This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter.
You know that pretty, stylish girl sitting in your lecture hall? She may just be on billboards! Alexandra Skye may appear to be a normal UCSB student, but she actually has quite the following as an American Apparel model. Between her 5,000 Insta followers and casual photoshoots in Paris, Alex somehow makes the time to study film.
Name: Alexandra Skye
Hometown: St. Cloud, Minnesota/Los Angeles, CA
Year: Second
Major: Film and Media Studies
How did you become an American Apparel model?
When I was 15 I emailed the company with some super simple pictures my best friend had taken of me and they invited me to work for them at a trade show. I was flown out to Las Vegas where I wore AA clothes and walked around a clothing trade show basically mingling and telling people about the company. The former CEO Dov Charney was there and flipped out when he saw me and told all of the photographers that they had to work with me. It was a whirlwind of new opportunities.
What is your favorite AA item?
I have a great pair of their basic denim mom jeans that fit me perfectly!
What was it like doing a shoot in Paris while you studied abroad?
That was actually really amazing, I didn’t plan on working while abroad just because I wasn’t familiar with the European affiliates but everyone was super welcoming and friendly. Everywhere we went made the pictures look a million times better than anything in LA because Paris is the perfect backdrop. I’m also really glad someone got to capture how amazing the city is because I can only take so many iPhone pictures and selfies.
Are you ever recognized on campus?
I actually have been a few times, and it’s really strange. I’ll just be walking in the Arbor and someone will shout my name and run up to me. I always dress really casual around campus, so sometimes I just get really awkward and embarrassed.
If you could model for another brand, which would you choose?
I’m honestly very content modeling for AA as a brand, although some of their new image changes aren’t to my satisfaction. I’d be more interested in collaborating with artists rather than other brands.
What’s the funniest/craziest thing that’s happened to you because of your career?
Once I was modeling pants in just a nude bra and Dov came into the studio with Woody Allen so I had to introduce myself to Woody Allen half naked. It was so embarrassing.
What do you love most about modeling?
I really just love hanging out with the people around the studio. I’ve met some of the most influential and dedicated mentors and friends because of this job.
