Backstage Q&A with Model Aminata Niaria

{St. John}

New York Fashion Week Fall 2011

I kept spotting Aminata backstage (and on the runway) throughout this fashion week at St. John, Lela Rose, Badgely Mischka, and more, and by her welcoming smile and cheery personality, I thought she would be great to for an exclusive interview at PrettyCoveted. Little did I know, since she was so modest, that she is already big time! Style.com just wrote an article, listing her as number one in their "Dream Girls: the models who made it big this season" feature.

Here's the backstage interview with the perennially sweet Aminata Niaria, backstage at the Lela Rose show.

Where are you from?

Senegal originally, but I'm French. I've lived in New York City for two-and-a-half years now.

How old are you?

20

How many shows have you done so far this season?

I just did two in Miami, and flew in yesterday, had a fitting, and I'm on the runway today! I will have more, but still am not sure of my schedule yet! My agency (IMG) has been very good to me, pulling me to do better shows from others.

What is your favorite thing about being a model?

My favorite thing is that I am the first one to wear the clothes, the first one to see them before they come available months later. I also love that we (models) are like actresses, taking on the personality of the clothes.

When you were a little girl, what did you want to grow up to be?

A lawyer.

What do you love most about fashion?

I love everything about fashion!

Who are your favorite designers?

I love Rodarte, Givenchy, Lanvin, Ralph Lauren -- I just really love clothes.

{Carolina Herrera Fall '11}

{Lela Rose Fall '11}

{Vena Cava Fall '11}

-Julia DiNardo, Fashion Pulse Daily

*(Images via style & Julia 0f Fashion Pulse Daily)