Interview With Fashion Model Alissa Musto

Hi There..... Have you ever dreamed of becoming a fashion model? Do you think you’ve got what it takes to do modeling jobs?

Picture provided by Alissa Musto

https://www.alissamusto.com/

I can’t say I never dreamed of it, but since I am only 1.65m and wasn’t the skinny type, I never pursued it. Doesn’t almost every young girl want to be admired by everyone? All just by looking pretty and glamorous? 😎

Now that I’ve grown up a little, I know it’s not all shimmer and shine. You need thick skin and lots of patience. 😊

Those modeling jobs can take long hours in uncomfortable working conditions. I’ve seen it in a few series where they look for the next best fashion models. 😳

They don’t just get to do what they like. They have to take directions from the photographer, or his crew, who can criticize them over their looks. 😩

Nah, that wouldn’t have been good for me. I was an incredibly shy girl with low self-esteem. 😢

Hard to believe, I know, but I swear on my mother's grave it’s true. Hmm, I wonder if I can say this since she got cremated. 😕

You know, I would have been a perfect fit if they would need a tomato impersonator. Red is still my favorite color. 😂

I suppose this next fashion model on my blog didn’t have problems with being shy. Or would she? Let’s find out what she answered to my questions. 😍

Picture provided by Alissa Musto

What is your name? How old are you?

My name is Alissa Musto and I am 27 years old

Are you on Social Media? How many followers do you have?

Yes! My Instagram is @AlissaMustoMusic and my Facebook page is www.Facebook.com/AlissaMusto

I am at about 10k followers on Instagram and 13k followers on Facebook, and I’m at the beginning stages of TikTok (better late than never!)

Do you work Full-time or Part-time as a Fashion Model?

Part-time! I am a full-time performer, and modeling jobs are only a part of what I do. I also sing, play music, and act.

What made you decide to become a Fashion Model?

I first got introduced to the world of modeling when I started competing in pageants at 20 years old. 

At the time, Miss America's competitors participated in both evening gown and swimsuit modeling portions of the competition. I was crowned Miss Massachusetts 2016 and went on to compete at Miss America, where I placed in the Top 15. 

Being Miss Massachusetts opened the door to several modeling opportunities: I participated in photoshoots, sponsorships with clothing brands and boutiques, and bridal and formalwear showcases.

Prior to this, I always assumed you had to be tall to be a professional model! I’m only 5’4 (1.63m). Pageants gave me an opportunity to get my foot in the door with modeling and even after my reign, it continued to be part of my career.

How many hours do you spend modeling?

It depends on the gig! Some modeling gigs can be an all-day affair, but usually, I’m on set for 4-5 hours for a shoot. When I was preparing for pageants, I would practice my walk for a couple of hours a day.

Picture provided by Alissa Musto

Is fashion important to you? Why?

I believe your clothes should be the least interesting thing about you, and the person wearing them should be what truly shines. However, I believe fashion is important because it gives individuals an opportunity to express themselves and their creativity. 

Having my own unique sense of style is something that has set me apart on stage, in pageants, and in my day-to-day personal life. It’s an opportunity for me to showcase who I am and make an impression.

What are your successes and how did you achieve them?

Aside from being crowned Miss Massachusetts, my biggest successes in the entertainment industry have been appearing in projects for household names like Delta, Marriott, Jerome Alexander Cosmetics, Home Shopping Network, and House of Wu, also my accomplishments in the music field. 

I'm a lifelong musician and have had the opportunity to perform around the world as a guest entertainer on luxury cruise ships, sing at major professional sporting events, appear on national television, and open for country artist, Maren Morris.

I believe I’ve been able to achieve these successes because I don’t let setbacks or being told “no” discourage me or phase me. I grew up in this industry and every success is preceded by dozens of rejections. 

It’s a tough pill to swallow initially and it can be emotionally draining. However, I’ve never looked at quitting as an option and I know if I don’t go out and pursue opportunities, they won’t fall in my lap.

What’s something you might want to do in the future?

I’m always open to new opportunities and experiences, so if something I’ve never done before was thrown my way, I’d probably be down to try it! 

I actually just started taking the first steps towards something that has secretly been on my bucket list; designing a clothing line! I have a few designs ready and am setting up my shop and preparing to fully launch in 2023.

Is the name of the Brand important to you when you model clothing?

A gig is a gig! The name of the brand is not important to me when I model unless I have moral/ethical objections to the brand, which in that case, I simply won’t apply for or accept the modeling job. 

I admire every designer because like myself, I consider them creators. It doesn’t matter if their creations are the most expensive or popular in the world; I just love being part of the process of someone’s vision materializing and becoming art. 

Working with bigger brands is always an exciting experience on set because I have an immense amount of respect for the designers and their entrepreneurship and success. However, the name of the brand does not solely determine whether I accept the gig or my experience on set.

Describe your personal style of clothing?

I actually buy most of my clothing from thrift and secondhand stores. I have an appreciation and love for vintage and retro clothing and also feel a responsibility to make sustainable and resourceful clothing choices in a world of fast fashion and ethically problematic production methods.

As a stage performer, I like a bit of drama in my wardrobe: bold prints, sequins, rhinestones, and interesting colors. Music is also a huge inspiration in how I dress, so my style definitely incorporates influence from rock n’ roll legends and pop icons.

How did you find your personal style? Do you have a signature look?

I believe our personal styles are always growing and evolving. My signature look depends on what I’m doing! I think costumes are an important part of an overall concert experience, so if I’m performing, I like to be on stage in sequins, rhinestones, and unique pieces. 

If I’m in an interview or a more subdued setting, I like vintage dresses and bold accessories. However, on a typical day, I’m most likely black jeans and combat boots and one of my many eclectic jean jackets. I found my personal style through many of the musicians and performers I look up to.

Picture provided by Alissa Musto

Do you have an influence on other people’s clothing style?

I hope so! If I’m wearing something that I bought second-hand and someone compliments my outfit, I will always use it as an opportunity to tell them I bought it at a thrift shop to encourage sustainable and environmentally-friendly clothing choices.

What are in your eyes the best trends at the moment?

I love that some of the best looks from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s have made a comeback. I’m personally a huge fan of flared pants, platform heels, windbreakers and bomber jackets, and high-waisted mom jeans.

What are in your eyes the worst trends at the moment?

Fast fashion.

What kind of fashion advice would you give us?

Invest in a few high-quality timeless pieces that you absolutely love and you’ll wear all the time, rather than filling your closet with junk you’ll wear once or even worse---will sit in your closet for months with the tags still on. It’s a waste of space, resources, and money.

Who is your style icon and why?

Elton John! I love the feathers, the sequins, the colors, the sunglasses, and the “wow” factor he always seems to have. Throughout his very long career, he has remained unapologetically himself and his style aligns with that mindset. His style is bold, but it works because it compliments his confidence and dynamic performances.

Is there something else you would like to share with us?

I think there are a lot of misconceptions about what a “model” is. I know professional, working models of every size, shape, race, height, and color. 

While everybody isn’t going to be the right fit for every project, there are modeling opportunities for everyone, especially as the entertainment industry becomes a more inclusive and toxic culture, and practices are increasingly getting called out. 

I’m glad I didn’t let my own insecurities about my height prevent me from ever pursuing modeling. I’m looking forward to it becoming an increasingly important component of my career and gaining the skills and experience to grow.

Picture provided by Alissa Musto

Thank you, Alissa, for answering my questions. I love your point of view on pageants in the blog post below that I found on your Facebook page. 😍

https://alissamusto.medium.com/after-the-crowns-gowns-five-life-lessons-i-learned-from-competing-in-beauty-pageants-c473bfd9532

If you still have some time left, you could check out my previous fashion model interviews:

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/2023/01/interview-with-fashion-model-sage-suede.html

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/2022/11/interview-with-fashion-model-taylor-ava.html

Hope you like my blog.....Until next time.....Have a nice day 

Renata (Seadbeady) 

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