With fashion week swiftly approaching, there are essential tips for models to keep in mind who wish to attend, especially if it’s their first time and they’re hoping to get casted. This year, the upcoming Winter- Fall dates for the New York Fashion Week season are Thursday, February 6th through Tuesday, February 11th, 2025. If you wish to attend fashion week, do your research, and keep an eye out for casting calls in advance. Some may be in person, and some may allow you to submit your runway video online. However, it is always helpful to arrive a few days early before fashion week officially starts.
Yumi Azeiko, a model from the East side of Atlanta, is no stranger to the runway. From gracing the stages of New York Fashion Week, to walking in Paris, Milan, and London, Yumi has consistently broken barriers and carved her path to the top of the fashion industry. Who better to offer insight into preparing for fashion week than someone who has mastered it themselves?
For models coming from Atlanta or similar urban environments, the runway walk they’re accustomed to often exudes attitude, high energy, and dramatic, bold poses at the end of the runway. However, Yumi advises aspiring models to rethink this approach if they want to make a good impression at castings for New York Fashion Week. “The New York runway walk is a completely different game”, Yumi explains. “It’s clean, straight, and precise, yet still fierce and powerful. There’s no room for exaggerated movements or drawn- out poses.” She also highlights the faster pace of New York Fashion Week, where models must glide down the runway with purpose, often skipping the end of the runway pose altogether.
Yumi reflects on her first experience attending New York Fashion Week, admitting it wasn’t the smoothest journey. As a first- year model with limited knowledge, she attended alone and faced unexpected challenges. At a size 4 at the time, she was told she was “a little too big” for certain outfits and even had to be physically sewn into one of the dresses. This was very shocking for her because coming from Atlanta, she was often told how skinny and little she was at castings. This experience left her in tears almost daily, but it also shaped her perspective and taught her invaluable lessons. Now, she’s determined to help other models avoid the same struggles she endured and be better prepared.
One of Yumi’s key takeaways is the importance of preparation, starting at least three months prior to Fashion Week. She shares essential tips for success: discipline and preparation are crucial. Cut out sodas, prioritize hydration by drinking plenty of water, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and focus on maintaining healthy hair and skin. Ensure your digitals are clean and up to date, and that your comp card is current and professionally formatted. Bring several copies to share with casting directors and agencies. Read all instructions ensuring you’re fully prepared and have everything needed before attending a casting. Prioritize cardio- focused workouts. While staying active and working out is vital, Yumi emphasizes toning muscles rather than building them. For example, after her fist experience, she was told her shoulders appeared too broad, prompting her to focus on a leaner physique. Lastly, understand proportions. Regardless of whether you’re sample size, standard size, or plus size, casting directors prioritize balanced body proportions.
Yumi shared a valuable list of dos and don’ts for those models planning to attend. Her do’s list include: Arrive early. If the casting starts at 10 am, make sure you’re there by 8 am. In New York, being on time means being early, and if you arrive at 10 am, you will not be seen. Plan your commute carefully. If you’re staying in New Jersey, allow extra time to get to castings, as New Jersey operates on a different transit system than New York, a lesson Yumi learned the hard way. Her don’ts list include: Don’t overpack. Bring only the essentials to castings. With so many models in one space, taking up too much room is both inconsiderate and impractical. Don’t stay out too late. Avoid late nights before a show or casting, as it will reflect in your performance the next day. Don’t get discouraged. If you don’t get casted, don’t let it stop you. Certain designers look for certain things, and while you may be a great model, they may already have a certain vision in mind of what they want. This doesn’t make you less adequate as a model, so don’t give up. If you receive feedback, take the feedback, learn from it, and keep trying. Still attend the shows even if you don’t get casted. You never know who may be in the audience that you may make a meaningful connection with and can possibly open doors for you in the future.
Yumi shares that she personally manages the pressure of being in such a competitive industry by staying true to herself and embracing the belief that what’s meant for her will always be hers. “If I’m not chosen for something, I know it wasn’t meant to be, at least in this season of my life and that’s okay”, she says confidently.
When asked what separates a good model from a great model, Yumi explains “A good model has all the basics down, but a great model never stops evolving and never stays stagnant with where they are. They’re always seeking ways to improve and push themselves to a higher standard.”
Yumi also highlights the diversity she has witnessed at New York Fashion Week, acknowledging the incredible designers and talent. However, she believes there’s still room for improvement when it comes to representation and inclusivity for Black models. She reflects on times when she was the only Black model on the runway and notes a lack of visibility for models with medium skin tones. “You’ll often see Black models who are either extremely light or extremely dark, but those of us in between tend to face more challenges.”
Yumi remains hopeful for change and is determined to be a part of it, “I pray and work toward creating a more inclusive industry where every shade and story is equally represented.”
Through her journey, Yumi continues to soar to new heights. She has not only honored and refined her craft, but also cultivated a deep passion for empowering others to succeed in the competitive world of high fashion. Her advice serves as a guiding blueprint, equipping models with the tools to navigate not only the challenges of New York Fashion Week, but the demands of the entire modeling industry with confidence.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Yumi
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