It was impossible to miss Jamaican model Kai Newman when she walked for Loewe, Prada, Valentino, The Row, Burberry, and more this Fall/Winter 2022 season. When she first got into the scene in 2013, she worked her way up to shooting Vogue editorials with photographers like the late Peter Lindbergh and Greg Kadel while landing campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. Then in 2018, Newman took a break from the limelight when she got pregnant and decided to concentrate on raising her daughter. “To be quite honest, I lost my confidence and wasn’t sure what was next, except that I loved my daughter eternally and wanted the best for her.” Certain she wouldn’t be able to get back into the industry after her hiatus, Newman returned in full force in February for F/W 22, manifesting a comeback of epic proportions that she gives credit to her support system and mother agent pushing her to return. Models.com spoke to Newman about opening Loewe, the importance of positive thinking, and her ultimate goal of landing a multi-year beauty campaign.
Bottega Veneta F/W 22 Show | Image courtesy of Saint International
Did you always want to model? And how were you first scouted?
I had no idea what fashion modeling was about before I was discovered. I was scouted by my mother agent, Deiwght Peters of Saint International in Jamaica, as I was walking home with my mom from the dentist. A black BMW 5 series stopped by our feet, the window rolled down, and it was Mr. Peters; he shouted to my mom and said, “Is this your daughter?” And she replied, “yes!” and then he said, “she is amazing, mom, take her to see me at my office.” Then he gave my mom his number and drove off. He introduced me to the fashion business and got me excited. It was a few days before the Style Week Jamaica event that the mother agency hosts every year and I was blown away by the glamour, fashion, and fabulous models. I could not wait to be on the runway. I started training with Deiwght, then a few months later, I was the winner of the Fashion Face of the Caribbean Model competition, which Saint held.
You had a comeback season for F/W 22, how did it feel to be back on the runway and open Loewe?
I felt a whole lot of gratitude. I was super happy to be back on the runway; it made me realize how much I missed the business and the people who make the magic happen behind the scenes. I now know that this is what I was meant to do. I also felt a sense of accomplishment, especially when I remember the journey since having my baby over the last three years. Prada and Bottega were exceptional in Milan, and big thanks to my team at Why Not Models (special shout out to Marzia Bava.) When I came to Paris and learned I was opening Loewe, I was humbled and felt it was a true blessing. I’m forever grateful to Helen Bodet, my booker at Elite Paris, who pushed hard. It was truly a special moment, and I will not let anyone down. I am ready to work very hard with the best teams to take it to the top.
Loewe F/W 22 Show | Image courtesy of Saint International
You mentioned you took a step back from modeling to give birth to your daughter. What motivated you to return to modeling after your time off? Did you gain any insights about yourself during your time away?
To be quite honest, I lost my confidence and wasn’t sure what was next, except that I loved my daughter eternally and wanted the best for her, but I was no longer sure fashion would be my thing. I thank God for my mother agent, Deiwght as I owe this entire moment to him. He never once gave up on me. He would call me into his office time after time to have meetings where he told me I needed to take life seriously and get back in the game. I recall one day he said, “I will get you to book Prada.” He told me to create my vision board, and I put Prada as my first show just before the season. After many visits to see him he told me this was the season, and it all came together. The biggest motivation was undoubtedly my daughter, Zehirah Zola, and the idea that this business could make me give her all the things she would need to make it through life. Making all my agents and family proud again also gave me an added push. I learned that faith and positive thinking are powerful. It is essential to know who your true friends are and who are the people who have your back. These were essential lessons I learned.
In three words, how would you describe this runway season?
Magical, Unbelievable, and Unforgettable.
Since your return, how would you say the industry has changed?
The industry has become more inclusive. I saw curvy girls at Valentino, many beautiful black girls, and older models. In terms of decision-makers and creative power players, I see more people of color in positions of influence. It’s a good look for the future of fashion.
Prada F/W 22 Show | Image courtesy of Saint International
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you move past it?
Believing in myself (like my agents and family did) took some time. I think this is why I got distracted. I am now confident and believe in achieving the best for myself. I am very excited about the future and expect great blessings.
Who are your dream brands or collaborators to work with in the future?
There are so many. I would like to collaborate with Prada and the geniuses Miuccia and Raf creatively, as I look forward to learning more from them. Also, I hope to collaborate with the teams at Loewe, Versace, Bottega Veneta, Alaia, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Balenciaga, Dior, Givenchy, and many more. I’m looking forward to working with Vogue again (hello Anna Wintour) and British Vogue (with Edward Enninful), and Vogue France with all their collaborators. Fabulous publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, i-D, Dazed, Antidote, V Magazine, W Magazine, etc. I also have on my vision board to do work with the top photographers, Meisel, Nick Knight, Mert and Marcus, Ellen Von Unwerth, Inez and Vinoodh, Steven Klein, Tim Walker, Daniel Jackson, and others. I plan to work hard to get a multi-year cosmetic campaign for Estee Lauder and Maybelline.
What advice would you give to a newcomer who’s taken a break from modeling and wants to return to the industry?
Surround yourself with positive people who believe in your dreams. It helps if they know the business and can make things happen. Don’t give up on your goal; this is a beautiful career many people dream of, but few get the chance to keep dreaming, work hard, and have faith.
Valentino F/W 22 Show | Image courtesy of Saint International
