Q&A: Venice Magazine Honors Charlotte McKinney at Lobster Bar & Sea Grille

Photography by Addison Smith on July 26th, 2015 in Editorials, Lifestyle

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Charlotte McKinney

Fort Lauderdale, FL – July 17, 2015 – Venice magazine honored actress and model Charlotte McKinney with a cocktail reception and intimate dinner at Lobster Bar and Sea Grille. McKinney arrived with her parents, Susan and Terry McKinney with a few friends en toe to a standing room only Club Lounge in the recently opened Las Olas Boulevard fish and seafood eatery. Guests were greeted by Carlos Suarez, Venice’s Founding Publisher, his wife Lori Wagner Suarez, along with Buckhead Life Restaurant Group founder Pano Karatassos. After meeting and greeting many area VIP’s with Champagne and cocktails the group moved into the restaurant’s intimate candlelit State Room for a Whole Fish and Seafood experience from Executive Chef Jeff Pfeiffer that included Artic Char from Iceland, Royal Dorade from Greece and Loup De Mer Mediterranean Sea Bass –paired with wine selections from Heitz Cellars – Napa Valley. Suarez posed a special toast to McKinney and her parents, along with her Business Manager Zachary Scott. Guests included Peter Luukko and Richard Adler, Florida Panthers Executive Chairman and Executive Vice President respectively – Gail and Steve Feldman, Stacy Groen and Bill Bentz, Erica and Teddy Morse, Janice Combs, Leonid Khankin, Brett Abess, Teddy Shriver, among others. The evening was produced by Michael Kirkland for Charlotte McKinney and Venice for MKarte.

World Red Eye was able to steal Venice’s “it” girl for a moment to hear about her cover shoot, along with some other projects we can can expect from her in the future.

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Charlotte McKinney

I’ve always been a beach and bikini girl.

Charlotte McKinney

WRE: How did you get your start in the modeling industry?

CM: I actually began modeling in Miami. I would get a few odd jobs here and there. It was difficult getting signed to an agency, however. I met and became friends with Zachary Scott during a weekend trip to South Florida. Zachary, who is now my Business Manager, sat up a meeting for me with the President of ONE.1 Management in New York City, and they signed me immediately, but nothing really big happened until I moved to Los Angeles.

WRE: Can you recall an exact moment thus far where you realized you’ve made it big?

CM: I am actually waiting on that moment, to be honest. I still don’t feel as if I am quite there yet. I’m constantly working and shooting whenever I can, but it was definitely surreal to walk past my television and catch a glimpse of the Carl’s Junior commercial. That was a big and fun moment!

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Janice Combs & Lori Suarez

WRE: You are originally from Florida, how has the culture here influenced your life and career?

CM: I grew up in Orlando, but it was all about going to the beach on the weekends for our family. When not working, which is rare these days, I spend much of my time up in Malibu. I’ve always been a beach and bikini girl.

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Charlotte McKinney

WRE: Your Venice cover is stunning, and a turn toward high fashion. Tell us about the shoot and your experience with superstar photographer John Rosso.

CM: First, I adore the magazine! Everything happened so quickly. Zachary Scott informed that a friend of ours had secured the Venice cover for me. I was on set with John Russo and his amazing crew three days later. We shot the piece at an estate in the Coachella Valley, and Carlos Suarez directed remotely from South Florida. John Russo was a thrill to work with. I’ve admired his work for years. John is a professional, but always a fun and cool guy. He quickly found my best side.

WRE: You were recently named GQ’s ‘Girl of Summer’, how does this feel?

CM: I LOVE being GQ’s ‘Girl of Summer’! GQ was definitely a dream of mine, as was getting to work with Ben Watts. I’ve followed his work for some time. I also have a few pages in their August ‘Comedy Issue’, which I just saw last night. I will let you in on something: there is more to come for sure.

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Carlos Suarez & Charlotte McKinney

WRE: Tell us what your most exciting moments were during this year’s Miami Swim Week?

CM: Well, I had a wonderful dinner the evening I arrived for my Galore Magazine cover at The Miami Beach EDITION. I also was honored in a very special cocktail reception and intimate dinner to celebrate my Venice magazine cover at Lobster Bar and Sea Grille in Fort Lauderdale. I also learned while I was in Miami that I would be shooting for a very special French fashion publication.

WRE: When you’re not working, what can we find you doing?

CM: Not working is rare right now. I can be found at the nearest beach, or resting in my apartment or hotel room.

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Zachary Scott & Charlotte McKinney

WRE: What roles/projects can we expect from you in the future?

CM: I am continuously auditioning and my team has several things in the works with both directors and producers at the moment. I am also really working hard on the establishment of my Foundation. I have a couple of things going on with BidKind at the moment which benefit the Kind Campaign. Also, I am planning to begin some volunteer work with Best Buddies in LA later this month. I had the pleasure of meeting Teddy Shriver, from Best Buddies, at the Venice dinner. We are planning an event with a few Best Buddies where I will share my love of yoga and the outdoors, and showcasing ones inner beauty.

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