It was the third day of BYS Fashion Week 2024 and the weather had been quite erratic. At around 6:30 p.m., mere minutes after the Charlotte Folk show wrapped up, EJ Nacion hopped on a motorcycle taxi en route to the young designers' showcase a couple of kilometers away. A year ago though, she never would've imagined herself getting booked to walk at consecutive shows. As hectic as it all was, it was the kind of chaos she now gladly welcomes in her life.
Modeling wasn't initially what EJ saw herself doing, but ever since she took her first step on the catwalk, she hasn't looked back since. In this edition of Preview Go-See, she gets candid about her journey as a Filipina model and what she has her eyes set on next.
Preview Go-See: EJ Nacion
How did you get your start in the modeling industry? Tell us the story of how you got “discovered.”
“It all started in February 2023 when there was an open casting for a Bench Fashion Show and I was thinking about giving it a shot. My mind was just full of questions. Was I ready? What if other people laugh at me for going to a female casting? How am I going to do my set card? What if I’m not good enough? Am I ready to accept rejection, knowing that I don’t have any background in modeling for a fashion show?
“All these questions running through my head made me overwhelmed, and I was so close to not going. But I called one of my best friends and she gave me the best advice I could ever hear. She said, ‘Walang mangyayari sayo if you’re not going to give it a try. If you keep telling yourself na hindi ka ready, you will never be ready. Walang masama at walang mawawala sayo if pupunta ka ng casting. If hindi ka man makuha, at least you gave it a try and wala kang pagsisisihan.’”
“That impacted me so much that I immediately went online to look for photos I could use to fix my set card. After the casting, I felt relieved that I was able to give it a try. I asked myself. ‘What’s next?’ A week later, one of my good friends informed me that there was an open casting for Avon’s Underwear Fashion Show the next day. As usual, I started to overthink again because I was working from home at that time and I didn't know how I was going to balance it.”
“So the next day, I woke up really early to finish some of my tasks and I went to the casting with my laptop in case I was needed at work. That made me realize that I really loved and enjoyed what I was doing even if I [hadn’t] gotten my first modeling gig yet.”
“The chances of getting the job were low because there were so many good models at the casting. But I told myself to focus on the goal. Almost three weeks passed and I found out that I didn’t book the Bench Fashion Show. I kind of got sad, but was also kind of relieved that I at least knew what to work on for future castings.”
“Days after, I got a text saying that I got the job for the Avon show! I will never forget that day because I received the news during one of my best friend’s wedding dinners. I literally screamed and had tears of joy. I told my friends about it and that day felt like a double celebration.”
“I never really got discovered by an agency but there was one person who saw potential in me, and that was my fairy godmother Ushi Sato. We met in 2019 when we were introduced by a mutual friend. I never thought I would be his muse or daughter because, at the time, I didn’t expect him to see anything in me. He made me feel confident and beautiful, and helped guide me towards the direction I want to take in my career.”
How long have you been a model and what do you love the most about it?
“I’ve only been modeling professionally for a year and I’m beyond grateful to land jobs that I could only ever imagine when I was starting. I never thought that I would be able to do a lot of gigs during my rookie year. The universe has its way of telling you that you’re on the right path and [my experiences as a model] really boosts my confidence to keep on going, not just for myself, but for other aspiring young queer models.”
“What I love the most about modeling is [that it allows me to] take up space in society. I get to meet different people and it’s just beautiful to hear how they started and how the industry has evolved throughout the years. Growing up, I didn’t really see models who were queer in magazines or television. I never thought I would see the day that people like me can be part of the modeling industry too."
Would you say being a model is your dream job? Why or why not?
“I wouldn’t say that it’s my dream job because a lot of people think that modeling is easy, [and all you need to do is] pose in front of a camera. But little do people know that it’s more than that, and sometimes it takes a huge toll on your mental health with all of the rejections you’ll experience. But now that I’m doing this full-time, I think I’m on the right path.”
What was the biggest struggle you’ve faced in the modeling industry and how did you overcome it?
“I think the biggest struggle for me is dealing with rejections. Even if you do your best for a job, sometimes it’s just not meant for you and you end up feeling like you’re not good enough. As an overthinker, I tend to overanalyze stuff. We’re all humans at the end of the day.”
“We have a choice whether to cry about our rejections and just be bitter or to move on and see them as opportunities to grow. I learned that rejections are a part of life, especially in the modeling industry. They don’t mean that we’re terrible at what we do. If we look at it in a bigger picture, maybe there’s something better that will come our way. As the saying goes, ‘On your path, you are never denied but only redirected.’”
What would you say is the most memorable project you’ve done as a model so far?
“One of the most memorable projects I’ve done is when I became one of the Preview cover stars last June 2023. That was honestly a huge milestone in my life and in my modeling career since I was just starting at that time. I was able to learn from different trans women at the shoot and I remember crying coming into the set because I’ve only dreamt of [being on a cover] before. Getting to be part of one of Preview’s historic covers is really one for the books.”
“Another memorable project was when I opened the show for Cheetah Rivera during BYS Fashion Week 2023. That was my debut for BYS and I didn’t expect that Cheetah would choose me to open her show. I even cried during the fitting when she told me. ‘EJ, love, you will open my show ha.’ I literally dropped to the floor feeling like I won a beauty pageant! To open for a trans woman designer’s fashion show just felt so right to me. I’m beyond grateful for that opportunity.”
How do you see your career progressing in the future? Do you have a dream modeling gig?
“I will be international. I’m manifesting and claiming it already. I want to work more internationally and I want to inspire a lot of young Filipino queer models because taking up space is really important, especially for the community. There weren’t many Filipino models, especially queer ones, that represented us back in the day. Now, I’m grateful for many Filipina queens and creatives who paved the way internationally like Leyna Bloom, Geena Rocero, and Lukresia. I want to be part of the community that continues to lift up the next generation of queer models.”
“My dream modeling job is to walk for big fashion houses like Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, and most especially Mugler. I get chills every time I watch their shows and I just know that I’ll be able to walk for them someday. I swear, if they give me a chance, I promise them that I will slay the house down boots for the Philippines.”
What’s something unique about you that sets you apart from all other models?
“I believe what sets me apart is the energy and good vibes I bring to every shoot. I'm not just there to pose; I’m there to create a positive and fun atmosphere. I make it a point to ensure that everyone on set, from the crew to the creative team, feels included and appreciated. When people feel good, it shows in the work, and I love knowing that we're creating something special together.”
“As a queer model, I fully embrace my identity and I believe that authenticity is also what makes me stand out. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community gives me a unique perspective, and allows me to break boundaries and represent diversity in an industry that’s constantly evolving. I aim to bring more representation and inclusivity to the fashion industry, and I see every shoot as an opportunity to inspire others to be their truest selves.”
What’s your go-to model-off-duty look?
“My go-to model-off-duty look is having moisturized skin, good hygiene, and my hair in a bun, matched with a good tank top, denim shorts or jeans, and a good pair of sneakers or cute heels.”
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a great model?
“In my opinion, a great model embodies humility and doesn't overshadow or belittle new and or young models. A great model not only shines but also paves the way for upcoming talent by not gatekeeping opportunities. The industry is really tough and will push you to your limits, but what sets a great model apart is kindness.”
“Being kind can take you far in this field, as it helps build strong relationships and a positive reputation. A great model understands the importance of professionalism, showing up ready to work, respecting others’ time, and delivering their best at every shoot. Balancing kindness with a strong sense of professionalism is what truly makes a model stand out.”
Any advice to aspiring models?
“Trust your intuition and believe in yourself wholeheartedly. Don't be afraid to take up space in society because your presence matters. We live in a time where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated, so be proud of who you are and what you bring to the table.”
“Be kind to the people you work with and, most importantly, to yourself. Rejection is part of the journey, but don’t let it define you or diminish your passion. Instead, view every ‘no’ as a stepping stone toward discovering your true potential. Keep pushing forward, use every experience as an opportunity to grow, and remember to enjoy the process.”
“Modeling is not just about the destination, it's about loving yourself through the highs and the lows. Stay authentic and let your light shine for those who will follow in your footsteps.”
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