“If the world is a stage, then I am an actor in a continuous play,” remarks Mischaela Elkins, a seasoned runway model whose illustrious career has spanned over a decade. Elkins, who has lived her life in the shadows of the fashion industry’s luminaries, is stepping out into the limelight, transitioning from the alternate cover star for Harper’s Bazaar Serbia to becoming a figure of radiant individuality.
In May of last year, Elkins shared the cover with Monaco’s own royal princess, Charlotte Casiraghi, an experience that Elkins views with grace rather than resentment. “Charlotte is an embodiment of innate grace and elegance, characteristics of a true royal,” says Elkins, reflecting on the experience. “Playing the alternate star was a learning curve, a chance to grow and cultivate my own persona, learning from individuals such as her.”
Photo: Barbara Gardzina, Wardrobe and Accessories: Christian Dior
Emerging from the Shadows
Elkins is a name whispered with respect in fashion circles. With a robust portfolio that spans the globe, 30+ fashion covers, and work for notable fashion brands La Perla, Intimissimi, Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels, Aquascutum, Atelier Pronovias, and Victoria’s Secret’s swim and fragrance lines in the French, Italian, and Spanish markets. Her modeling career is one that many young aspirants dream of. Her big break was a solo billboard for Van Cleef & Arpels in New York’s Times Square in which she could be seen smiling confidently in a beige silk dress, weighed down with the jeweler’s highly recognizable sparklers. Her unconventional yet captivating charm garnered immediate attention, and her quick adaptability on set marked her as a promising talent.
Her journey since then has been a whirlwind of glittering successes. Elkins has graced the runways for top designers at the Big 4 fashion weeks – Milan, Paris, New York, and London as well as Miami Swim Week – strutting alongside seasoned models and leaving an indelible mark with each stride. “Every walk was a performance,” says Elkins, “and I aimed to tell a story with every step.”
Elkins’ moment alongside Charlotte Casiraghi, under the watchful gaze of the global fashion community, was a notable pivot. The platform propelled her towards greater recognition, allowing her to forge a legacy distinct from the royal shadows cast on her.
“For me, a model is more than a clothes horse or clothes hanger,” she says. “A model is a muse to the viewer, an ideal version of who they can be and the confidence they can embody at their most empowered and dynamic. It’s a superficial industry to some, but to others, it’s an exercise in understanding and channeling the right aura to appeal to buyer psychology.”
She further elaborates on a model’s responsibility: “The models who understand that they are a medium to showcase a brand’s unique identity tend to perform better than those who think it’s all about showcasing themselves. The role of a model is to embody the essence of a brand, not to merely present themselves as celebrities on a magazine page or billboard.”
Elkins’ approach to her profession has been instrumental in shaping her career, enabling her to infuse each role, each runway walk, and each photoshoot with a unique and radiant energy.
Photo: Barbara Gardzina, Wardrobe and Accessories: Christian Dior
From the Charms of Milan to the Allure of Paris
As a model of blended heritage (Mischaela is German, Italian, English, and Indigenous American) she has much in common with Monaco, a place known for its beautiful blend of French and Italian influences. Like the principality, Elkins has a unique cultural reservoir from which to draw inspiration. However, Milan, with its enchanting fusion of history and high fashion, truly captured her heart. The warmth of the Milanese people, their distinctive style, and the city’s culinary delights have left a lasting impression on Elkins.
“In Milan, there’s an unmatched warmth and vitality that I’ve yet to see anywhere else,” says Elkins. “It’s evident in everything, from their friendly disposition to their vibrant fashion, and of course, their food.”
Looking forward, Elkins is preparing for her next Big 4 fashion week in Paris in the fall of 2023. “I have always admired the spirit of Paris. It is an extraordinary mix of history, culture, and fashion,” she admits.
Credits:
Photographer: Barbara Gardzina
Wardrobe: Christian Dior
Accessories: Christian Dior
Photo: Barbara Gardzina, Wardrobe and Accessories: Christian Dior
The Lady No Longer in Waiting
Elkins, the once lady-in-waiting, steps forward into the spotlight, no longer willing to remain
in the shadows. “I have traversed my path, taken lessons from my experiences, and grown with every opportunity.”
Despite the challenges she faces, Mischaela Elkins is resolute in her journey. The spotlight may be new, but the stage is all too familiar. As the curtains rise, she is ready to tell her story of determination, resilience, and ambition. One thing is certain; the lady no longer waits. Instead, she steps into the light, ready to command the stage and seize her moment.