1. What is the meaning behind your name?
Kori Lei, is an alias, my parents met at a Prince concert so theatricality is part of my DNA. Modeling has given me the opportunity to experiment. "Lei" actually comes from my middle name Leah, I decided to change the spelling to Leia (like the Star Wars princess). Dropping the "a" seemed to give it more punch.
Kandace Leah was my father's idea, I might adopt the original again. I don't tend to attach much permanence to labels, I think in another 20 years I might try something different, same initials.
2. Where were you born, and grow up?
I'm from Pikesville, Maryland. I just look like I'm from anywhere else in the world.
3. How old were you when you starting modeling?
. I began modeling this past Summer.
4. What made you want to be a model?
When I discovered fashion it was as a blogger. I was immersed in trends, interviewing serious models, but I never saw myself as any sort of contender. They were always these tall, otherworldly women. I'm very much of the earth. When I opened magazines I never saw any women who resembled me, so I never entertained the idea.
My first shoot fell into my lap, universal twitch, I like trying new things, that Summer was dull. I was climbing through riverbanks in heels, hugging cliff and graffiti under an overpass. I took a few photos, made a portfolio for the heck of it.
5. What style do you prefer when modeling?
I'm a minimalist. I'd like to run screaming from commercial. I like to push my fashion boundaries. I think like a European and taboos amuse me. I've been craving edgy lifestyle inspired editorials. Recently inspired by the greats; Cindy, Linda, Cristy. There is a real strength, glamor, and sense of fun there that seems largely missing from fashion today. I'd love to bring that back.
6. Is modeling a full time job? If not what else do you do?
Right now I am very focused on modeling. I work in promotions but my ultimate goal is to make my living as an artist.
Models get to experiment with a wide variety of genres and mediums. I couldn't ask for anything more. I plan on testing the waters for a few more months to see what happens. Give it my all, if it's a pipe dream, go back to kicking butt behind the scenes, focus more on the other things I like to do.
7. What type of photographer do you like. One that directs every move, or one that lets you just do your own thing?
I need a sense of flow so too much direction can be stifling. However, attention to detail shows me that they are as engaged as I am. Please pull on my clothes to make sure they're straight, push my hair out of my face. I'm an animal!
I thrive with photographers who are confident enough to help me streamline my instincts. It's a fine line between an image I'm proud of and one nobody will ever see.
8. What do you like best. To shoot on set, or to shoot on location, and why.
I like to mix it up but keep it balanced. I'd love to play with city scapes and incorporate bystanders. Guerrilla fashion, shooting in places where it's not allowed, always creates good photos and memories.
9. Do you go on shoots alone, or do you take an escort?
I may be a small girl but I've got enough attitude to keep myself safe. I'm streetwise, if I had doubts I wouldn't go in the first place.
10. How do your parents feel about you being a model?
My dad is very encouraging. He likes showing my photos to his friends and coworkers, coming to shows. I believe he's both proud and surprised his DNA turned out the way it did.
11. Do like to work alone, or do you mind working with other models?
I like either, depends on the photographer's skill and style as well as the models.
12. Sexual Orientation?
I don't entertain labels.
13. Do you like working with male or female models better?
I've worked with another girl, never with a boy, I'd like to experiment with gender tension, larger co-ed groups.
14. What is your favorite junk or comfort food?
I've been Macrobiotic for a couple weeks so junk food isn't really in my vocabulaty at the moment. However, I will always have a hankering for Sticky Fingers Vegan bakery in Columbia Heights, that faux tuna melt is amazing!
15. What do you sleep in?
Depends on the climate and context.16. Dogs or Cats?
I like all Earthlings irregardless of species. However I live with a cat and a rabbit.17. How many tattoos do you have?
Zero18. Showers or Baths?
Bath if I have a good tub, if not I go for the shower.
19. When you are in front of the camera what do you feel?
In front of the camera, I'm quiet, hardly speaking, as if I'm in a haze or a dream. When the vibe is right I slow down and clear my mind, focus on whatever I want to or nothing at all.
20. What do you like to do on your days off
Exercise, organize, pull wardrobe, read, watch classic movies, visit museums, take notes.
21. Do you like interacting with your fans?
I believe in a sense of creative community. On a slow day the tribe can be a pick me up and when I get too excited they can keep me cool.
22. How do you deal with fans that become let's say a problem
It's only a problem if I care.
23. Are you single?
I'm independent, way too focused on my goals to care for another human. It would be unfair.
24. T.V Or Computer?
I don't own a TV or watch TV shows online. I designed my home to be entertaining otherwise.
25. Have you had a bad experience during a photo shoot?
Getting sub-par photos back is the worst part of an unprofessional experience.
27. How long do you think you will continue to model?
I'll leave that up to fate. Depends heavily on the next chunk of time.
28. What is the one thing most people don't know about you that would shock them if they knew?
I litter!
Actually I don't litter but that would be shocking.
29. When home alone what is your perfect day?
Watching classic films, playing with my pets, brainstorming, blogging, reading, lots of tea.
30. Do you have a wish-list for fans to send you stuff?
http://okgenius.wordpress.com/
31. Where else can we find you?
My Fashion Blog:
Facebook:
Model Mayhem:
YouTube
There you have it folks. An inside look into the world of Kori Lei. I hope you enjoyed this week's interview. Next week we bring you Jessica Franklin. Jessica is a lot of fun. I have worked with her several times over the last few years, and look forward to working with her again on January 22nd. Wait until you see this one. Be sure to come, back and check out her interview next Sunday.
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Until next week. "Keep your eye on the subject, and your finger on the shutter"
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