Photography: Tina Chang
Styling: Ivan Jimenez
Hair: Amy Laing Of Ponytails & horseshoes
Makeup: Nickol Walkemeyer of The Vaulte using M.A.C. Cosmetics
Moden: Meghan Collison of Mode Models
Photographed at The Art Gallery of Alberta & Royal Alberta Museum
Outfit and jewellery from Chanel
As a teenager, Meghan Collison had often been told the requisite “you’re tall enough to be a model” but never thought much about it until her mother heard a radio ad for Mode Models’ talent search. Collison decided to try out and, to her surprise, won a modelling contract. “It was then that I thought ‘Oh, maybe I can do this. This could be a thing,'” Collison recalls.
So, she finished high school and, one year after signing with Mode, moved to New York City in 2007.
Ten years later, she’s still living in (and loving) New York City and the modelling thing has blossomed into countless runway shows, multiple covers of Vogue Italia, and the 2017 Model of the Year award at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA). But no matter what she’s working on, she always makes time to visit her family in Edmonton for pierogi dinners – “home is where the heart is, and Edmonton is definitely still home. I’m proud to be Canadian.” Self-Portrait jumpsuit from Holt Renfrew; Ceylon blue, cushion-cut sapphire diamond ring from Michael Anthony Jewellers; Gregg Ruth white and yellow gold dangle earrings from Michael Anthony Jewellers; Anna tights from Simons; Manolo Blahnik shoes from Holt Renfrew
Q: Do you set goals for yourself?
A: I tend to go with the flow, but at the same time I try to visualize what I want and try to be as positive as possible. I think that translates into good things in my life, which to me means achieving my goals. Even though I’ve been modelling for 10 years, there are still people I would like to work with but I’m grateful for whatever comes my way.
Q: What is your approach to social media, and what do you use it for?
A: I tend to use social media as a way to show people who I really am in my own life. When I model I’m always a character, in a way. I like Instagram because I can just be Meghan. I love travelling, so I post a lot of travel photos. RED Valentino jacket from Simons; Studio Nicholson pants from GravityPope
Q: Who do you think is doing something interesting right now in regards to fashion?
A: I’ll forever love what [photographer] Steven Meisel does. I love looking at his editorials. He really inspires me. I think his vision is like no one else’s and, along with that, I’m really grateful that he’s been the most supportive person of my career through the 10 years. He’s given me so many opportunities and he gave me my very first cover of Vogue Italia in 2007 when I first started, and so many covers after that.
Outfit and jewellery from Chanel
Q: What are your thoughts on the current Canadian fashion industry?
A: I love Malorie Urbanovitch, she’s dressed me for a few events and I think her stuff is just so chic and she’s a really amazing human as well. Canadian fashion is amazing and I’m so glad there’s an awards program [CAFA] to recognize that, there’s so much talent here.
Q: What continues to keep you interested in modelling?
A: I like the creativity aspect, it’s really fun to be a character and dress up and be around so many creative people. And I love the travel aspect as well. This world is so amazing and getting to go to new countries is always neat. Travelling brings me so much joy so I like to do it as much as possible. Ace Studios top from Gravity Pope; Balmain jacket from Simons; Judith and Charles pants from Holt Renfrew; Voila socks from Simons; Prada shoes from Holt Renfrew; Courage black onyx and gold ring from So Pretty Cara Cotter MICHAEL Michael Kors coat and blouse; Hugo Boss pants from Holt Renfrew; Slack London shoes from Gravity Pope; Tiffany & Co. bracelet; Tiffany & Co. earrings; Voila socks from Simons
This article appears in the September 2017 issue of Avenue Edmonton. Subscribe here.
