USA: U.S model Mirielle Butigian talks about her Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week preparations and what it's like to be a model

Record ID: 198947

  • Title: USA: U.S model Mirielle Butigian talks about her Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week preparations and what it's like to be a model
  • Date: 14th February 2011
  • Summary: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (FEBRUARY 10, 2011) (REUTERS) (*** FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ***) MODEL MIRIELLE BUTIGEN BACKSTAGE CLOSE UP OF MIRIELLE BUTIGEN BACKSTAGE WEARING SUNGLASSES PAN OF MODELS BACKSTAGE (SOUNDBITE) (English) MIRIELLE BUTIGEN, MODEL, SAYING: "Well you know, I think just sleep, make sure you get a lot of sleep, eat healthy just so that physic
  • Embargoed: 1st March 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa, Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA2LRZXAJKXCVL4K1KF0HP8LF1W
  • Story Text: For many the clothes are the highlight of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, but you wouldn't see those garments if it wasn't for the models.
    Agents from all over the world send their models to New York for Fashion Week. On average each girl will work approximately 3 shows a day, which can take a toll on even the fittest person.
    "Make sure you get a lot of sleep, eat healthy just so that physically if you're in the right state then you know mentally you will be in the right state too, said APM Model Mirielle Butigen who is appearing in her second New York Fashion Week.
    For Butigen, a student at New York college Adelphi University, coming in contact with people from all over the world is what excites her most about this week.
    "I'm American, but a lot of guys and girl models are from all over the world so it's really awesome just to meet new people. And talk about where they're from," said Butigen.
    Butigen started off her fashion week at the Mara Hoffman presentation. Different from a runway show, models stand for approximately an hour while spectators walk around to view the collection. While some may view the models as statues, Butigen says it's all about how you think about things.
    "I still feel like a human being who thinks and talks, and does different things. I don't consider myself like a mannequin. It's all about your mental state," explained Butigen as her fingertips were being painted black.
    One of the biggest model myths is that the girls are either anorexic or bulimic. However, the 19-year-old says it's just the opposite for her.
    "I've been really blessed that I a super fast metabolism. So it's actually hard for me, like I have to, especially with fashion week you're running around. So I have to eat more just to keep my weight up because I have such a fast metabolism," the 19-year-old model told Reuters.
    "I think what makes a good model is that she's committed and that she knows, you know obviously knows what she's going in for and how prepared she is. I think like in any profession, any career, the more prepared you are the better you do," APM booker Guillermo Perez said. This level professionalism has helped Butigen book five shows so far, and is currently on hold for several others.
    Butigen can currently be seen in Elle Mexico, Harpers International and Nylon magazine.
    Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York runs from February 10-17.
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