Candid Behind the Runway with Alex and Dieynaba
Runway models share confidence, defining beauty standards and embarrassing moments
Photos by Brasi Porter
Richmond Fashion Week (RVAFW) is always looking for new faces from a diverse range of aspiring models to walk down the runway.
We got a chance to chat with models Alex Bijanna, or Alex Be Anna, and Senegalese model Dieynaba Diop of Voices and Models Agency in Kansas City, Mo., who graced the runway were strutting their stuff for Chanel Nelson-Green’s Liznel’s solo show, Flourish, which happened this past Thursday night at the Branch Museum on Monument Avenue.
Exploring Modeling Passion
Q: What got you interested in modeling?
Williams: I have been modeling commercially for about two years, just got into fashion [modeling.] I felt like I was always sort of hesitant going into fashion modeling and runway just because when I was growing up in the 2000s and the 90s, the beauty standards were really skinny and I’ve always had wide hips, so I was always hesitant about that. Recently, people have been very encouraging to sort of push me to do more in fashion and editorial work and I’m really enjoying it.
Diop: I’m working part-time in healthcare, but I’ve been modeling full-time now. I’ve been modeling for five years now. It’s been good for the most part, as you know the industry is not always great. Sometimes, I feel like it’s inclusive, sometimes I feel like it’s not. Sometimes, I feel like I’m represented, sometimes, I feel like I’m not. But, for the most part, it’s been good for me what God has aligned for me and what’s coming for me and I will receive it.
Flourishing with Chanel
Q: How do you feel about walking for Chanel’s show, “Flourish?”
Williams: I've done a bit of photoshoots for Chanel previous to this and it’s really interesting to see my face everywhere and people commenting on it. I’m just excited to walk for Chanel because she’s like the definition of a businesswoman. She’s like the definition of fashion and beauty for the everyday woman, the business woman, the entrepreneur.
Diop: Oh my God, it feels amazing meeting her and seeing how much work and effort she’s putting in her line and how passionate she is about her line! I’m just very excited to walk for a creative woman who designs one of the most beautiful pieces and walking alongside these beautiful models as well.
Confidence on the Catwalk
Q: What’s the secret to a good runway walk and being confident like a model?
Williams: Don’t think about anyone else! A lot of people have social anxiety, but the way you just get over that is you go out there and just do it. Whatever other people are thinking, it doesn’t really matter. You just go out and walk. A lot of people blackout when they walk anyway! It’s about holding yourself well. It’s about practicing your walk. It’s about standing tall and being confident.
Diop: I would say no matter what, be you. Show up and be your full authentic self and that alone gives you confidence no one else has and it just lights up the room and you own that room. Also, practicing your craft. You can be really good at something, but it never hurts to enhance and practice and be consistent in what you do and not be cocky about what you got going on.
Q: What's your favorite way to boost your confidence when you're feeling self-conscious?
Diop: I just kind of take the time to remember where I come from and where I was. What I had yesterday is not what I have today. I worked hard and I was down for quite some time in the modeling industry just for not being accepted on how small I am or because agencies want me to be bigger or smaller. Just knowing I have gone far and I have accomplished so much in my life, that alone makes me confident and makes me keep going.
Post-Show Relaxation
Drop being interviewed by Paula P.
Q: What do you girls do to relax and unwind after a photoshoot or show?
Williams: First, take my face off! Woo, I need to cleanse everything, that’s important. It’s good for the skin’s health. Just really decompress, while texting everyone. Look at all the photos on social media and just take a moment to yourself. Hydrate, re-hydrate. Eat food. I love eating after a show!
Diop: Honestly, what helps me unwind and relax is by going to the gym and really just letting go and focusing on my health. Going to the gym brings me peace of mind and helps with my mental health and just taking a long bath and shower. Listening to peaceful and meditation music and remembering all the accomplishments I have accomplished throughout the day and being thankful for knowing that I did the best I could for that day.
Navigating Industry Pressures
Q: How do you handle pressure and maintain a positive mindset in a competitive industry?
Williams: I’m glad I started modeling later in life [Author’s Note: Williams just turned 26 years old]. I feel like when you’re growing up, [modeling] can be a lot of pressure on you and you’re in your head a lot anyway when you’re developing and growing into your body. But, I know how to advocate for myself now. People like my look and I worked very hard to have the body that I have.
Diop: I don’t allow the industry to give me any pressure. I do what I feel that is right for me and right for my body and gives me a peace of mind is what I go with.
Embracing Imperfections
Q: Can you share a funny or embarrassing moment from your modeling career that made you feel more human?
Diop: I don’t just do modeling, I also do content creation! It’s just when doing talking videos, hearing my voice is so cringe to me, but I have to do it and I have to tape for agencies. I don’t know, it's just so weird!
Beauty Beyond Appearance
Q: How do you define beauty beyond physical appearance?
Williams: Beauty standards, I think, are what society defines as objectively beautiful. But, beauty is subjective. Everyone defines beauty for themselves, of course there is a collective understanding of beauty, but confidence is also beauty. I think a lot of people could be in this industry if they just dig deep and be confident. It’s really confidence that brings people to the map.
Overcoming Body Image Struggles
Q: What advice would you give to someone struggling with body image issues or often comparing themselves to models?
Williams: Just do it. Just go out there and practice. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Advocate for yourself, even though it might be hard. Advocate for yourself and surround yourself with people who support you and who are a positive influence in your life. In that, you’ll have an easier time navigating a very unique focus.
Diop: Be yourself and also, social media is not real. People will only show you what they want you to see and not necessarily their true life. Everyone has flaws. Don’t beat yourself up because you have flaws. Everyone has them. We are human beings, we are not perfect. Just look at yourself everyday and accept what God has given you, what God has created you to be who you are for a reason. So, don’t compare yourself to others because you don’t know what that other person is battling with. Be yourself. Love yourself unconditionally because how you love yourself is what’s going to boost your confidence. And when you walk into the room, that’s really what’s going to show.
