A Model for Living - A Profile of Viola Evans
One of most familiar faces of the Diane Kennedy brand is my silver-haired muse, Viola Evans.
Viola wears the Screen Playsuit and Perfect Top.
This ageless beauty became a model in her early fifties! She was “discovered” while working at an auto body shop. Later, she became the store manager of a clothing store in the South Granville neighbourhood of Vancouver that carried my Diane Kennedy clothing. I met Viola at this shop, and ever since we've shared a professional relationship and friendship that are both extremely important to me.
Viola starting modelling for me 10 years ago, and she was 56 at the time. I was immediately struck by her natural beauty, and she was so effortless in front of the camera. Viola is genuine and radiant, and her every pose appears relaxed and easy.
Her passion for the brand shines through every image. “DK clothes are classic and work for every body,” enthuses Viola. “When I talk about the brand, my motto is ‘love the comfort, love the look!’ Back when she worked in retail, her comment was, "Diane Kennedy is so easy to sell, once anyone puts on the clothes, they fall in love with the cut, the style and especially the soft, comfortable feel of the bamboo.”
Viola’s approach to beauty is simple. "I know I'm supposed to do skin care, but I don't. I just wash with Dove soap." Her makeup routine is equally uncomplicated. “I do like wearing lipstick, especially MAC, a Canadian brand. Even if I have no other makeup on, I always wear lipstick to match my outfit.”
Viola models the Cozy Coat and Soft Shirt over the Balance Pant.
It’s not just Viola’s appearance that’s inspiring - her lifestyle is an ongoing, active celebration. In the winter, she usually goes to her condo in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, but she always summers in Vancouver. She swims, paddle boards, and kayaks, and she recently bought an eight-foot kayak that she can fit in her car, making new adventures that much easier! She’s a true Renaissance woman; her other hobbies include learning to read music, playing the ukulele, learning Spanish, and drawing.
Viola wears the Spellbound Tunic and Pacific Pant.
Adventuring with Viola is a joy. One of my favourite memories with her was spent kayaking. We took off from Deep Cove and ending up finding our own private island. We perched on a rock, laughed, told stories, ate heirloom tomato sandwiches with mayonnaise and salt and pepper, and then we swam with the moon jellyfish in a tiny bay.
Viola represents everything that I want the Diane Kennedy to brand to reflect: beauty, versatility, and genuine zest for life at any age! I’m so grateful to have her working with us, and so delighted to have her as a friend.
