by Juanita I.C. Traughber, communications director
Sarah Manz ’19 walked the runway for LVMH’s Celine.
As designer Hedi Slimane revealed his first collection for Celine in Paris, France on Friday, Sept. 21, Sarah Manz also made her European runway debut.
The University School of Nashville senior modeled for Celine in Paris Fashion Week and was a look model as the designer curated his collection and matched accessories in the days leading up to the show.
“It was crazy. I am starstruck from working with a legend,” Manz reflected once back at school. “I am riding the experience where it takes.”
Manz traveled with her parents to New York to audition with upwards of 30 labels for New York Fashion Week when Celine nabbed a worldwide exclusive with the 17-year-old. It meant cutting her hair but also making new friends with fellow models from Romania and England.
She is now signed to the modeling agencies ONE in New York, AMAX in Nashville, and Premium Models in Paris and anticipates modeling in spring fashion shows. Fashion, however, is just a means for an end for Manz, who was originally scouted at during a family run to Costco. She is placing her earnings in a trust for college and plans to pursue higher education studies in either marine biology or physics.
The senior has been awarded one of the most highly selective merit scholarships in the nation, making it two consecutive years that University of Virginia has selected a USN student for a full ride covering the cost of instruction, housing, and meals.
USN Mission: University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.