Who is Dahely, the Brooklyn girl who debuted front of line at Helmut Lang?


Credit: Getty, Yuchen Liao / Stringer

Few things can so quickly vindicate a new model’s fashion week toil as the honor of opening or closing a show. A proverbial pass Go, if you will. It’s simply a good thing. So when the very first show a newcomer walks is an opening spot, such as Brooklyn-born Dahely Nunez and Helmut Lang, it’s historically a very promising sign in the game of modeling. After her debut wearing the second collection from designers Mark Thomas and Thomas Cawson, luxurious monochromatic turns of shape and silhouettes, Dahely wrote to Models.com over email. Her phone was on 1% she notes, drained from casting schedules and finding directions, no doubt. By the time we got her responses she had already bagged a walk for the NYFW highlight Sies Marjan. Here’s what we learned about her.

Where are you from? 
I was born in Brooklyn, New York and I lived in Bed-Stuy my entire life, but my family is originally from the Dominican Republic.

What would you tell us about yourself? 
I want everyone to know that even if you see me look mean on the runway or diva-like, in person I am super sweet to everyone I meet, and I will never forget where I came from. 

How were you discovered?
I was scouted on Instagram by my mother agency, Social New York, and the team there said that they loved my look. So together we decided to attend a model convention, where many agencies had the chance to meet me in person. It was a super crazy but also fun experience, and that’s how I got the chance to sign with The Society Management.

What were you doing before modeling (or are still currently doing)?
Before modeling, I was a college student studying Sociology in City College of New York to become an activist for those in need, and I also worked at the famous Shake Shack!

How was the experience of opening Helmut Lang? Was it as you expected?
Opening for Helmut Lang was truly a blessing and I am so thankful for it. It was my first time walking any show, and I couldn’t believe it. Opening the show felt amazing because I was bringing the clothes to life and setting the mood for the show. My look is the first thing everyone would see, so I wanted to make sure that I gave it my all on that runway and also reaffirm the designer and stylist’s confidence in me! 

The most unexpected part of fashion week so far?
Opening for Helmut Lang, that’s for sure! Also, I’ve heard that it is super hectic during fashion week, and maybe it’s because I’m new, but I’ve felt pretty calm these past couple of days – we’ll see, though!

What’s on your modeling to-do list?  
Through modeling, I want to have the chance to talk about important issues that are going on right now in our world. I want to bring more awareness to veganism and the treatment of minorities, because those two topics are dear to me personally. Eventually, I want to create an organization that financially supports both of those causes.

Dahely’s Instagram is @dahelymnunez.

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