Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Rieu.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a native from Paris, France who has been working as a Model and Content Creator for the past ten years. I began my career as a classically trained singer at age 13 and made my TV Debut in 2001 on the French Cable Network’s, “FunTV” hosting my own show, “The CastingLive.” A graduate from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts of New York, I starred in my own Cabaret show: “The Lady In Red ” and have secured campaigns and social media collaborations with brands and couture designers such as Zac Posen, Christian Siriano, 11Honore (who presented the first inclusive Fashion show at New York Fashion Week SS2019)Other brand clients include: Azazie, Elise Andregg Paris, Nubian Skin, Harlow & Fox, Ashley Graham Lingerie, Dita Von Teese Lingerie to name a few. In addition to modeling and appearing as a guest on The Fran Drescher show. I was the face of the national viral campaign “Feel Like the Masterpiece You are” alongside Carmen Carrera and Denise Bidot for Shapermint in 2019.
In 2020, I was signed to Ideal Fit Models and I have booked a summer campaign for Nubian Skin and made a cameo appearance on the Kygo x Tina Turner music video. A self-made trailblazer, I advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the media for everybody. Now, a few words about my PR company: Ooh La La PR. It started back in 2016 at the height of the popularity of Instagram. It’s almost impossible for me not to mention Ooh La La PR and my modeling almost interchangeably, as they allowed me to be where I am today.
I began modeling in 2008 in my Native Paris. I was tired of not being cast in movies and it became important to me to find a way of self-expression. Back then, I already had a passion for Vintage and I began connecting with like minded photographers to collaborate on vintage shoots.
Fast-forwarding to the years of 2014, that was in many ways a crucial year for me and my breakthrough year for modeling. I booked my first paid body positive campaign for a local brand here in L.A. and I began sharing more about my modeling journey on Instagram. Early on, I taught myself how to pitch and reach out to brands about collaborating which not only allowed me to build up a portfolio but also a connections for the years to come. At the time, I wasn’t a signed model and I have built up my career through a lot of hard work and knocking at every door.
In 2016, after years of hustling, booking multiple campaigns for brands, Pinup Magazine covers and making a name for myself as an alternative plus-size model, I launched my PR business ” Ooh La La PR”.I had one social media and PR client at the time-based in England and from there, I booked a second PR client based in the Netherlands that was looking to expand their brand onto the American market. As I was building up my PR business, I continued to model, pitch to brands and I even became a micro-Influencer.
In 2019, I was nominated by the Los Angeles Business Journal Women’s Council and Awards under the category: “Rising Star” for my work as a PR agent. In a nutshell, this is my story and I’m only getting started.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road at all. I am an immigrant from Paris, France. I first moved to the U.S in 2008 and I have dealt with my shares of struggles to just be able to stay and work in the country legally. That to me what the biggest struggle I faced, but that never discouraged me and held on tight to my dreams.
What else should we know about your and your work and what you are currently focused on?
As I previously mentioned, I work as a model, Influencer and PR agent as well. I work as a plus-size model and most of my jobs are for Commercial, Print, Influencer campaigns and Fit Modeling. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I began modeling in my early 30s, I’m plus size and my aesthetic is Vintage but also Modern. I am sort of a chameleon, as I can change my looks radically for a shoot.
Often times a brand has a specific feel they are going for and I have to create something that is visually unique to them but still makes it my own. That’s the beauty of what I do. Then, it’s a bit different for Commercial and Print work and it fits into a campaign that I don’t manage from head to toe. The beauty of working as a freelance model/content creator is to be able to create your own world and aesthetic. In a way, that’s a form of Branding.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think my industry is going to keep changing and evolve. Right now, Tik-Tok is such a big deal and talents are getting brand endorsements and followers that way now. I am not one to predict what will be the next trend, but I’m pretty sure something else will come along and Instagram will become like Facebook. In a way, Instagram is already affected so much by the algorithm, the standardization of content. I’ve always said it Instagram kills creativity as people love to see the same content over and over again. But I still think it’s a terrific platform to get yourself out there, build a following and establish connections if you are looking for a visual window onto the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jennyrieu.book.fr
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instragram.com/jennyrieu
- Facebook: Facebook.com/jennyrieu
- Twitter: twitter.com/jennyrieu
Image Credit:
This is a recent editorial we shot in hommage to one of my style icons Sophia Loren. Credits are as followed: Model: Jenny Rieu; Jelwery: Joseff of Hollywood; Wardrobe: Vintage, Empreinte lingerie, Marilyn Feltz, Gina Bacconi, Aubade, Unique Vintage, Christine Lingerie, Katherine Hamilton.; Location: The Visconti in Los Angeles and Los Altos.; PR: Ooh La La PR
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