Introduction
Julie Cattaneo is a woman of many talents. With a diverse career that spans decades, she’s managed to balance her love for modeling, her passion for Italian cuisine, and her growing commitment to sustainability in fashion. From her early days as a live model in the jewelry industry to becoming an executive chef and finally rekindling her modeling career during the pandemic, Julie has shown resilience and creativity. Her story is one of determination, hard work, and reinvention, proving that it’s never too late to follow your passions.
Early Beginnings in Modeling
First Steps Into the Modeling World
Julie’s modeling journey began in 1989, when she first stepped into the world of fashion. At the time, she was a live model for San Francisco Jewelry, a company known for its handmade beaded jewelry. As a young model, Julie learned the ropes of the industry, gaining valuable experience while traveling to major cities across the U.S.
Live Modeling with San Francisco Jewelry
Trade Shows and Exposure
Julie’s role as a live model took her to various trade shows in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These events provided her with the opportunity to showcase stunning, homemade jewelry designs to potential buyers. While many models rely on photoshoots, Julie’s live interactions made her stand out in a crowded industry, enhancing her networking and communication skills.
Transitioning From Modeling to Restaurant Business
After a few years in modeling, Julie found herself drawn to a different passion—food. She transitioned from modeling into the restaurant business, a field she has thrived in for 38 years. However, as her story will show, her modeling roots never left her.
The Italian Trattoria Journey
Building a 38-Year Legacy in the Restaurant Industry
Julie didn’t just enter the restaurant world casually—she went on to own her own Italian trattoria, serving as Executive Chef for over 20 years. This decision led her down a creative and successful path where she combined her love for food with her entrepreneurial spirit.
Executive Chef Role at Her Own Italian Trattoria
Embracing Italian Culinary Traditions
Italian food has always been close to Julie’s heart. As Executive Chef of her own restaurant, she has spent two decades perfecting traditional Italian dishes, bringing authentic flavors to her customers.
From Modeling to Cooking: A Passion for Creativity
Just as Julie enjoyed expressing herself through fashion, she found creativity in cooking. Her work in the kitchen mirrors the artistic flair she exhibited as a model, proving that the art of presentation can extend far beyond the runway.
Rekindling the Modeling Career
The Return to Modeling in 2021
In 2021, Julie decided to return to the modeling world. With her restaurant closed for takeout only during the pandemic, she saw this as the perfect opportunity to rekindle her passion for fashion. Little did she know, this return would open doors to a variety of exciting new ventures.
Competing in National Model Competitions
Miss Fashion Global and Empowerment
One of the most significant highlights of her recent modeling career was competing in the Miss Fashion Global competition, where she reached the Top 10 in the 40 & over division. Julie’s participation in the competition was about more than just fashion—it was about promoting women’s empowerment, diversity, and body positivity.
Promoting Diversity and Body Positivity
Julie now works as a Proprietor in the pageant, owning the state of Arizona and helping to recruit women of all shapes and sizes. Her mission is to create a platform that celebrates the unique beauty of every woman.
Walking the Runways of New York Fashion Week
In the past three years, Julie has walked in New York Fashion Week (NYFW), solidifying her place in the fashion world once again. Her presence on such a prestigious runway shows her commitment to pursuing her dreams, no matter the stage of life.
Collaboration with Sarah Sustainable Fashion
Embracing Sustainability in Fashion
Julie’s recent collaboration with Sarah Sustainable Fashion has opened her eyes to the world of eco-conscious fashion. Together with designer Sarah Davis, Julie is learning how fashion can make a positive impact on the environment.
Learning from Designer Sarah Davis
Turning Recycled Garments into Show-Stopping Designs
Sarah Davis’s ability to transform recycled materials into stunning, new garments has been a source of inspiration for Julie. The designs that emerge from their partnership are not only beautiful but also carry a message of sustainability.
Reducing Fashion’s Environmental Impact
Through her work with Sarah Sustainable Fashion, Julie is helping to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental footprint, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Unique Traits That Define Julie Cattaneo
Hard Work, Humility, and Flexibility
One of the things that sets Julie apart is her strong work ethic and humble approach. She’s not afraid to adapt to new challenges, even in unexpected situations.
Taking on Unexpected Challenges
For example, when a host didn’t show up to a fashion show she was modeling in, Julie stepped up and hosted the entire event herself. This kind of flexibility and willingness to go the extra mile is a testament to her character.
What Drives Her Project Decisions
Working with a Professional Team
Julie is surrounded by a team of professionals who help orchestrate her projects, ensuring that every new venture is exciting and rewarding.
Continuously Seeking New, Exciting Opportunities
Her decision-making process is motivated by creativity and the desire to explore new opportunities, ensuring that her career remains fulfilling and dynamic.
Motivations and Inspirations
Designer Sarah Davis as a Source of Motivation
Sarah Davis, with her passion for sustainable fashion, continues to motivate Julie. Seeing Sarah turn discarded garments into show-stopping designs fuels Julie’s own creativity.
Bringing Visions to Life
Julie’s role as Creative Director for Sarah Sustainable Fashion allows her to bring these incredible visions to life, merging fashion with a purpose.
Defining Success
Achieving Dreams Once Thought Impossible
For Julie, success is about working hard to achieve dreams she never thought possible.
Designer – Sarah Sustainable
MUA – Meredith Wills
Photographer – Marty
Styled Shoot by – supermodels unlimited mag