At just 21 years old, the Dominican model Lineisy Montero has conquered the international catwalks, becoming a designer favorite. Although he grew up in a humble home, that did not stop him from dreaming big and today he walks through the most prestigious catwalks in the world. Read below her incredible story of overcoming.
Tell us how they discovered you …
I was 14 years old. My mom's boss took all of her employees' children to an amusement park. As we were leaving [a young man] grabbed me by the arm and my mom asked him, 'What do you want with my daughter?' Then she told him that she worked in a modeling agency and that I had the size, the bearing and everything to be a model. He lasted three months calling her. She wasn't convinced, and neither was I.
How do you come to change your mind?
A few months later I went to the agency of Sandro Guzmán (director of Ossygeno Models Management). I was very shy and she said it was better for me to grow a little more. At that time my hair was straightened and he said: 'How about you leave your hair natural? When I turned 18 we called him and I already had a [afro] pajon. I was chosen to enter a modeling competition. I was the worst of all, the one who walked the worst. Seeing me with all those women I said: 'They are prettier than me, with better hair. I'm never going to make it. '
What motivated you to follow?
[I was] crying and my grandmother said to me: 'Do the women you are with have four legs or four arms?… They have the same as you. If they are the same as you, why do you think you can't do it? Rehearse and get excited! ' In three months I learned to walk with tacos. [In the competition] I was second.
You chose the Next agency to represent you internationally. How was the first experience outside your country?
The first two weeks in France were a disaster. I called my mom and told her I wanted to go. There was not a day that I didn't miss out. At first I only did photo shoots. After a month and a half I already knew everything.
And your first show was with Prada …
I was very nervous. As I was walking I just said: 'I can do everything in Christ that strengthens me'. In the end I couldn't believe I had walked on that catwalk. Then they confirmed me for their campaign. In my first full season [as a professional model] I did 68 shows.
What have been the most memorable moments in your short career?
The first time I walked with Prada. When they called me from Oscar de la Renta: although he was gone, I had always wanted to work with his brand. [And] the first time I paraded for Dolce & Gabbana.
At the Chanel show
What has been the greatest satisfaction your work has left you?
One of the things that I always said I wanted was a house for my mom and thank God we already have [it] and also a car.
I don't like them very much, but I do exercises. I have a coach who tells me that it is not what I eat, but the quantity. Bee honey with sugar is very good for the face. I just wash my hair and let it do its thing. Very rarely do I wear makeup. I see it as something to work with.
What are your favorite designers?
I really like Moschino. Valentino and Elie Saab make death dresses. Prada also makes beautiful coats.
Last season you did over a hundred shows, what do you miss most when you're working?
My family and the warmth [of my land].
