Gallery • 12 Photos

While most Magnet students follow the collegiate path after graduation, Allison Millar chose to continue her career as a model. In an effort to learn more about this Raptor success story, Allison was interviewed, shedding some light onto how she went from Magnet to modeling and what the future may hold.

What year did you graduate from Magnet?

I graduated in 2012.

What year did you start modeling?

I started modeling in 2007.

How did you balance school and modeling?

Balancing the work load at Magnet as well as my career was not easy. Particularly in my junior and senior years, I missed large amounts of school at a time and spent my afternoons with a tutor at the library.

How did modeling effect your social life inside and outside of school?

Many of my classmates did not support my choice to pursue modeling. My social life within school became very difficult. Luckily, I had met other models my age in New York who had similar issues within their schools.

What about modeling first appealed to you? Has it changed over time?

I’ve always had a love for fashion! My younger self dreamed of walking the runway in my own designs; walking the runway in someone else’s seemed like the next best thing! As I got older, I realized that modeling was an amazing way to travel the world and experience other cultures. Now 23, I have lived in 7 different countries.

Do you plan to stay in the industry? If so, what would your dream position be?

As I am recently retired, I don’t know if I will find a permanent place for myself in an ever-changing industry. I am currently prepping to teach both runway and social media seminars to new face models just starting out.

Would you ever do anything outside of the industry?

Yes, definitely! Although fashion and modeling will always be a part of me, I would like to hone some of my other skills and make a different contribution to the world in the future.

Did you find the modeling environment to be competitive or supportive?

The environment of a model is tricky, there will always be people around to support you, but the industry is based on an assortment of opinions, many girls let their competitive instincts get the best of them. There is no rhyme or reason for why anyone makes the choices they do, so it is important to remember you’re only in competition with yourself.

Did you face any adversity as a model?

Yes, I found it was difficult to make friends who were not affiliated with the industry; I think people often generalize models as being snobby, or flighty and have no interest in socializing. Also being an American model I faced a great deal of adversity as many models come from small Eastern European cities and villages and do not have good notions of American culture.

What brands have you modeled for? What are your most notable walks/campaigns?

I’ve modeled for all sorts of brands both high end and fast fashion, I’ve worked with brands such as Abercrombie, Levis, Maybelline, Loreal, Givenchy, Lanvin, Jean Paul Gaultier, Longchamp and Zara. As far as the runway, it’s hard to say; every show is so different, it becomes more about seasons and having an overall successful season can be a huge step up in a models career. Campaigns are always really special because at the time of the shooting you don’t understand how big this job really is until suddenly 6 months later your face is splashed across every bus and billboard and that’s really cool.

Do you plan on going to college, if so where?

After many years in the school of life I have finally realized that there is value in the education system. I’m hoping to enroll at C of C next year in order to stay close to my family for a few years.

How did the lack of support from your classmates shape you? Did you feel differently about high school because of it?

It took me a long time to come to terms with the adversity I faced from my high school classmates. It changed high school from a place where I wanted to be to a place I had to be; it made me more empathetic to people who don’t find their place so early or as easily as others and I’m very grateful to have learned that lesson at a young age. Oddly enough, I have received quite a few apology/congratulation messages from Magnet alumni over the years.

Where have you lived? Where was your favorite?

I have lived in New York, Miami, Spain, France, Greece, London, Italy, and Asia. It’s impossible to choose a favorite as my experiences were so unique. I was able to travel more throughout the country in Spain though, and I spent the most time cumulatively between New York and Paris. Asia was truly unreal though; the culture is so different than what we see in the US. I fell in love with the culture shock.

What have you learned from your experience modeling?

Aside from what I’ve learned about the fashion industry, I’ve learned so much about people and also about myself; I’ve sorted out navigating a new place, adapting to a new culture or situation.. most importantly I know my strengths and weaknesses. I understand how people and the world work, and I can visually see how the small contributions we make every day effect the big picture that connects us all.

Why did you retire?

I was really lucky to take what started as a hobby and transform it into a lifestyle and career. Over the years I’ve just grown out of it and realized that modeling is no longer challenging me the way it used to, and I’d like to challenge myself from a more intellectual or artistic stand point and see where it goes!