Friends & Neighbors: Model in the making?
North Stonington resident Lila Van Frachen is getting some experience as a model in New York City at the young age of 12.
A North Stonington Elementary School student, Lila started modeling last February during New York’s Fashion Week with Prestige at Gotham Hall.
“I was encouraged to submit her photo into a contest by Connecticut-based designer Kat Couture,” Lila’s mom, Laura Kahler, said in an email. “Lila won first place, which included walking the runway, a designer Kat Couture outfit and photos from a fashion photographer.”
Kahler said Lila enjoys the excitement of modeling, the beautiful garment designs, traveling, and meeting new people.
“I noticed Lila had a flair for dressing up when she was 3,” she said. “She would put together all sorts of skirts, tops, and even sneak into my own heels and strut around the house.”
In September, Lila walked with Prestige for two different designers. She was asked to return for designer Kat Couture, and she walked for Adrianna Ostrowska, who lives and designs in Poland.
Lila will be walking next in December with The Fashion Parade at DisneyWorld in Florida. She will be modeling for Kat Couture, My Little Matilda, and Texas designer Mila Hoffman.
Following Orlando, Lila will return to the New York Fashion Week in February for Canadian design house Kayzie Couture.
“Lila is looking forward to a photo shoot with The House of Barretti in NYC also,” her mom said. “Lila is hoping to model in magazines in the near future with couture designers, teen fashions and commercial opportunities.”
At this point, Lila is enjoying her modeling and is considering it as a long- term career.
She also enjoys figure skating, dancing, acting and the three cats that live with her. In addition, she is currently involved in the Miss Connecticut Pre-Teen pageant with East Coast USA.
Photographer:
Luis Omar Cajias
Designer: Kat Couture
Model: Lila Van Frachen
Location: Prestige at Gotham Hall, NYC
HAMU: Prestige House
Editing: Theresa Litchfield
Lila is currently represented by CT kids talent agency.
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