Dubbed as Canada’s first supermodel, Monika Schnarre unveiled her new skincare line while looked back on her illustrious modelling career.
As one of the youngest models to grace the cover of American Vogue at 15, Schnarre has been featured in several high profile magazines and runways. And it is only fitting that the fresh face of the modelling industry in the 80s has come out with a new line of natural skincare products.
“Most of the times people don’t recognize me,” says Schnarre on Friday’s The Morning Show. “On Vogue, I was 15 … I was just a baby. It seems like another person,” she adds, having first graced the magazine in an Alfred Sung ad two years prior.
“I was really innocent and I was really shy and that probably saved me because I wasn’t out partying. It was probably a good thing.”
The Scarborough born and raised Schnarre booked herself modelling appointments (her mom wouldn’t take her), and within a year, her perseverance paid off. She was introduced by prominent model scout Judy Welsh – responsible for putting Canada on the modelling map – to Eileen Ford, and soon after won the coveted Ford Supermodel of the World title, which helped shoot her modelling career into high gear.
The year was 1986 – decades before Tyra Banks successful franchise America’s Next Top Model.
“It was an interesting time because everything was live, and nothing was taped,” Schnarre says, looking back at the industry then.
“In my day, there wasn’t photo-shopping. You couldn’t shrink people and if you had a zit, you went home. It was expensive to retouch,” she adds, praising Seventeen Magazine’s vow to get rid of altering photos in their magazine.
Fast forward to 2012, Schnarre unveiled her natural skincare line Iampure for The Shopping Channel with Dr. Keith Burke, one of Canada’s leading cosmetic physicians.
“I’m passionate about skincare, I’ve tried every product and been disappointed,” speaking candidly. “I couldn’t be more proud and to have something that encompassed everything that I wanted in a line that was natural, and no animal testing, no animal products, no parabens or sulphites.”
While this might be her first foray into skincare – which was inspired by another fellow model mogul Kathy Ireland, whom Schnarre met while modelling for Sports Illustrated Magazine – Schnarre has launched clothing and eyewear before jumping on board in the beauty industry.
“I’m most proud of the last couple of years, when I fired all of my agents and I decided to go into business with myself and not wait for someone to give me a job,” she says.
There are also a number of models who have made a name for themselves like Christy Turlington with her line of yoga wear and Iman known for her cosmetic know-how.
“That group of supermodels have done incredibly well, I think it would be much tougher for the models today except for Gisele Bundchen where there is name recognition.”
She adds, ” I came along at a really interesting time, when everyone knew our names, at least Cindy and Christy.”
-For more information on Monika Schnarre’s line, visit TheShoppingChannel.com and Iampure.ca.
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