Last Updated on August 9, 2024
In the bustling heart of New York City, a new model recently debuted on the runway, captivating the fashion scene with a refreshingly genuine spirit. Jacqui de Jong, is quickly ascending as a talked-about newcomer at New York Fashion Week since her debut last year. She has already done a photo shoot with acclaimed photographer, Fadil Berisha, has graced the pages of Forbes, and walked for esteemed designers such as Elizabeth Munoz, Valery Ebner, and Donny’s Angel. All of this is not just a testament to her talent, but also to her nontraditional approach to modeling—an approach where having fun isn’t just an option; it’s a priority.
De Jong’s entry into the world of high fashion was as serendipitous as it was destined. With no initial intention of becoming a runway model, she found herself drawn to the energy and creativity that surrounded New York Fashion Week. Motivated by curiosity and an innate desire for self-expression, she attended several open calls and soon secured multiple opportunities to showcase her unique blend of grace and spontaneity on the runway.
She chooses fun over flawlessness, and in this philosophy, it redefined her presence on the runway. Embracing enjoyment over precision allowed her natural charisma and zest for life to shine through each step she took on the catwalk. Her ability to connect with spectators through shared moments of genuine emotion has set De Jong apart.
Jacqui de Jong truly is an artist unafraid to challenge conventional norms within creative industries. She is more than just a model; she stands as an emblem of joyous rebellion against conformity—a beacon reminding us all about the transformative power of having fun in what we do. It’s a life mantra. In doing so, De Jong doesn’t just walk runways; she redefines them, leaving a mark not only within the fashion world, but inspiring others to be authentically bold. She speaks to InspirationFeed about fashion, life, her inspiration, and what’s in store for her future.
How did you get into modeling?
Jacqui de Jong: I wanted to have a creative outlet. I found that when I started working at a law firm in New York City, it was really really busy. And I was working 80-100 hour weeks. I didn’t have a life. I didn’t have a single friend at all. I brought my cat with me from Australia, so it’s just literally me and my cat in my apartment. I thought: What am I doing here? I don’t even have a life, all I do is work. So, modeling became a creative way to meet friends.
What was the first thing you did on social media as a model?
I thought hard about how I could distinguish myself apart from other fashionistas on Instagram, and I thought–okay, I like vintage fashion. Young people don’t really embrace vintage fashion, when I look at my peers, I used that as my starting point and then I started being more authentic in terms of all my Instagram stories. So it’s really been about my journey with vintage fashion.
Have you always loved fashion?
Yes, I’ve always loved fashion. Growing up, I had a big Barbie doll collection. I wanted to go to design school to be a fashion designer. But then I won this scholarship to study law and my dad wanted me to do that. But in my personality, I feel like it’s in my belief in myself that whatever I set my mind to, I will achieve. I grew up on this tiny little farm in Australia, and when I was 13, I left home because I wanted to go to a really good boarding school, which was four hours away. I know that if I act with consistency, every day, just doing one thing to achieve my ultimate goal, that it will eventually manifest in my life. I still believe that to this day.
Why do you love vintage fashion?
I would find cool vintage items while shopping with my mom, maybe some kind of quirky jumpsuit and then I would pair it with a pair of cool boots or something really modern. I love mixing high and low. When I moved to New York City, I carried my unique fashion sense over here. There’s like one particular vintage store that I always go to, it’s called Madame Matovu. Sex and the City actor Sarah Jessica Parker goes there a lot. It’s in the West Village and it’s just like this small little niche store, but she has really good quality finds.It’s like really beautiful intricate pieces that you just cherish.
How do you incorporate vintage fashion into your looks?
I started going into Madame Matovu a lot and finding these crazy hats and different dresses and skirts and then incorporating that into my fashion shoots, but then I also like modern fashion. I love high boots made of textured materials, I also love jewelry from the 1970s. I love the bright colors in vintage fashion, the bell sleeves and the bell bottom jeans. I also love 1970s makeup. I love bright eyeshadow and bringing a vintage flair to my style.
How did you get started?
I worked on many photo shoots with a friend of mine who is a fashion photographer, Gabe Araujo. He would say: “Fake till you make it, Jacqui.” We were just at the beginning, and I thought, maybe I could do this full time. It’s happening. It was my first taste of rebellion. I thought, of course I can do this.
What is your approach to modeling?
I’ll express myself how I feel. And never think about what people want to see. On Instagram, I never make content based on what other people want to see, but like content for myself. That’s authentic. So if you’re authentic, it will resonate with people. I always try to find people who are in a similar niche to me, and support their work with likes and comments. I’ve made so many friends on Instagram this way. I find my biggest supporters are people that I’ve met online.
What does it mean to be a rebel in fashion?
Just do the opposite of what is expected. It shows that you’re not bound by certain rules that other people impose on you. This shows the liberation of the soul, that you can live your life and be happy any way you like without the judgment of other people. Remember: Other people’s opinions are irrelevant. Take back your power.
What is your favorite quote?
A favorite quote of mine is the following: “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” Jennifer Lee said that. This has been my mantra since moving to NYC. I saw this painted on the side of a wall and would pass it everyday when I would go to work and it inspired me to only make decisions that genuinely make me happy.
What is next for you?
Lots of shoots and runway shows! For New York Fashion Week in September, I am walking for Donny’s Angel and am working as a brand ambassador and model for various brands, including a new streetwear brand called Mackem.
Check out Jacqui de Jong on Instagram @jacquibabydejong, TikTok @jacquibabydejong and her website www.jacquidejong.com.
Photo credit: Durk Anthony (@85mmdurk)
