In the local fashion scene, almost every brand is represented by an image model; someone whose qualities embody a certain look and personality.
Cinderella, the clothing retail store considered as one of the respected pillars in the industry, is bringing their fashion forward this 2006. Its new look, together with more than a handful foreign brands, is in their age of style reinvention. In this time of chic change, the search was on for a new face. From hundreds of aspirants, only a few made the cut. A handful were considered, but only one could be the star. Meet 22-year-old Noelle Mendezona Hernandez, the Face of Cinderella.
What was you initial reaction when you found out you were the new face of Cinderella?
I was absolutely speechless! The idea that it was me actually took a while to settle in; and when it finally did, I was just filled with excitement. This is my first big endorsement, so aside from all the rush, I’m actually very thankful that my first experience is with Cinderella.
Why Cinderella?
It’s a brand that I grew up with, which leaves me with a sense of familiarity to what Cinderella is all about. This helped me feel more comfortable and confident endorsing the brand since it is something not new to me. Second, the creative team behind the brand and the campaign were such a great bunch that my entire experience so far had been fantastic. Everyone was very professional, fun and easy to work with; they all helped me in their own way so I would get to know the industry better. Lastly, Cinderella has a lot of great in-store brands like Esprit, Rampage, U2, NafNaf and Seventeen. There is a wide variety of clothes, shoes and accessories and most of them are reasonably priced. I like the fresh new style forward look in this campaign that is wholesome, young and feminine that pretty much sums up who I am as well.
What are your limits in terms of modeling?
It would have to be as far as I can go with it, but based on my priorities. I know it’s not something I’ll be doing forever so it isn’t my number one priority. Pursuing my dreams by getting a good education comes first. I’m just happy with whatever I can get out of it. Plus, I’m only 5’2 1/2, how far can that get me? Haha! I’m really a shy person by nature. In fact, it even took a lot of convincing from my sister to get me to go on my first shoot. Modeling, however, has helped me step out of my comfort zone and that was a great deal!
What’s the best you can offer as a model?
Youth. I’m 21 years old, but I don’t look my age. Someone once told me that I looked younger. Another is the versatility of my face. I can look very Asian or at other times, very European. It also seems that I can manage to look different in each photo.
How do you deal with insecurities? Competition?
There could be a lot of things to be insecure about in modeling if you don’t know how to handle yourself. There will always be someone taller, prettier, sexier, fresher, etc. But having the right frame of mind makes me simply happy with who I am. I don’t judge others nor do I compare. I pretty much told myself from the start to have a happy-go-lucky approach to this whole thing in general, but try to be very professional when it’s time for actual jobs or when making decisions. I’ve pretty much realized from the start to never take things personally when it comes to modeling which is really important when dealing with insecurities and competition.
What is your dream campaign?
I would want something that would allow me to travel. I’d also like to have a campaign where I get to be with my sister, Nicole Hernandez. I think that would be pretty awesome.
Who is the real Noelle?
I’m just a steady person, laid-back and natural. I love God, my family and friends. It is because of them that I am who I am.
What are your goals, dreams and aspirations?
I’ll be graduating soon with a degree in Marketing Management at the De La Salle University. Right now, I know that I would want to work for a good company for a couple of years just so that I get the necessary experience to equip me to manage our family business and then put up my own. I am also greatly fond of computers, gadgets, editing, drawing and now a new interest in photography seems to be developing so I do hope that I can find something wherein I could get to do them all. I would even like to take some art and painting, multimedia, and/or photography courses in the future. Obviously, it seems that I would want and need something that would allow me to express myself through creativity. If I don’t get much of that at work, then I’ll make sure I take up a leisure activity that will allow me some creative time. Lastly, I love to travel. I would jump at any opportunity to get to see the world!
I want to do so many things that it’s possible that I may not get to do them all in my lifetime. But my greatest aspiration of all is that, whatever path I end up taking, I’m happy and close to the people that mean the world to me.
What’s your take on morals and values?
Ever since my first paycheck, I started tithing. It’s really my sister’s influence on me. She always stresses the importance of sharing with others whatever blessings we have received.
How do you define popularity and success?
Success is always something I would want to work hard for. As for popularity, that’s a different story. I’m such a laid-back and natural person. Sometimes I can be such a hermit that I wouldn’t know what it means to be popular nor would I go out and look for it. Sure, it’s always great to add more people into your network but I think I’m just really the type who finds it more important to look out for the few that I could actually build strong relationships with and learn from.
(E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com)