New York-based model Chloe, livin' it up.CLODINE 'CHLOE' Luton did not grow up dreaming about being a model. In fact, she entered the Miss Jamaica Fashion Model competition in 1998 on a whim. "Lots of people kept telling me I looked like a model so I decided to call Pulse. They told me to bring a swimsuit and heels..."
The rest, as they say, is history. The 5'9" Luton went on to win the contest and now lives in Manhattan, New York, where she is signed to Code Model Management. Locally, the 22-year-old is represented by Saint International, her 'support system', which she credits with her success. "Without a good agency this wouldn't be possible. They push you to make something of yourself even when the days are slow."
She recently landed a deal with Dark & Lovely as one of the new faces of the hair care giant's campaign, and just completed an eight-page spread in the European fashion bible, Avant Garde. Luton also graced the pages of December's Marie Claire and was the only black model on the runway for Dolce & Gabbana at the unveiling of the brilliant twosome's collection earlier this year in the Hamptons, New York. Next month, after New York's Fashion Week, she will jet off to South Africa for several projects and will travel to Singapore in June for their fashion season.
Born in Burnt Savannah, St. Elizabeth, she attended Hampton High school and did sixth form at Excelsior High in Kingston.
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT
"I decided to model instead of going to medical school in Cuba because I thought it would be worth pursuing. I gave up a whole lot so I am determined to make it work."
WORDS OF WISDOM
"If you decide to be a model you need to understand that it is a business. You will invest time and money but you will have to wait and see. Once you have what it takes you have to be patient."
JOB SATISFACTION
No complaints from Chloe about hideous haute couture or scary smoky eyes, "I haven't worn anything I hate. I'm getting paid to wear these clothes...I'm really grateful for every job I get."
SOUL FOOD
"I'm a vegetarian. I love calaloo and breadfruit. When I'm in New York I always go to Brooklyn to get Jamaican food. I have to have it."
CATWALK
"I love the runway. Although when you do catalogues you get paid more, I love doing shows. I've done shows for Intimate Apparel, Dolce & Gabbana, and (newcomers) Louder Milk and Shimili."
FASHION ROLE MODELS
"Naomi Campbell and Lois Samuels, beautiful black women who have made it to the top."
HEAVY ROTATION
"I listen to a lot of cultural music. Every day I discover something new. In my CD player I have Luciano, Peter Tosh, and Bob Marley -- Rastafarian music."
DESIGNER THREADS
"I like (Roberto) Cavalli, (his) clothes make you stand out."
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...
"That's easy, my shades. I love fashionable glasses."
- Ayanna Kirton
