RUNWAY STANDOUT
Model ‘stole the show’
You don’t have to tell Aleece Wilson that it’s a long way from Windsor to the fashion runways of New York City, Paris, and Milan.
“It’s such a huge change. Everything is super fast-paced and crazy sometimes,” admitted the 22-yearold Windsor-born model.
First discovered as a teenager, Wilson was recently featured by Vogue magazine, who described her as the girl who “stole the show” during New York Fashion Week earlier this month.
With her distinctive red hair and freckles, Wilson was “one of the runway standouts” according to Vogue — working the catwalk for such major names as Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Sies Marjan, and Kanye West’s Yeezy collection.
Now Wilson is fully involved in the jet-set international fashion scene, represented by agencies around the world. She hit London, England, in January. She’s currently in Milan, for the first time in her life. Next is Paris.
“It honestly feels amazing. It took a lot to get here. For my dreams to be coming true and my hard work to be paying off is the best feeling in the world,” Wilson said.
It would be easy to lose oneself in all the attention. But Wilson doesn’t plan on compromising her individuality and offbeat personality. Among her interests that some would consider unconventional for a model: anime, cosplay, video games, and other “nerdy ” pursuits.
“I was never, ever embarrassed about being ‘nerdy,’ because that’s what I love and grew up on,” Wilson explained.
“I always had Yu-Gi-Oh cards in my pocket or Pokemon on my Gameboy. I still carry my Gameboy Advance everywhere!”
Wilson credits her support group of agents for keeping her positive, motivated and grounded in the fashion industry. But she’s also aware of all the cheering people are doing back home.
“The whole city has my back, which is a true blessing. I have friends, teachers, family, members, and strangers letting me know how proud they are. It’s the best.”
She still describes the Giant Tiger store on Tecumseh Road East as her “second home” for letting her work there for four years while she simultaneously kept up a “spontaneous and crazy” modelling schedule.
“Without the support and love of my Giant Tiger family, I wouldn’t have made it so far,” Wilson said.
Although she sees herself setting up in Los Angeles eventually, Wilson also has plans on collaborating with Windsor clothing brand OBF (One Big Family). “I have a few surprises for the city,” she hinted.
And she can’t help shouting out Frenchy’s Poutinery on Ouellette Avenue. “That’s my favourite place to eat in Windsor and the first stop I’ll be making when I’m back!”
Wilson was recently featured by Vogue, who described her as the girl who ‘stole the show’ during New York Fashion Week