Dominican Models Who Succeed On International Catwalks

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Although the Dominican Republic is known for its wonderful beaches, the meringue and the joy of its people, now it is also known for a phenomenon that is revolutionizing the fashion industry. The Caribbean country, with its unique mix of races, has become in recent years the cradle of some of the most sought-after models on the planet. We traveled there to photograph four of the models who will undoubtedly give something to talk about.

JENNIFFER CONCEPCIÓN

-19 years old, born in La Victoria.

-He has paraded for Stella McCartney, Valentino, Miu Miu, Prada.

THEY DISCOVERED IT On Instagram. I had sent a photo to an agent posing, a week passed and they responded. The next day I went to the agency early with my mom and they were surprised because they had never seen such clean and hydrated skin.

A NEW LOOK I had my hair with extensions. When I got to the agency they cut it off even more than I have it now. I felt uncomfortable, but [now] I feel good about my cut.

DIRECT TO EUROPE [My first] show was for Prada. When I was going out I started to sweat and of all colors. Later I was picking up the rhythm with the music that was a little happy.

ITS INSPIRATION I really like Rihanna because she is the way she is, sexy and with a lot of personality.

ESMERILEIDY RAMÍREZ

-19 years old, born in San Cristóbal.

-H paraded for Mugler, Comme de Garçons, Olivier Theyskens.

LUCK HIT A friend insisted that I go to a casting with her. I did not like modeling at all, but my friend insisted so much that I said good. She did not pass and I did.

AT A DISTANCE I entered the agency in May 2018 and already in February 2019 I was out of the country. Go figure! A person who knew nothing of the modeling world and get a signature so fast! I had never been away from my family, so at first it was a little difficult.

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT I am taller than the others. European models have straight hair and a Latina with curly hair stands out. Also my skin color and my smile because the [space] in my teeth makes me look different.

HIS OTHER TALENT I was in college

studying mathematics. I love.

STYLE ICON The Dominican model Lineisy Montero. It is an inspiration to all of us.

LISSANDRA BLANCO

-17 years old, born in Maimon, Bonao.

-He has paraded for Chanel, Loewe, Prada.

GIRL'S DREAMS I saw America's Next Top Model. Since I was little I liked to model.

THEY DISCOVERED I practically discovered them. My sister investigated the agencies because she saw my interest in modeling. Thanks to her I am here.

THE FIRST PARADE It was Prada. I was so excited that on the catwalk I wanted to laugh and I couldn't bear the excitement.

HIS OTHER PASSION Basketball.

AN IDOL Naomi Campbell.

THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH BEAUTY As girls we wanted to be great to straighten our hair and be beautiful in front of society. Over time I learned to appreciate my natural beauty and feel more confident about myself.

WHAT YOU LONG FOR IN YOUR COUNTRY Natural beaches and [landscapes]. Dominicans who are kind, emotional and offer their love to anyone.

MELANIE PÉREZ

-17 years old, born in Santo Domingo.

-He has paraded for Valentino, Miu Miu, Chanel, Balmain.

THEY DISCOVERED IT So many people said to me: "You can be a model, you have a model face", but I was afraid and my mother too. One day I cheered up and attended the casting of the agency I am in and I passed it.

PUROS NERVIOS [My first show] was crazy. Almost nothing is safe there. Even in the same parade they can take you out. I finished the parade and I almost cried.

PASARELA DREAMED Moschino because it is a totally different show. The designs are super crazy.

BEAUTY CHALLENGE I am going through a transition process to discover my real hair because from a young age one is taught that straight hair is beautiful hair. They do not understand that there are different types of hair and that each person's beauty is unique.

Special thanks to the Dominican Republic Tourism Office and Homewood Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo.