Local model makes Fashion Week debut

When trying to make it big in the world of professional modelling, putting yourself out there is where it all begins.

That was a big takeaway for 20-year-old Border City-based model Maiah Wiens, who recently returned from New York City to make her Fashion Week debut from Feb. 10-13. Wiens, also known as Maiah Rose on her Facebook business page, has lived in Lloydminster since she was eight and spent several years as a performance assistant and instructor at Fame Dance Studios.

As she got older, Wiens took a greater interest in modelling, with her recent trip to walk in New York Fashion Week being a step in that direction.

“Fashion Week was awesome and it’s something I’ve wanted for a really long time and it was amazing to see all of the designers. There were designers from all over the world, including Tokyo, which is where some of the designers I walked for were from,” she said.

“It was really nice to see people come from all over the world that all love the same thing, which is fashion. Being at such a big event, it was awesome to see the passion there.”

Wiens has modelled in Canada before, but the scale at which it’s done in New York City was eye-opening to her.

“In Canada, I would say there are some shows that are pretty well done, but it’s definitely a whole other level in New York,” she said. “Especially the people that come to watch and participate, I feel they’re much more passionate, and I feel there’s much more passion for fashion in New York.

“There’s a larger community in New York and people are willing to invest in these kinds of shows.”

For Wiens, the sky is the limit when it comes to modelling, and she reiterated the importance of applying yourself and putting yourself out there.

“I guess I already knew, but this really solidified it, for me, I learned exposure goes a long way,” she said.

“Putting yourself out there is always what you need to be doing, especially for this particular career I’m going for.

“I was published on Elle Italia’s website as well as Harper’s Bazaar, which is crazy, but it really showed me, to be able to get those things, I need to work hard. Hard work pays off.”

Growing up as a dancer and model, Wiens also took the opportunity to soak in the atmosphere at much as possible while in New York.

“I did also get a chance to sit in the audience and watch some shows as well, which is something I really, really enjoy, especially as a dancer and model growing up,” she said. “I love to see production and how designers will put on a show and present themselves … that was something I really enjoyed.”