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'Ultimate platform': aspiring model turns heads at New York Fashion Week

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A Year 11 student is making waves in the world of fashion, creating her own modelling school and taking aspiring models to the runways of New York.

Isabelle Kratz is the co-owner of Buderim fashion boutique Belle Le Chic and owner of Belle Model Co, which shows aspiring models how to pursue their passion for professional modelling, teaching concepts such as walking the runway, interviews, photo shoots and outfit styling.

Isabelle and her mum Jasmine recently travelled to the Bahamas with a group of aspiring models for a fashion shoot, before continuing on to New York Fashion Week to showcase her designs in four shows, as well as doing a photo shoot in Central Park.

Isabelle said the experience of the New York trip was invaluable.

“Strutting the runways of the Big Apple can innovate and establish your reputation in the industry in the most prestigious fashion event in the world,” she said.

“It is the ultimate platform to showcase your skills amongst industry insiders, photographers, acclaimed designers and agents that could potentially open doors to opportunities.

Isabelle in a modelling shoot in Central Park. Picture: JY Moreno Photography

“The whole experience in three simple words is iconic, glamourous and innovative.

“The way you are able to connect and immerse yourself into this sometimes-overwhelming but creative world is just incredible. Being able to be a part of the most prestigious fashion event in the world is life-changing.”

The Chancellor State College student is studying fashion as part of the University of the Sunshine Coast Headstart program, as well as a Diploma of Business to continue growing her businesses.

“My future goals in the modelling and fashion world include growing my name in the industry, as well as increasing the exposure on my brands Belle Le Chic and Belle Model Co,” she said.

“I plan to build my platform as well as progressing my knowledge through my studies, to implement these skills in my career pathway.

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“Studying fashion at UniSC as a 16-year-old student has opened my eyes to the whole community that is the fashion industry, and immersing myself into this pathway allows me to apply this knowledge when showcasing Belle Le Chic on the international runways.”

Isabelle said she was drawn into the world of fashion and modelling by the connections the industry offers.

Isabelle (second from left) with other models wearing Belle Le Chic gowns. Picture: North Mode Media/Chloe Horder

“I am in love with the creativity, self-expression and community that the modelling and fashion world diversifies,” she said.

“It allows you to be completely and utterly yourself, providing you with the unique opportunity to convey personality and identity.

“The workplace and meaningful connections you create with like-minded individuals is also a major factor in why I do what I do.

You can connect so deeply with someone that shares the same love as you, and this is where lifelong friendships are bound.”

For more on Isabelle and her achievements click here.

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