Asheville native struts runways of fashion world

Last year, Avery Blanchard was chasing a soccer ball as a freshman at Enka High School. This year, the svelte 16-year-old has been strutting high fashion runways in New York, London, Paris and Milan.

Avery decided last year to trade cleats on grassy soccer fields for the often uncomfortable heels of the model's runway. "I didn't see soccer as a career path. I'd been doing it a while, but the passion was starting to ebb."

Doing so, she follows in the footsteps of her mom, Candace Blanchard, crowned Mrs. North Carolina, working as a model and actor with dozens of screen credits.

But at 5-foot-5, Candace Blanchard wasn't suited for the runway. At 5-foot-10, daughter Avery has the sleek, chic build that fashion designers demand.

It's not just looks but personality that makes for a successful model, Candace explained. "People have to like you. They really needed to be charmed."

The younger Blanchard won the attention of a talent scout in New York and signed with IMG, a top modeling agency. "I really didn't have time to be surprised," she said. "It's all been adrenaline."

She's been on the move since, especially during the long month of March that each year sees a succession of Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Paris and Milan.

Models typically start young, though age 18 is most desirable since the young women can travel without chaperones.

It's not just glitz and glamour, Candace points out. Modeling at that level is hard work. The sights of major European cities pass by from car windows on the way to long hours of fittings and shows.

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"There's a lot of pressure. People don't see that side of things," the mother said. "Models get blisters on their feet, wearing different shoes that aren't fit to their size."

But Avery is in most aspects a normal teenager, not some Prada prodigy, according to her mom. "She's always been athletic and a tomboy like me. She was never prissy or one to be completely made up," Candace said.

Avery owns six pairs of sneakers and still favors those over the fanciest Manolo Blahniks or the red-soled Christian Louboutin heels.

She's not alone. Most models in their off hours favor jeans and T-shirts.

Diplomatically, she declined to pick a favorite designer among the many she has modeled, including Prada, Chanel, Fendi and Hugo Boss.

Through the travels, mother and daughter have forged an even stronger bond. "We're roommates and travel partners," Candace said. "It's definitely different from being a mom at home.

"Avery's mature for her age, and she's able to do things on her own. She's working really hard to make sure she gets her school work done online."

"I look up to my mom completely and appreciate the way she raised me. She's my best friend," Avery said.

Candace Blanchard has put her own career on hold for a while, chaperoning her daughter around the world.

But she will be featured in the Zack Galifianakis/Owen Wilson film "Masterminds," due for release next fall. The bank heist flick was filmed in part around Asheville last summer.

The Blanchards are just back from Korea and Tokyo, and there are shoots ahead this summer in New York. Then the Fashion Weeks start marching along in the major cities.

What's next on Avery's agenda is typical for any teenager: "I want to get my driver's license."

For now, they have a breathing spell in Greensboro where the family moved last year from Asheville.

"I miss Asheville so much," Avery said.

But she also counts herself lucky to be pursuing a career at such a young age. "I'm lucky to be in this industry. I just hope I'm happy no matter what."

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