This story was published online for Shive Magazine
Until he walked into a Levi’s store in 2010 John Ester had never considered a career in modeling.
“I walked in the Levi’s store and they told me I had the perfect body for modeling, I did their next event and ever since then I have taken modeling seriously,” said Ester.
Ester, the unlikely model, is from Donaldsonville, LA, which is in between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Before modeling he was just training his body which has paid dividends, helping his modeling career.
Being selected the top male model at Exalte’ Magazine’s Coastal Fashion Week’s stop in New Orleans was just another notch under Ester’s belt who has been building a name for himself in modeling the past couple of years in Louisiana.
“I have done Summer Fashion Week in Metairie. I did Slay the Runway in Gretna, and the HBCU Fashion Tour at House of Blues. I have also done photo shoots in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Gonzalez, and Mandeville,” said Ester.
Coastal Fashion Week is a unique multi-state fashion event that blends fashion with philanthropy, and spreads opportunities in modeling and styling for talent across the world.
Kymberly Soule, head of Exalte’ Magazine and chief organizer of Coastal Fashion Week, believes this event is tailor made for young and aspiring models and provides them great exposure.
“Coastal Fashion Week is the only multi-state fashion week which is really cool because if a model gets to model in multiple states it’s kind of like they get bragging rights if they win this event,” said Soule.
With Coastal Fashion Week stopping in New Orleans, the event reeled in local models and stylists that saw this as a chance for them to break into the modeling and fashion industry.
Jerome Green Jr., who grew up in the lower ninth ward and started modeling five years ago, was one of those local talents.
“I’ve done spreads for different magazines as well but I just started doing runways. This is my first time doing Coastal Fashion Week but I have walked in different lines and fashion weeks,” said Green Jr.
Though Green Jr., didn’t win the event he saw it as a good opportunity to help build his brand and gain exposure since he isn’t just a model, but also a recording artist.
“I’m always a networking type of guy and I’m always looking to bridge gaps between modeling and music, allowing me to reach people I probably wouldn’t have reached before so this just helps my visibility, this type of environment,” said Green Jr.
For Ester, he sees this as a stepping-stone to help him get to the top of the mainstream modeling industry.
“I’m trying to go straight to the top. I have a manager who helps me out and I’ve been out to Phoenix and Los Angeles networking,” said Ester.
Ester believes that Coastal Fashion Week is helpful for young aspiring models and helping them branch out and build connections in the modeling industry.
“I have formed good friendships. Everyone has shown me encouragement and support so far, it has been a good experience,” said Ester.
Coastal Fashion Week continues until January 21, where the last stop is in Pensacola, FL.
Kameron Hay 