Exclusive! Mary Alice Stephenson Turns Model

by Kristen Heinzinger
minnie rose

Minnie Rose Summer 2016

There’s a new model to watch! Enter Mary Alice Stephenson, who stars in Minnie Rose’s Summer 2o16 campaign, showcasing the line’s popular cashmere ponchos and knits. We checked in with the stylist and fashion expert, who’s frequently tending to cover and campaign stars on shoots, about her experience on the other side of the camera.

How did you get involved with Minnie Rose?
Minnie Rose began supporting my empowerment platform GLAM4GOOD when we did an initiative to recreate the wardrobes of women who lost everything in Hurricane Sandy. Since then, they’ve made several donations to GLAM4GOOD.

How was it being the model?
First of all, modeling is harder than it looks. I am in front of the camera a lot for TV commentating but modeling is much more physically challenging. I must have jumped, skipped, and hopped for six hours straight. My entire body was killing me the next day and my face hurt from smiling so much, but as a woman in my late 40s it was liberating! After giving multiple “sorry’s” to the photo team for the fact I was not 23 and size 2, I finally decided to let go, have fun, and go for it. Besides, spending a day lounging naked, swaddled in cashmere, is pretty cushy. I loved it and am ready for more!

It looked like a fun shoot!
I called my friend, supermodel Claudia Mason and she gave me some pose pointers, and my son fist-pumped me the morning of the shoot and told me, “You got this, Mom!”  So by the time I got to the set I felt pretty comfortable…until the moment I stepped in front of the camera for the first shot and promptly slipped and fell on my ass. Embarrassing, yes, but I got the hang of it and loved it. I made the entire Minnie Rose team wear ponchos and jump with me, too! 

What was it like working with Minnie Rose owner Lisa Shaller-Goldberg?
Lisa understands how important it is for fashion brands to support and empower women who are making a difference. I am honored to be in this campaign and love that Lisa is showing the Minnie Rose community that she supports GLAM4GOOD’s mission, as well as women of all ages and sizes that wear and love her clothes.  

Ponchos are a major piece in the line. Styling tips, please!
I wear my Minnie Rose ponchos with everything. They look great with my bikini or my gown for a black tie event. Ponchos chic up my denim and are so sexy and comfortable over a negligee, or nothing at all, for that matter. I also love to wear them as dresses belted on their own with stockings and boots.

Minnie Rose is available at Planet Blue, Neiman Marcus, Elyse Walker, Stanley Korshak, Shopbop, and minnierose.com.

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