And Now, Featuring Savilla: Model and Clothing Designer From Vancouver

Savilla has been involved in the fashion industry for a long time. She has extensive experience as a model, having worked as a model since she was 16 years old. Savilla has appeared in various ads, billboards, magazines, commercials and much more.

As a designer, she has been sewing since she was 15 years old. Savilla designs beautiful, custom swimwear for all body types. She believes that when it comes to clothing "anything is possible", and thus uses her creativity to bring her unique designs into the world of fashion.

She is very talented as a model, actress, and designer. Personally, I am a fan of her work.

I am very glad that I was able to ask her a few questions about her career and her achievements in the fashion industry.

AVIVA:What got you started in this industry?
SAVILLA: Designing: My mother said I started drawing at age 2, and I would draw very elaborate shoes and dresses. I always had an interest in beautiful clothing, but what made me actually start sewing is my inability to find clothes that fit me well. I was a very skinny and tall teen, and size zero didn't exist back then. So I bought size 3 and altered them. I taught myself how to sew on my grandmother's Singer at age 15. It was then that I discovered that anything was possible in the way of clothing.

Modeling: The concept of being a model never occurred to me as a young girl, because I never thought I was pretty. My mother was a model and a beauty queen, and she entered me into a beauty pageant when I was 16 without my knowledge. I protested, but participated anyway. I ended up winning first runner-up, and won a partial scholarship for my college education. Later, I was approached by a the same talent scout who discovered Linda Evangelista. I signed with a NY modeling agency that year, however furthering my education was always my top priority.


AVIVA: How would you describe your involvement in the fashion industry?
SAVILLA: I work as a designer and a pattern maker. I like to fit the clothes on myself, so I get a good idea of what feels and looks good, and what is practical to wear. This gives me an idea of what I think would sell and what wouldn't. I never thought I'd still be modeling in my forties, but here I am.


AVIVA: You are also a model. What are some of your accomplishments as a model?
SAVILLA: Here are the credits from my portfolio:
PRINT WORK: Magazines, Billboards, Catalogs, Calendars, Posters, etc.
Worked all over North America and Europe.
ACTING:
Acted in many films, TV shows, commercials, and documentaries.
Supporting actress in the film "September" which won a Leo award.
Voice-over and ADR for films.
Body double for main actress in TV show "Killer Instinct".
TV FEATURES (as myself):
Urban Rush, The Express, Anna & Kristina's Beauty Call.
OTHER:
Runway for several designers in NY.
Fit model.
Artists' model.
Playboy "Girls of Golf" model.
Buffalo Bandits Pro Lacrosse cheerleader for 3 seasons.
Hair model for Redken, Sebastian, and FHI Heat.
Foot, legs and hand model for various ads.
Model and spokesperson for charities involving organ donation awareness.


AVIVA: Besides swimwear, what else do you make/design?
SAVILLA: Jewelry, evening gowns, wedding dresses, costumes, uniforms and dog coats. I also paint on canvas.


AVIVA: What is your favorite thing about designing clothing?
SAVILLA: The freedom to let my creativity flow. So many things inspire me, so when I get an idea, I usually drop everything and go to work on it. Sometimes the best designs come from just experimenting and making mistakes along the way.


AVIVA: What are some of the notable publications where your designs have appeared?
SAVILLA: Victoria's Secret, Frederick's of Hollywood, various online sites, TV shows, commercials and films. I also designed the cheerleader and dance costumes for several pro sports teams.


AVIVA: Do you have an exciting/strange/weird shoot experience (in your career as a model and designer) that you would like to share?
SAVILLA: Modeling is a business like any other profession, so I always maintain a friendly yet professional attitude. I ask for references, and I request all the pertinent information regarding the photographer and the shoot prior to the event. Therefore I've been lucky in avoiding potentially dangerous situations. I have had a few embarrassing/funny things happen...
I walked the runway with my skirt tucked into the front of my pantyhose.
I had a photo shoot with Fabio in the early '90s, and during the shoot, he gave my bum a good squeeze! I was so shocked and my expression showed that in a few of the shots.
At an auto show when I was showing the Delta 88 in the late '90s, I asked why they would show an old car from the '80s! The boys got a good laugh out of that one.

Funny story in my design career: I costumed several plays in NY, and one year I designed for "The Wiz". I was rushing to meet a deadline, and a couple of my sewers didn't work out, so I sewed like crazy to get the costumes ready for the first performance. Maybe I didn't give the attention to detail that I should have, because in the Emerald City dance scene, there were two wardrobe malfunctions. On of the male actors split his pants wide open, then when one of the female dancers turned quickly and separated from her partner, she faced the audience, while the top part of her dress had ripped off and was attached to her partner's suit jacket! It turned into the adult version of "The Wiz"!


AVIVA: If you weren't modeling or designing clothes, what else do you see yourself doing?
SAVILLA: I'm sure I'd be involved in something that involves talking with people or public speaking. I'm very outgoing and I really enjoy a social atmosphere where I can interact with interesting people. I would also be more involved in charity work. I currently volunteer for charities that raise awareness about organ donation as well as animal rescue. I would love to have a large property where I could care for homeless dogs.


AVIVA: If money was no object, what would be your ultimate goal in the fashion industry?
SAVILLA: Money doesn't enter the equation for me because I'm already doing what I love and I'm happy. BUT... if anyone is looking for a fashion commentator for a TV show, I wouldn't turn it down!


AVIVA: Do you have any last comments?
SAVILLA: In fashion, I think it's important to wear what you like and what makes you feel good and compliments you. It's great to watch trends, but you don't necessarily have to follow them. Don't be afraid of color... basic black is easy, but it can also be boring and predictable. It's OK to be a little different because that's what makes you unique.

To see Savilla's work, please click HERE
Follow Savilla Swimwear on FACEBOOK
Model Mayhem Accounts: Modeling, Clothing Designer

I thank Savilla for her time, and I wish her all the best for many years to come.

Aviva