model voices
We asked our models why they model in
Asian Fashion Show Chicago
The Asian and Asian-American community need representation in fashion at the local level. Many Asian-American immigrants, myself included, are often raised in environments where creative expression through clothing is not emphasized or dismissed. Yet I believe clothing--both for ourselves and for others--can empower individuals with self-agency, passion, and crucial exploration of one's identity. Finally, as a young male college graduate, I want to represent other men my age: clothing and community can go hand-in-hand.
As an adoptee and petite female, I would love the opportunity to represent often underrepresented groups in fashion and the Asian American community. More broadly, I think more diversity in fashion is needed and I am excited by the concept of an all Asian model and designer fashion show. Additionally, diversity in body size and type is needed especially in the fashion industry to break down previously accepted beauty standards.
There is still a long way to go for Asian modeling in the Western hemisphere despite the fact that we are part of the PGM (people of global majority). We aren’t represented as much as we should, and representation is so important. When people see Asian models, some part of their brain understands that Asians are beautiful and can be seen as beautiful by many people. The media highlights who and what society values: when we do not see people like ourselves, we get told that we do not count. We do not matter. There is something wrong with me—is it my skin, is it my features, is it my Asian-ness? I want to be a part of Asian Fashion Show Chicago because this is an honoring of Asian beauty and creativity. This recognizes us, doesn’t demand us to be anything but our authentic selves, and I want to enjoy and celebrate Asian beauty with others who support the same dream.
Asian representation is more important than ever nowadays, and I want to showcase that Asian males also have style.
I want to be a part of a movement, self growth, Asian Representation is very important to me and I want to learn and collaborate with AAPI artists/ designers, and creatives in Chicago.
I am interested to learn more about the fashion industry and the asian designers. Also, I just want to have fun and meet new people who share the common interest! I Would love to learn how to walk better and be more confident.
Big thanks to Victoria, Asian models and fashion designers are given a chance to really showcase their fierceness here in Chicago area
I felt immensely supported by this community as well as by the coordinators of the event. They made sure to guide us towards success and make us feel confident and beautiful as Asian women. Not everyone gets the chance to be a model for a day. I am very thankful for the opportunity to participate in the 2019 Asian Fashion Show.