Dalton Dubois from Guelph, Ont., made a significant mark at the latest Paris Fashion Week when she became the first transgender model to walk the runway for Chanel Exclusive.
At just 24 years old, Dubois started her modelling career during the pandemic after leaving high school in Guelph, the southwestern Ontario city where she was raised.
“My mind goes a bit blank,” Dubois said on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning about participating in the event, which took place from March 2 to 10. “I think that adrenaline really takes over.”
“It’s a lot of nerves up until I’m on the runway, but then once production pushes you out onto the runway and you start walking, for me at least, speaking from experience … it’s like stepping into a different character,” she shared.
She called this experience “a life-changing opportunity” for her journey in modelling.
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Dubois, shown on the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week, says walking the runway is ‘like stepping into a different character.’ (Vogue. com)
Dubois mentioned that she never thought modelling could be a real career option until she met her agent, Chantelle Nadeau, while working at a retirement home in Toronto. At that point, Dubois had been living in Guelph.
“Somebody recommended me to her and [we] started working immediately,” Dubois explained, adding, “I quit my job and I was on the runway for Burberry a year and a half later.”
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From humble beginnings
Dubois acknowledged that reaching this point in her career has not come without challenges. “I come from a humble background; I don’t have many financial resources available. So when you’re starting out in modelling, it’s all about proving yourself,” she stated. “Some people definitely get lucky right away with opportunities but mostly it’s about showing what you can do. There were times at airports where I didn’t have $5 to grab myself coffee or breakfast.” “You know, you’re asking your agency for advances sometimes as little as $65 just so you can take public transport.” WATCH | CBC Radio’s Metro Morning spoke with Dalton Dubois : Dubois expressed gratitude for her “amazing team” who provided her “some money jobs between these higher-end gigs.” Becoming the first trans person to walk on Chanel’s runway holds significant meaning for her. “I love when queer individuals are recognized within fashion because so much of this industry thrives on queer knowledge and creativity – it always feels good,” she remarked. “I want to be someone who shows that trans folks genuinely want to be part of society like everyone else. When given proper support like I was fortunate enough to receive growing up in Canada-thank goodness for Canada-trans people can lead normal fulfilling lives without facing overwhelming obstacles.”A model of acceptance
The chair of Out on the Shelf – Guelph Pride’s umbrella organization – emphasized how important Dubois’s success is for transgender individuals. “As a trans woman and board member at Out on the Shelf , I’m always thrilled to see fellow trans people represented prominently,” Athena van Nacht told . “It might seem small , but our involvement in everyday life showcases an increasing acceptance of trans individuals within society – something we desperately need considering today’s hostile political climate. We certainly wish Dalton all the best as she continues advancing her fashion career.”Source link
