Let’s get one thing clear: the fashion industry’s relationship to marginalized communities has always been fraught. It doesn’t take an expert eye to see the long of history sidelining and often straight-up excluding many identities that don’t fit into a stringent box of thin, cis-gendered, heterosexual, and white. The charge for more representation—be it for radical size inclusivity or commitments to racial diversity—has largely left out Native Americans despite the (often misappropriated) influence on fashion and beauty their rituals and traditions have contributed to.
So while representation may seem like a surface-level answer to some, to these three Native American models, it’s not just important—it’s their everything. “I have people message me constantly,” shared Valentine Alvarez, “I can actively see myself changing the industry.”
One sentiment each model echoed was their passionate backing of their identities and unwillingness to bend to the industry’s will. Nonconformity seemed to be a theme among our conversations with these three budding stars, and while models may not dictate things like casting or sizing, the impact that their visibility has on the rest of the world is something that can’t be measured.
With November marking Native American Heritage Month, we sat down with rising runway talents Valentine Alvarez, Celeste Romero, and Kita Updike whose presence alone marks a significant shift in the industry. Ahead, read our discussion on Indigenous identity, why representation matters, and the moments they consider to be their “big breaks” (so far).
How long have you been modeling and how did you get into it? How has your experience been?
I have been modeling for a little bit over a year. I actually was given a lot of help starting. A friend of mine casted me for an Instagram ad and the photographer was really encouraging. Afterward my friend took my digitals, and helped me submit my pictures to agencies. My mother agency reached out to me very shortly after but I was sucked into the coffee shop grind and ignored them for almost a year. In June 2022, I had my very first job (with one test shoot in my book) and debuted with Marc Jacobs. It’s been a wild ride!
What have been some of your career highlights so far? Can you point to any moment as your “big break”?
I think my biggest highlight was quitting my coffee shop job, calling a Congressperson to get a passport in 2 days, and flying to Paris all in the same week. It really felt like that was my big break at the time, walking for Chloe and Valentino in Paris, but I think it was really this last season. I think this is so surreal to me that I never think it’ll get better than this.
What have been some of your career highlights so far? Can you point to any moment as your “big break”?
My favorite highlights are getting to set and knowing pretty much everyone’s name. There is something so comforting to me about going in with a team I know and love. I feel like this whole experience is a big break for me at this point I’ve had so many jobs where I to this day can’t comprehend I did. One of my favorite jobs was the Chloé campaign I shout though because I’ve never driven through the states like that and to see all the beautiful landscapes was absolutely a dream.
What kind of impact do you hope your work has on the industry?
I hope my impact is towards young people who look like me, see themselves when they see pictures or videos of me and know that they can be a model, actor, or anything in the public eye as well.
Describe your personal style. What are several pieces that define your wardrobe right now? Any favorite brands or designers you love to wear?
In my day to day style, I like to wear wear men’s clothes. I have a plain black T-shirt for every day of the week and usually style outfits around that, but if I’m being honest I usually just pair it with some black jeans. My favorite thing that I would say I go a little more adventurous with is my shoes. I have lots of boots, Vans, Converse, Jordan’s, and Nike’s.
