Modeling opportunities arose organically when I moved to Manhattan, which probably has the most beauty per square foot—in terms of real estate and people!—of any city on the planet. Not surprising, when it is the cultural, financial, media, and entertainment capital of the world! There’s something special about the energy here that draws talented folks from around the globe.

My Karen’s Quirky Style column has been published monthly in Manhattan newspapers since early 2019. I currently publish the column in Chelsea News. You can find back issues in The Village Sun and WestView News. On this page, I’ll tell you about some other modeling highlights in my beloved NYC.

Print Ads

Juice and Joy

My first print ad was for Juice and Joy in 2019, and my pic was on their sandwich board on Sixth Avenue near West 10th Street in the West Village for years. They also used my image on their Instagram account and for in-store advertising. I was happy to help promote this local, one-of-a-kind healthy restaurant with Joy in the title! Sadly, they closed in early 2024. Their spicy lentil soup was the best comfort on a cold day.

I wish all the best to owner Mo Noar, aka the film director, writer, and producer Monière—whose soulful accomplishments include a documentary series called Zen Nation—and the friendly crew behind the counter as they move on to other opportunities.

Jerri’s Cleaners

In 2022, my go-to drycleaner with the friendliest folks in the city, Jerri’s Cleaners, engaged me for a six-month ad campaign in print, online, and in The Village Sun’s daily email newsletter.

I was thrilled to help promote this local West Village business that has been around since before I was born! The first ad I did for them was their Halloween ad in October 2020. I look forward to collaborating to help support their style of exceptional service in the future.

If you’re walking by their store on Sixth Avenue, be sure to check out their seasonal windows. Their artistic staff do the paintings themselves!

Runway Modeling

I’ve worked as a runway model in fantastic New York locations ranging from Washington Square Park to the United Nations.

I loved wearing this striking Nime Jamal gown—with black lace over an unexpected geometric-print, cotton-kerchief skirt—at a fashion show for the Nigerian Embassy. It was a fundraiser and the models donated a full day to help set up the event and then walk the runway.

One of the most iconic catwalks in the West Village is Bleecker Street, where I did a runway show for my favorite designer, Engineered by Andrea T. I’ve used a couple of the images from that day for my Karen’s Quirky Style column.

Photoshoots are always fun. The mood builds up as the crew gets into a unified, magical state. Inspiration strikes the model or photographer, or both, and an unexpected pose or composition becomes the star picture of the day. Even if we’ve scouted the site in advance, surprises await once we’re in the flow of the shoot.

But the thrill of the runway is something else again. The designer, the crowd, the anticipation, the banks of photographers at strategic locations. For “street” runway shows, the passersby become a whole new phone-weilding photographer phalanx, adding to the excitement.

Fashion Magazines

Of course, every quirky fashionista’s dream is to be in Vogue! The next best thing is to be on the set of a Vogue cover shoot. The tears I cried that day, when it became clear that I wasn’t in the shot—upstaged by a tiny dog in a gigantic tote bag! But it was really cool when the issue came out and I knew what went down behind the scenes.

Another fun day was the Kardashian send-up for Face Magazine. Sadly, this spread didn’t see the light of day. But what a hoot to spend all day on set with a gang of Kardashian look-alikes!

Yes, that’s me as Kris Jenner, with my “daughter” Khloé! The talented style crew put me in a wig, did my makeup, did Kris’s signature white nails, and dressed me in one gorgeous outfit after another. We did the shoot in a light-filled loft in Hell’s Kitchen and it was one of the most fun days of my life.

Model Mayhem

I am not represented by a modeling agency. Some of these fun opportunities arose through my page on Model Mayhem. You just never know what life will bring next!