We are honored to highlight this aspiring and apologetically determined model on his experience as an aspiring major runway model. Douglas has traveled internationally to represent his community in the “Mister Model International 2019” held in New Delhi, India and has walked in numerous shows for Pasifika and non-Pasifika designers. It is inspiring to watch as his journey grows as well as his determination to see more Pasifika models on the runway.

1.  What is your full name & ancestral background?
Where did you grow up & where are you currently located?

My name is Douglas Raymond White. I am of Maori Niue and Irish descendant. I grew up here in New Zealand, in a small country town outside of Napier. I’m currently located in Wellington New Zealand. 

2.  How did you get into, modeling?

Through my friends, they always pushed me to follow my dreams. I was never interested in it to begin with. I wanted to pursue music in the beginning then modeling happened.
 
3.  What has your experience been like for you, as a model? 

The industry can be cut-throat as there is a high demand for aspiring models with the “X factor”. It’s been good and bad, I’ve seen the ugly side of modeling and good side overall-it’s always a lesson in life and it makes you more organic and vigilant as a model when you see both sides of the spectrum.

4. Are you inspired by a specific model and/ or designer?

I’ve always loved Alexander McQueen, Anna Wintour and supportive of our local international designers here in New Zealand: Cecelia Kang Couture, Afrispec, PIA, Not For You Clothing, Samson Lee Fiji, 8 Mountains Fiji .

5.  If there was anything you could change about the current fashion scene, what would it be and why?

I would like to see our Pacifica (Pacific/ Pasifika) models have more opportunities to excel in the industry with mainstream events such as: NYFW, Paris (Paris Fashion Week) etc. to be considered inclusive. I’d like to break barriers in the industry and set up a podcast for models and designers to speak on their experiences. 

6.  Do you have dream designers you’d love to model/ walk for?  If so, who and why?

Karl Lagerfield, because he has been ionic through the centuries.
Olivier Rousteing, because he is hot right now in the fashion game!
Samson Lee Fiji again and any Hawaiian designers!

7.  Top 3 songs on your playlist right now?

Savage Remix-Megan Thee Stallion ft Beyoncé
Loved By You-Kirby
Cloud 9-Donnie

8. Future projects in the works?  Any events you’ll be walking at?

There were 3 shows I was meant to walk for but since the virus epidemic it’s proven impossible. I was selected for a pageant in Australia and a show in Ghana which would of been an experience as well as a show here in New Zealand for Afrispec but it’s proving impossible now.

9. Advice for aspiring models, words of wisdom?

Stay vigilant keep the fire alive, don’t give up on yourself and have fun creating memories! 

10. What is a unique and/ or important fact about you, you’d like to share?

I love writing music, being a dad and husband and I’m not too bad at baking! x