32 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | JUNE 2018 many commercial opportunities for print and catalog work. But through all of this, one designer remained: Michael Casey. Etkin was his muse and she traveled extensively with him, working on everything he did. During this time, Casey was the top couture designer at Neiman Marcus, making him a household name. Etkin wore his designs on countless red carpets and even wore a design by him at her second wedding. Modeling brought Etkin more than professional satisfaction. In many instances, it served as the conduit for her to connect with causes that have come to be her life’s purpose. Through a one-off photo session with photographer Ken Ross, she was introduced to his psychiatrist mother, the late Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D., known for her pioneering work in hospice care and palliative care for children. Over time, Etkin developed a close friendship with Kübler-Ross, whom she considers to be her mentor. It was through this relationship that Etkin was recently named as an ambassador for the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation, which focuses on the mission of the late humanitarian: to provide hospice care for youth. Etkin has continued to stay involved and will serve a key role in a fundraising event for the cause this October. But there are more stories of how Etkin’s modeling career led to her philanthropic purpose. Take the Phoenix Women’s Board of the Steele Children’s Research Center, affectionately known as PANDA. Etkin was approached 18 years ago by a former model pal who was among those who founded PANDA’s women’s group. The group initially tried to hire Etkin to coach the child models that are the hallmark of the cause’s signature event. Etkin instead volunteered her services and has for the duration of the event, bringing the number of children she’s coached for the cause to around 1,500 over the past 18 years. GIVING IN STYLE CONTINUED

JUNE 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 33 Fantasy Fashion Moments Galia Lahav design house in partnership with Oscar De Las Salas launched their couture evening gown line with the introduction of the Micheline gown. This house is known for creating art through wardrobe and this piece was named after and designed specifically for Micheline Etkin by Christos Sewell and worn by Etkin at the Golden Globes. Right: Micheline Etkin by Christos Sewell and worn by Etkin at the Golden Globes. Photo: Chris Loomis Etkin had the opportunity to work with fashion icon Oscar de la Renta on a few occasions and recalls them among her favorite fashion moments. Above: Micheline and Oscar de la Renta. Photo: Mom Style Lab