Written by: Alisha Mann
Jennifer Koning, Director of JK Models and Kirk Renard, FMA Personality
Down the runway with a lot of attitude, a fierce walk, gorgeous look and a pinch of magic comes Sunny Moon, opening the first of two mini fashion shows at the JK Models one year anniversary celebration, held at Leone on May 12, 2010.
In April of 2009, JK Models became a licensed modeling agency in greater Vancouver. Jennifer Koning took her years of experience and professional work ethic and made a dream a reality. Let me rephrase that, she made many DREAMS reality.
JK Models is not just any modeling agency, “the ultimate goal of JK Models is to bring about awareness, education and hopefully change in the modeling industry.” Utilizing models of diverse ethnic backgrounds and sizes, they have completed their first year in style, as an agency that works with some of Vancouver’s best designers and boutiques.
The soiree was a parallel to Jennifer Koning herself. When first meeting face to face, her unique beauty struck me, she is alluring, with a star quality. She was dressed in a Malene Grotrian Design and wearing exquisite jewelry she made herself. Quickly I learned that she is also warm, fun, friendly, and down to earth. Instantly I liked her and knew why JK Models had a successful first year, as she doesn’t just talk the talk of inner beauty, she walks the walk. The whole evening carried that energy. It felt like a private party of friends and family celebrating and enjoying the fruits of an incredible amount of labor.
Guests were greeted with canapés, Grand Marnier drinks and chances to win door prizes from the local fashion and entertainment industry. Leone, Bombay Brow Bar, Adelphia Group and The Vancouver Opera were just a few of the generous donators. We also had the opportunity to take quality photos in the PIXSTAR Photobooth and get mini-manicures from She to Shic Boutique Beauty Lounge. My good friend and partner in crime for the night Mo Dhaliwal and I took advantage of the photobooth, took some silly shots and have a nice memento.
Vernard LuvnGrace Goud of LUVNGRACE ENTERTAINMENT w/ Meena Mann, FMA Entertainment Weekly Personality
JK Models showcased some ‘top models’ in two fashion shows; the first featuring clothes from L2 Leone, Leone’s edgy, contemporary boutique, and the second featuring luxury designer garments from Leone. The models were resplendent as they showed off a great pairing of clothes and accessories. Master of Ceremones, Kirk Renard and Erin Ireland from FMA Entertainment Weekly, maintained an air of excitement as they kept the crowd entertained and laughing. “Andy Chu, Producer, Manscaper and great lover” was my favorite impromptu introduction of the night by the FMA duo.
One thing that set this event apart from other fashion nights in Vancouver was the vibe. The crowd was as diverse as the models with bloggers, photographers, socialites, fashionistas and honestly just luminous people. JK Models client base turned out to show their support in honor of year one. It was a combination of people that you rarely see in one place. It was obvious to see that the crowd, like Jennifer, was more than just beautiful, they were dazzling and genuine.
“I am extremely proud of the team I had who all volunteered their time to be part of the event. I am particularly proud of my models who truly are beautiful inside and out! The first year has been a lot of very long hours and sleepless nights, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come in just a year! The event went very well considering it was a fairly large scale event and many details to plan! The most important thing was that our guests had a great time and enjoyed the fashion shows!” Jennifer Koning
Showing support designers Christopher Bates and Malene GrotrianAfter the show I had the pleasure of chatting with a few of the models; Sunny Moon, Kyle, Michael, Julia and Owen. This was great because they were so witty and laid back while doing some professional networking. I enjoyed their humor and would endorse working with them anytime. On my way to the exit I was gifted with a Vancouver View magazine and swag. I’m a firm believer that you don’t give out a swag bag unless there is actually swag in it. JK Models put together a really exceptional bag including skin care products, entertainment passes, lipsticks, even a little bottle of Grand Marnier.
Overall the event was a night of positive energy and delight. I look forward to hearing about the future success of JK Models and am waiting in anticipation for Jennifer’s future projects with her jewellery designs.
VancityBuzz.com
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