Chardon model’s dream materializes in New York

Hanobik lives her dream in New York

Lights on fashion runways may be dim at the moment but Rebecca Hanobik is ready when they shine brightly again.

Lights on fashion runways may be dim at the moment but Rebecca Hanobik is ready for when they shine brightly again.

Hanobik, 23, is a model who moved from life in rural Geauga County to seek a career in New York’s bustling fashion industry.

She’s been successful in her quest, working with many top designers and recently appearing on the season finale of Bravo’s Project Runway.

Hanobik’s hopes of professional modeling began as a teen while attending Chardon High School.

Practicing her desired craft took place in and around Geauga County where her photographer friend would snap pictures in parks, old buildings and other interesting settings.

“We went around and tried anything. We took pictures all the time,” Hanobik said.

At age 16 she was hopeful that her 5-foot, 10-inch height and thin frame would fit the desired model mold so she reached out to an agency which helped her put together a portfolio and secure some jobs.

In between local modeling stints she managed to earn her associate of arts degree from Lakeland Community College. However, she still hankered to walk down one of the many celebrated New York runways.

Two years ago Hanobik took the step to help make her dream a reality. Leaving the log cabin home built by her father she headed to the Big Apple and signed on with Fenton Model Management.

“The first time that I went to New York I jumped into Fashion Week right away,” she said. “That was kind of chaotic. I walked for Libertine, Vivienne Hu… This was the moment I was waiting for my whole life.

“It was just electric and exciting. The lights are so bright you can hardly see. And the music is blasting. It just goes by like a blur, like a dream.”

Hanobik’s career took another fashionable leap a few months ago when she was called to Italy to model for a sunglass company, a magazine and other businesses.

“In Italy the caliber of design is much more technical because they host so many great designers like Versace and Dior,” she said. “I think they’re just very skilled over there in how they create the clothes. There are a lot more handmade things. You can appreciate it.”

Unlike the high fashion Hanobik presents while working, much of her personal wardrobe is from thrift stores.

“I do a lot of thrifting in Ohio,” she said. “I just like to thrift anywhere in general because you could find a lot of fashion that’s quality, unlike fast fashion (in retail stores).”

A pink pea coat found in a thrift store and frequently worn is one of her favorite clothing pieces.

It wasn’t a thrift store find but rather a handsewn designer garment that she donned for Project Runway. Hanobik marks the experience among the highlights of her career.

She claims that the blue and white ensemble modeled for designer/contestant Sergio Guadarrama’s collection was beautiful and that she wished she could take it home.

“He said that I fit that look perfectly,” she said, adding that he mentioned he hoped to work with her in the future.

A lthough Ha nobik didn’t meet the show’s judges she claims that seeing celebrity guest judge Serena Williams from 10 feet away was “powerful.”

Because runway and other model work have ground to a halt due to the novel coronavirus pandemic Hanobik came home to Chardon a few weeks ago. But the stoppage hasn’t ceased her dreams.

“I’m kind of just waiting for the next job,” she said. “I don’t know what to expect. I get an email and it says you have to be somewhere tomorrow. There’s no guarantee for anything, but I have hopes for everything.” Rebecca Hanobik can be followed on Instagram.

SUBMITTED Rebecca Hanobik, 23, is a fashion model who grew up in Chardon and now lives in New York where she has worked for top fashion designers. Here she is shown walking through a subway station after being featured in a fashion show.