Denied to DIOR
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, stories of perseverance, resilience, and ultimate triumph resonate deeply.
Meet Mariam, a Canadian model whose journey through the cutthroat industry serves as a testament to unwavering determination and unyielding passion. Facing relentless rejections and moments of doubt during castings in Milan, Italy, Mariam found herself at a crossroad questioning whether the pursuit of modeling was worth the emotional toll it exacted. Yet, just when she was on the brink of surrender, fate intervened in the form of a life-altering phone call.
It was a call from DIOR, inviting her to grace the runway of their Fall 2023 Fashion Show in Mumbai, India. This pivotal moment not only changed the course of Mariam's career but also reaffirmed her belief in the power of resilience and the beauty of unwavering determination.
As we sit down with Mariam, she graciously shares her remarkable journey and her unforgettable experience with DIOR. From the electrifying energy backstage to the meticulous attention to detail on the runway, Mariam invites us on a captivating behind the scenes tour of her unforgettable encounter with one of fashion's most iconic brands. Amidst the glamour and the chaos, she found not only a platform to showcase her talents but also a community of genuine kindness and unparalleled creativity.
Join us as we delve into Mariam's inspiring narrative, a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, the allure of chasing one's dreams, and the profound impact of seizing life's unexpected opportunities leading her to the DIOR runway.
Models of Canada: Tell us your story about your journey leading up to being selected by DIOR to walk their Fall 2023 show in Mumbai, India.
Mariam: When travelling to different markets there’s no guarantee you’ll be booked. As soon as you land, you’re running to all the castings and keeping your fingers crossed. I went to castings for a lot of big brands so I was feeling hopeful. I was in Milan for a month, so I kept a constant positive mindset with each casting saying to myself, “At least I’m getting noticed!” Unfortunately, I didn’t book much of anything so I was feeling quite discouraged.
The day of my casting for DIOR, the metro went on strike so everything seemed to be going wrong. I was like, “Oh no what does this mean?” So when I did the casting I honestly thought nothing of it because I was getting no’s the entire time I was in Milan. After the audition I didn’t hear much so I figured they didn’t want to book me. A couple weeks after landing back in Toronto from Milan, my agent Christopher from Massardo Management and my booker were calling me at the same time on a random Wednesday! I picked up the phone to find out that I was super close to booking the DIOR show. I honestly didn’t really believe it. I knew I had to go through the whole “visa process” and then also wait to hear if I was actually going to be booked. The following week my visa got accepted AND I BOOKED THE DIOR SHOW!!! It happened all at once. To this day the whole experience still doesn’t feel real.
Models of Canada: Unbelievable! What an experience already. Now we’re going to fast forward to you jumping on the plane and landing in Mumbai. Tell us everything! (Well as much as you can) What was it all like?
Mariam: First of all, it was a long flight. I think in total it took me 14 hours to get there! From getting off the plane to heading right to work, I have to say that doing the DIOR show was one of the most put together, professional, inclusive experiences I’ve had in my modeling career…and that includes everyone across the board too. Models, hair stylists, make up artists, photographers, casting directors, etc. Everything was so personalized and professionally done, it was very refreshing.
Our casting director was Michelle Lee and she knew all of us by name. It was like, “Hey Mariam, how are you feeling? I know this is your first show. Are you excited?”
Being addressed like this just made me feel like I was supposed to be there. It made such a difference. The models were amazing too. Some of the models I got to work with were the “Top 50” models within the industry and they were so supportive and humble. I truly met such great people within the industry and everyone was genuinely kind. I felt beyond safe and included.
Oh! One more thing, right before I was about to walk I had one of the makeup artists cheering me on, “You got this! Good luck!”. It made me feel that no matter what happens on the other side, I’m going to be ok because I felt so supported.
Models of Canada: The fact that you felt supported and included with one of the most influential brands on the planet, shows that kindness truly goes a long way even when you’re at the top of the game.
Now…take us through hair and makeup.
Mariam: My hair was a 2 day process, and by the way the hair team was wonderful. They were so sweet. The hair team works a lot with DIOR and other fashion houses within the industry.
On the first day, they put my hair into braids which took 3 hours. They were really small cornrows with specific instructions on how to do it. They made sure along the way that I wasn’t in pain because with cornrows you have to pull the hair super tight. Mind you, I wasn’t in pain at all!
The day of the show, we went to a separate location to finish up the hair and also to get our makeup done. The final look for my hair was so cool! They did two “space buns” in the back. My makeup artist Anna, we bonded so well. I still remember her name. We had super fun conversations during the time I was getting my makeup done. Once my makeup was finished, I had to go to the lead makeup artist to make sure everything was good to go. From there, a couple hours before the show, we all went to the location where the show was happening to get ready.
Also, the DIOR team always made sure that we were fed, and the food was healthy! It wasn’t pizza or anything like models usually get. We were always hydrated, asked if we needed anything…I could go on and on. Honestly the hospitality was 10/10.
Models of Canada: We love hearing that you had such a positive working environment. That’s how it should be! A top fashion brand like DIOR is setting the example for how models and industry professionals should be treated and that is very encouraging.
Now take us to the runway!
Mariam: Right before they told me to “go” all I heard was my mom’s voice in my head saying, “Show them who you are, walk with confidence.” That’s all I heard! From there I walked out on to the runway, looked straight ahead, connected with cameras and walked. That’s literally it. The lights were so bright too, you couldn’t see anything.
Come to think of it, I didn’t even think to myself, “Oh my gosh, who’s here? Who’s watching me?” I did not have time to try to psyche myself out. I really seized the opportunity, remained present and had fun. You could really feel the presence of people watching you too. It was such a cool energy to feel.
One thing I do remember well before the show during rehearsals was one of the camera men said, “Guys when you see me on the runway during the show, make sure to look at my forehead” so that’s what I did. I was totally looking for that camera mans forehead during the show. “Forehead, look straight, forehead, look straight” …
Once the show was over and everything wrapped, it was amazing to hear about all of the household names that were at the show. I mean Zendaya was even there! Believe it or not, you don’t notice them there the way people think you would. I honestly didn’t know or see who was there until after the show when people started telling me. When you walk down a runway, most models would agree that you disassociate yourself from the crowd to keep your focus. That’s why models always look so serious while on the runway because, well we have to focus but also it helps our overall flow.
Walking for DIOR was such an unique experience all in itself. I’m really grateful for everything.
Models of Canada: After the show, did Maria Grazia Chiuri say any words?
Mariam: After the show ended we all gathered around in a circle and celebrated. It was a really beautiful moment. Maria said how proud she was of everyone. I know that Maria worked extremely hard leading up to this show because the Indian culture is so important to her.
Models of Canada: We did some additional research on the DIOR Fall 2023 collection. Maria’s collection was inspired by many women, and in particular a woman named Karishma. Karishma is someone Maria has known for more than 30 years and is a very dear friend. For the longest time it was a dream of Maria’s and Karishma’s to celebrate India in India. All of the designs come from different villages Maria and Karishma visited. Each village has its own identity and that story was told through craft.
Models of Canada: Back to you Mariam! Tell us about your outfit.
Mariam: The colours of everyones outfits were so vibrant. Pink, yellow, green, purple… everything was so beautiful. It was truly a one of one collection!
For my outfit, I had a long purple skirt and my shirt had green and purple details. My outfit was definitely inspired by the culture of India. Each outfit was made with so much love and you could see how much detail went into each piece. Also, my shoes were flip flops! I was so happy!!
Also, during fittings before the show, the DIOR team really wanted to make sure that the clothing fit, and suited us properly. It was really eye opening to see how the team picked each outfit for each model and it fit them perfectly. It was pure calmness and organization.
Models of Canada: Is there anything that stood out to you during your experience with DIOR that will be a forever core memory?
Mariam: It was the moment before I went out on the runway and I heard my mom’s voice in my head. I wasn’t expecting to hear her voice, so when I did it was a really special moment for me. It gave me energy in my spirit telling me that everything was going to be ok. It gave me a level of secured hope as well. I went from barely booking anything in Milan, to getting booked directly by DIOR. To this whole experience, it made me realize that everything happens for a reason. I also believe in God and I run on Gods timing. Everything has its time and its moment.
I also won’t forget the lights on the runway, they were so bright. When I saw those lights, that’s when I knew that I was a model. I’m really doing it!
Models of Canada: One last question for you Mariam, what’s next?!
Mariam: I’m ready for bigger and bigger. Every year I like to see progress. There’s nothing specific that I have my eye on, I just know where I want to get to in the industry and where I see myself. From there I lay it at Gods feet and let Him choose for me. I’m really open and fluid to what’s coming for me.
See the DIOR Fall 2023 show here
Written by: Models of Canada