WVU alumna Elleyse Gemondo is the cover model for Bella Gladys this summer.
West Virginia University alumna Elleyse Gemondo just took her modeling career to the next level, landing her first national magazine cover earlier this summer.
“Last year, Bella Gladys, a high-end publication that features models, brands, designers and photographers from around the world, invited me to be a model in its summer issue of 2017,” Gemondo, Bridgeport native, said. “We did the photoshoots last fall with two different photographers and teams.”
Gemondo credits WVU for much of her success.
“My experience at WVU has truly shaped who I am today,” she said. “I was a part of various clubs and organizations, including the Delta Gamma Sorority, Mountaineer Maniacs and the Fashion Business Association, and I served as a WVU college representative for BANGS Shoes.”
As a fashion, design and merchandising major (now fashion, dress and merchandising), Gemondo took advantage of the program’s annual Fashion Study Tour in New York City, where she met many top designers and got an inside look at the fashion industry, and Disegno Italia, an interdisciplinary study abroad trip, hosted by the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and College of Creative Arts. During the latter, Gemondo traveled to Italy and studied digital photography, Italian and art history.
Throughout her college career, Gemondo consistently pursued opportunities that would challenge her and give her a competitive edge.
“WVU taught me how to work hard for what I wanted – while successfully multitasking – and to always go above and beyond to get myself known in the industry,” she said.
This fall, Gemondo, who currently works as a merchandising assistant for Gabriel Brothers, Inc., will begin graduate studies at LIM College in New York City. Her ultimate goal is to become a buyer in the fashion industry while pursuing modeling on the side.
Although this was Gemondo’s first cover shoot, this wasn’t her first time in front of a lens. Her modeling career took off while she was a student in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.
Gemondo has been featured in more than 20 magazine spreads over the course of her career. She recently signed with Patrick Talent Agency, and the partnership has opened up additional opportunities.
Regardless of the path she takes in the world of fashion, Gemondo will continue to carry with her one of the most valuable lessons gained from her WVU experience.
“WVU also taught me that you should put all of your heart into something you love, which is what I believe I do in fashion.”
-WVU-
nl/7/10/2017
CONTACT: Nikky Luna;
WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
304.293.2394; Nikky.Luna@mail.wvu.edu
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.