion career. Coming to New York as a young woman in the 1970s, she found few opportunities for women of color. A photographer advised her to try Paris, where Black models were in increasing demand. She moved there, and became a runway model for some of fashion’s biggest names, including Valentino and Versace. Eventually, she became a fitting model for Yves St. Laurent. Her memoir, Wild Child to Couture Style, has recently been published by Lyons Books (see www.shailahedmonds.com to order a copy). Shailah, who has gather crowds at the West 104th Street Yard Sale with her covers of Motown classics, shared a few thoughts with the newsletter on her Paris experiences.
What were the most rewarding aspects about modeling in Paris?
The ability to work one-on-one with top designers. And to experience the time and care that went into creating a garment, especially couture, when everything was made by hand. I learned so much about types of fabric, how to conduct myself in a sophisticated manner (after being somewhat inde- pendently wild), and was so grateful to be respected and appreciated as a professional.
Comparing Paris to New York, what were things you liked about living there?
What I loved most about living in Paris was the fact that I was treated so well. I never felt one bit of discrimination, and was always referred to as the American, instead of by the color of my skin.
I also liked the overall courtesy in Paris. When you enter any establishment there is always a greeting—“Bon Jour”—as well as when you leave, “Au revoir” or “Bonne Journée”. In New York that is very rare. When dining in Paris, it is a relaxed, enjoyable occasion. You can sit after eating and the waiter is slow to take your plate, especially while your companion is still eating. In New York, they sometimes take your empty dish as soon as you’ve finished your meal.
What advice would you give a young woman of color today seeing out on a fashion career?
To have patience, perseverance and to be resilient. It’s really a tough, competitive business. Whenever the fashion business returns, I think (and hope) there will be more diversity, due to the current climate of world events, however, you must be prepared. Study and practice your craft, make sure you fit the requirements before wasting your time, and be prepared to work hard.
