‘I owe my success as international model to my unique looks’

Weekend Magazine: You were told early on in your career that you were too distinct for the Canadian market. How did that impact on you?Stacey Mckenzie: In the beginning it made me feel out of place, as I felt I wasn’t accepted in my home and then now a new country which was a whole […]

Weekend Magazine: You were told early on in your career that you were too distinct for the Canadian market. How did that impact on you?
Stacey Mckenzie: In the beginning it made me feel out of place, as I felt I wasn’t accepted in my home and then now a new country which was a whole other world for me.Once I owned me (my looks etc) and I learned that the Canadian market is just a miniscule part ofthe fashion industry (and a more conservative one), I didn’t take it personally – instead I tried elsewhere.
What gave you your first break in the industry?
My first big gig was a Benetton Campaign in Europe, but it was the Jean Paul Gaultier show that gave me my first big break in the industry.
With the various challenges you encountered, what kept you going and focused?
My strong sense of self, faith and passion is what kept me going amongst all the adversities I’ve been met with along my journey.
Looking back at where you were and how far you have come, what are the most treasured lessons life has taught you?
Never to take people and your opportunities in life for granted. I treat everyone I meet (even if it’s for a minute) as how I would want to be treated. I strongly believe you meet people in your life for areason, and that reason might come later on in life.
Do you still get criticisms?
To be honest, I don’t pay attention to whether or not I am being criticised. However, if someone is giving me constructive criticism, I am open, as I can always learn from others.
From your bio: “I was not prepared to live with a bunch of girls in a beautiful apartment, no supervision, and no guidance. We were free to do what we wanted, go anywhere, hangout with anyone, dress any which way…I decided to walk away from this major opportunity go back home, finish school and pursue modelling again when I am mature enough to be out in the world on my own.”What gave you the courage to make this decision?
I was raised by a very strict Jamaican mother who doesn’t play. Her motto: ‘I’m a child, act like a child until you are old and mature enough to go into the world and be on your own.’ Even though I defied my mother, dropped out of school and left home to pursue an opportunity that presented itself to me, I quickly realised, I was still a child.
You’ve been on the runway for different events, including ‘Arise African Collective Fashion show.’ What was the experience like modelling for African designers?
It was an amazing experience for me because it was the first time to be in a fashion show at ‘Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.’ Also, it was great to see so many black beauties on thatrunway, as it is very rare that you have more than one woman of colour in every show.
What is your take on the African fashion industry?
The African fashion industry is definitely thriving very quickly. From fashion designers, models to major American/European brands having African versions on board, Africa is most definitely on the rise.
Who is your favourite designer?
My favorite designer is Jean Paul Gaultier. He is brilliant, from fabrics, out of the comfort zone designs and most importantly, diversity in models that he consistently uses in his fashion shows. It helps too that he is the nicest fashion designer I’ve ever known. LOVE HIM!!
If you had to change anything about you, would you want to and what would that be?
I would never change anything about me! I love me! I own me!
Your first encounter with Jean Paul Gaultier was when you were six. How did it feel meeting him in person and hearing him say those words to you: ‘Elle est belle’?
I was overwhelmed; overwhelmed with emotions as this is the same man whose picture propelled me to pursue modelling. I was in total awe and cried a lot right there in front of him, especially when his first words to me were ‘She is Beautiful.’