New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is one of the most anticipated events in the fashion industry, showcasing models, designers, and fashion enthusiasts from all over the world. Walking for a designer during NYFW is a defining moment in many models careers, being a gateway to greater exposure and opportunities. The long hours, travel, and dedication that goes into a job like modeling is one not often talked about. However, a moment such as this can happen to anybody who works hard and has the drive to learn their way through the industry. At Dash Talents, a modern mother agency located in Northern Virginia, this sentiment proves itself to be true after this year’s NYFW, having seven of their models walk in The Raven Collection, by D’Marsh Couture. The Raven-Spring 2024/25 collection was inspired by controlled chaos and “untamed elegance,” playing into the intense attitudes and expressions of the dark raven theme. Hosted by the China Institute in America, a nonprofit that highlights Chinese culture and history, the event intended on creating an atmosphere for designers, industry leaders, and fashion enthusiasts to network while witnessing emerging fashion from designers located in China and the United States.

Dash Talents owners Roro Yone, Noel Calubaquib, and Yelena Scheidler were in attendance to support the show and their models, including Camila Nunez, Gabrielle Davis, Gia Kokenyei, Ibrahima Kane, Jade Martinez, Laura Powell, and Rachel Clevinger. Each model proves that with the right preparation, passion, and guidance, they are able to secure spots on the most sought-out runways while having the ability to stand out as top talent in the industry. 

The Foundations 

The path to success begins long before a model steps foot on the runway. Many of the mechanics to booking a show happen behind the scenes without any public view, making the process feel quite intimidating and mysterious to those who do not know where to start. Dash Talents places a strong emphasis on individualized training, preparing models for the unknown and fast paced demands of the industry, while appreciating the diverse environment and talents of others. Considering a scenario where a model books a runway show, the training needed goes beyond mastering a runway walk. It is perfecting poses for the photography used in casting, being aware of what the industry is currently looking for, and performing at the highest quality regardless of the stakes. Ensuring the models are well-rounded and ready to give it their all under pressure, Dash Talents works to help the model find their individual voice in the ever changing fashion world. 

Laura Powell, based in Richmond, Virginia, was one of the seven models who booked the D’marsh Couture show. Being her first time walking in NYFW, Dash Talents helped in facilitating this process by booking the opportunity. For many models, booking a show at NYFW is filled with a lengthy series of castings along with fierce competition. With the help of Dash Talents and their hands-on approach, they are able to help connect models directly to exclusive opportunities in the industry. Finding out only two days beforehand that she was ready to go for the show, she immediately started arranging transportation. “I was at my regular job when he called and I was so excited,” she said, “I couldn’t stop smiling for the rest of my shift.” By Monday morning, she landed in New York City and had to quickly prepare for the following day. Though her nerves were high and the anticipation to succeed in this new, professional environment grew as she was about to walk, she found stepping out of her comfort zone only enhanced her excitement, gaining a preparedness that sparked motivation. “I think everyone was really excited to be there. There was a mix of different experience levels which I think made everyone a bit more talkative as we shared story’s and gave each other advice.”

The joy of sharing the stage with other creatives is unlike any other. All models who walk know how much it takes to get to that place in time, going through similar processes of booking. For the models at Dash Talents, that moment on the runway is shared with the agency’s relentless support, along with their peers who they got there with. Gabby Davis, based in New York City, has found many opportunities with her mother agency, Dash Talents. “Immediately after I was scouted and signed with Dash Talents, they placed me with my New York agency and continuously presented me with amazing opportunities,” she shared. When the news came that she had been selected to walk in D’Marsh Couture’s show, it felt surreal. “Ro texted me to say he needed me to walk in a show and was submitting me for it. He later called with the amazing news that D’Marsh Couture had chosen me. I was over the moon!” It was more than just booking a show—it was an opportunity to step out on one of fashion’s most iconic platforms. The experience left a lasting impact on Davis, providing a different perspective from other shows they’d been a part of. “The process boosted my confidence for future runways and taught me a lot about the behind-the-scenes of shows,” she reflected. 

Looking To The Future

As the buzz of another successful NYFW comes to an end, Dash Talents’ goal is to continue making a mark in the industry, inspiring models who are already in the making. The best part is that NYFW is only the beginning of many successful stories coming out of the agency. Nonetheless, the D’Marsh Couture show will always be remembered by the Dash Talents models not only for the glamor and eagerness of the runway, but also for the unwavering support of the makeup crew, stylists, creative directors, photographers, new friends, and the Dash Talents team itself. As the models look ahead to future opportunities, Dash Talents remains by their side prepared to make waves in the fashion industry, helping them gain real world experiences outside of just their hometowns.