July 16, 2008

Trip Down Memory Lane - My Modeling Years

I just got the new issue of Interview Magazine in the mail. I LOVED this magazine when it first came out. Somewhere in my attic I have some of my favorite issues; one with John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten (who I am a big fan of) on the cover, another one with Cyndi Lauper and one full of Andy Warhol. It was just the coolest magazine in the world to me.

I loved fashion magazines at the time too, but Interview, with it's larger pages and fashion ads just cast me into another world. I used to love going through my magazines and collecting my favorite pages. We lived in a Victorian house at the time and I covered one wall in my "cave" with fashion.

I really miss this wall and sometimes find myself wishing I could recreate it and go back to that wonderful spot in my head.

It was about this same time that I looked into modeling. It was just after high school that I was "discovered" and began my own career in modeling. Unfortunately I couldn't handle the pressure and I became anorexic and was hospitalized with pneumonia right about the same time I was to fly to Japan to do magazine covers and really take off with my career. I had an agent in New York ready for me and was following my dream. Oh well. I never got back into it the same, but I sure do like to visit that place every now and then. Interview magazine always takes me back.




I love this girls face and the way her body is posed.

This is a double spread ad and I just love the atmosphere of it all. I don't really know where I would fit in now a days. D & G probably doesn't even make my "I've given birth" size.


I have always wanted a full set of Louis Vuitton luggage and a huge trunk. Oh how cool would that be!


I put him in here because he is just so hot. His eyes are gorgeous and he reminds me of my husband when we were younger (oh, how sweet of me to say). Don't even THINK about it Caz! I found him first!


Kate Moss has not only made a name for her skinny little self, but she has gone way beyond most models years with age. I always loved Christy Turnlington and Paulina Porizkova back in the day and my favorite was Linda Evangelista.


This picture reminds me of a show I used to watch called "Style" with Elsa Clinch. I LOVED that show and staying up on the latest designers. When I started to model, I loved doing runway and would simply imitate the way I saw the models walking on that show with loads of attitude.


I still love the society pages to this day. Back then I always wanted to be seen in them.

This picture reminds me of a picture that I did...

There were two shots left, and the photographer I was working with always wanted a picture like this to hang over his mantle. We got the shot, luckily, because in the last frame I was starting to laugh.



My oldest just informed me that "That doesn't look anything like you Mama, and neither does that one, or that one, or that one". Well, I don't agree. Add 40 pounds and 15 years and it would look just like me, thank you very much!

I remember that I had to stand behind a bush and change my clothes for this shoot. We were in a cemetery, oh my!



I loved the sun glasses and scarf in this shot.

This picture wasn't even taken during the actual shoot. I don't know what I was thinking about at the time. I think I was grossed out by all of the dog poo that was around me.

I was approached by a vegetarian after this shoot (nothing against vegetarians) who started to yell at me about my bustier. She caused a huge scene and it really freaked me out.

Oh to reminisce about my younger years, so carefree and exciting. Actually, they were full of many insecurities and I had a lot of growing up to do. I love my life now, am much happier, and would never go back in age. I like it where I am.

It is fun to remember the times I have had though, and when I pick up this magazine it always takes me back. I hope you enjoyed my flash back and feel free to giggle at my pics if you like.

Kiss, Kiss

Rhonda...




7 comments:

Kathy said...

Oh my, I know a model....
We learn more and more about you R.

Nancy said...

What a life! Your pictures are fabulous and you look beautiful...I'll bet your kids and hubby think you are perfect the way you look now, my famous friend. Nancy

Carolyn said...

ROFL Rhonda !! What is his name !! ? HUNKY man !! ;o)


hey you`re still beautiful - with the " extra " poundage as you say !! You aint fat now girl - you should see my bubble butt !!

You have changed a little - don`t we all ? but we may not have met , if you were still modelling !

hugs to you my best across the pond friend !

xx

Beth Leintz said...

Oh my- besides making beautiful art, you have a secret glamourous past! Interesting to hear the "behinds the scenes" details about photo shoots. I remember Elsa Klench- on CNN- that was way before the Style network!

Jan Thomason said...

well, ain't you sumthin'!
i had a really close friend several years ago that had been a runway model in her younger days - saw a picture of her and didn't even recognize her - she looked so much better post-model.
bet you're a cutie, too! LOL
xoxo, jan

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Rhonda, How exciting! Your pictures are great! Don't we all wish we looked like we did 15 years ago! LOL! Hope your mom is doing well! ~the other "unfamous" Rhonda :)

Shanan Strange said...

Dear Rhonda:
Well, I'm home and need to get my pinkalicious package, attempt #2 to you. Can you email me your address? USPS has no way of tracing the first attempt, so if you ever receive it, it's an extra bonus for waiting so long.
sstrangesx5@aol.com
Thanks!!