Renowned designer Diane von Furstenberg will be documenting her search for the first-ever Global Brand Ambassador in her upcoming reality series House of DVF. The show will follow eight young women as they attempt to learn the ropes of the fashion industry under Diane's mentorship while taking their careers to the next level. But will they have what it takes?
The contestants will face a series of exciting but difficult challenges, from planning a press lunch to working during Fashion Week on the DVF Spring 2015 show, and many unexpected things will come up as they attempt to navigate their assignments and execute them to perfection—although things will not always go as expected!
The eight young women who have been chosen come from various backgrounds and expertise, from a fashion blogger and a wardrobe stylist to a fashion photographer, design student and more!
Now let's get ready to meet the potential future DVF Global Brand Ambassadors!
Abigail Petit-Frere
"I am an artist and fashion is my medium," Abigail Petit-Frere says of her career. Abigail has styled a sitcom called gals on Afrotainment TV, has been featured in Awaken Magazine, Ellements Magazine and many others and has styled many in the entertainment industry. The Orlando-based Haitian, 23, aspires to be well-rounded and humble as she shares her style vision: "very eclectic, creative, Afrocentric and full of texture."
Amanda Schauer
Philadelphia-based Amanda Schauer, 22, laid the foundations for her career in fashion at Drexel University as a Fashion Design and Merchandising major. She has also completed internships at Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore and Lilly Pulitzer. Amanda's girly, flirty personal style matches her upbeat and welcoming personality. Her mantra, from a song by the artist India Arie, is "It doesn't cost a thing to smile; you don't have to pay to laugh."
Codi Critchfield
Photographer Codi Critchield, 23, hails from Murray, UT. Her colorfully eclectic vintage style is strongly influenced by her Mormon faith: "I believe in dressing modestly," she says. "Our bodies are so special—I dress to respect myself." Codi became interested in fashion through her work as a portrait photographer, which has enabled her to show people how beautiful they are inside and out. She believes "confidence means having a goal—and reaching it—without losing yourself, your values or your virtues."
Brittany Hampton
Brittany Hampton, 25, was born and raised in San Francisco, CA where her grandmother taught her to love fashion very early in life, teaching her to sew at the age of 5. Brittany has since developed a personal style that is effortless, tomboyish, and expressive of her emotions. Now a Hollywood-based freelance stylist, Brittany became the first in-house stylist for Nickelodeon, handling shoots, press events, and awards shows. Her celebrity clients include Ariana Grande, Jenette McCurdy, and Jaden Smith. Brittany's mantra is "Appreciate yourself, appreciate your body and appreciate your soul."
Kier Mellour
Hollywood-based fashion blogger Kier Mellour, 25, has worked with such diverse brands as Lucky, Puma and BCBG Generation. Drawn to fashion for "the way an outfit makes me feel," Kier has developed a personal style that is feminine, tailored and glamorous. Kier describes herself as "an acquired taste," and lives by the famous saying "Well-behaved women rarely make history."
Jinna Yang
Jinna Yang, a 26-year-old Virginia Beach native, was drawn to fashion for its power to make women feel their best. She built her career in the industry as a stylist, digital strategist and blogger, gaining recognition from such brands as Dolce & Gabbana, Barneys New York and Guess. However, Jinna's life changed dramatically when her father lost his battle with cancer. As he had never had the opportunity to travel, Jinna left her corporate job and took a life-sized cut out of him around the globe. The photo tribute she published was viewed by hundreds of millions of people, giving Jinna a taste of how she might bring inspiration and positive change to the world. Jinna lives by the words: "Don't let success get to your head. Don't let failure get to your heart."
Lenore Genovese
"I love how fashion speaks for you without even saying a word," Lenore Genovese says. In fact, the 24-year-old Staten Island native describes her style as temperamental—her mood decides her look for the day. Confident and motivated, Lenore is a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Proudly Italian, Lenore is very close to her family, particularly her mother, who she describes as "my rock, best friend, strength, role model—my everything."
Tiffani Warkenthien
Tiffani Warkenthien, 19, is a native of the Bronx with professional experience in retail and styling. Tiffani has also taken courses in fashion styling at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She feels she is still finding herself, which is what drew her to fashion. She is attracted to "the way you can be whomever you please, depending on a feeling of a day."