Charlotte Collard: From Runways to Gemstones
A Life in Fashion: The Model, The Gemologist, The Storyteller
For over a decade, Charlotte Collard graced the pages of Vogue, Numéro, and Elle, walked for Oscar de la Renta, Armani, and Ralph Lauren, and starred in campaigns for L’Oréal and Revlon. But behind the gloss of modeling, she harbored a deeper passion—gemology. Studying at the GIA in Florence, she immersed herself in the world of precious stones, analyzing inclusions and treatments with a scientist’s precision. "Looking inside a stone was like reading its history," she recalls.
Yet, fashion’s siren call never faded. Today, she merges all her loves—fashion, jewelry, photography, and writing—into her consultancy Luxury4Good and her ultra-chic blog, Charlotte Collard Canablog.
Inspirations: Art, Photography, and the Unconventional
Artistic Muses: Damien Hirst, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mark Rothko, Louise Bourgeois ("Their boldness translates into how I see style").
Photography Dreams: A self-taught shooter with a Contax 35mm, she once aspired to join Magnum Photos but realized solitude wasn’t her vibe. "Modeling taught me I thrive on connection."
Fashion Icons: "Anyone who innovates while staying true to themselves—whether it’s a designer, photographer, or model."
The Blog Born From Necessity
Moving from New York, Paris, and Milan to Zurich ("where fashion isn’t the main concern") left her creatively starved. A friend’s suggestion—"Start a blog!"—sparked her next chapter.
Street Photography: She documents unexpected style in cities worldwide, chasing "that one person with an electric look."
Jewelry Meets Fashion: Her gemology expertise lends authority to her luxury critiques.
The Daily Grind: "It’s magic—I wake up hungry to discover new designers, stores, and stories."
Dream Projects & New York Love Letters
On the Horizon: "Commenting on fashion weeks, writing magazine columns, consulting for luxury brands—it’s already happening!"
NYC’s Hold on Her:
Upper East Side: "Clean, structured, timeless."
Greenwich Village: "Romantic, tree-lined, intimate."
Lower East Side: "Hidden boutiques, secret restaurants—I hunt for these gems."
Designer Crushes & Industry Challenges
Current Favorites: Margiela, Balmain (Decarnin era), Lanvin (Elbaz), Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane, Dries Van Noten.
Biggest Hurdles:
Scouting fresh designers with professionalism and vision.
Convincing street-style subjects to pose ("Some freeze like deer in headlights").
Life Advice From a Woman Who’s Lived It
Mantra: "What goes around comes around."
Career Wisdom:
"Work for passion, not money. Success is built on patience—the longer the climb, the sturdier the peak. And never sacrifice family and friends for ambition."
Follow Her World: @charlottecollard | Read Her Blog: www.charlottecollard.canablog.com
