A good Samaritan moment during her college years led 25-year-old Vi Macario to the career she enjoys today. As a transgender individual trying to find her place in the world, becoming a model used to be such a farfetched concept for her. But nowadays, Vi is slowly becoming a familiar face on runways and editorials, having just walked for Avon's historic all-queer underwear fashion show last June 2023.
In an exclusive interview with Preview, the up-and-comer talks about how she first step foot in the industry and the various reasons why she'll keep on strutting.
Preview Go-See: Vi Macario
How did you get your start in the modeling industry? Tell us the story of how you got “discovered.”
"I was crying [in] the hallway of our campus then nilapitan ako ng isang girl who [happened] to be a model pala. Her name was MJ Binas. She told me to come to her office tapos sabi niya na mag pa-blonde ako. Then weeks after, I got booked for a show."
How long have you been a model and what do you love the most about it?
"I started [in] 2019. The thing that I love most about it is that I get to live [out] the fantasy of the designers. I get to do different looks."
Would you say being a model is your dream job? Why or why not?
"[To be honest], I really did not [see] this coming kasi nung bata ako, I always got bullied dahil sa looks ko. Pero now, I can say that this is my dream job."
What was the biggest struggle you’ve faced in the modeling industry and how did you overcome it?
"Siguro it's being trans [and] androgynous. Wala pa [akong nakikitang] gaya ko, so I'm trying my best to change the beauty standards para sa aming mga trans models."
What would you say is the most memorable project you’ve done as a model so far?
"It [would] be my first show, which was Sinulid kasi kung 'di yon nangyari, wala ako dito now."
How do you see your career progressing in the future? Do you have a dream modeling gig?
"I would love to go around the world to do shows! As long as it's for fashion, I'll do it. Hangga't may runway, maglalakad ako."
What’s something unique about you that sets you apart from all other models?
"It [would] be my 'applecut' hair."
What’s your go-to model-off-duty look?
" [A] tank top with shorts or pants, [and] then [a pair of] boots."
In your own opinion, what are the characteristics of a great model?
"Matibay yung loob kasi yung industry natin is full of rejection but you need to always keep going. Hindi mareklamo, I mean wala namang [may] gusto ng mahirap ka-trabaho. [Tapos 'pag] vina-value niya yung time ng mga tao sa paligid niya."
What’s your advice to aspiring models?
"Go lang [nang[ go! Kailangan alam mo yung purpose mo kung ba't ka nagmo-model."
Follow Vi on Instagram here.
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