Road to the Runway (2022): A Journey of Trans Representation in Fashion "Road to the Runway," a groundbreaking documentary series that premiered in 2022, takes viewers on a unique and inspiring journey through the world of transgender fashion models. The series, created by Cecilio Asuncion, follows the stories of twenty transgender models from all corners of North America as they compete for a coveted contract with Slay Model Management, the world’s first and only trans-exclusive modeling agency. This competition not only highlights the challenges transgender models face in the traditionally rigid fashion industry but also celebrates their triumphs and the growing inclusivity within the field.
Slay Model Management, founded by Cecilio Asuncion in 2016, has made a significant impact on the fashion industry by providing a platform for transgender models to thrive. This agency, the first of its kind, was created with a mission to represent transgender individuals in a professional environment that celebrates their beauty, talent, and authenticity. Unlike many modeling agencies that conform to cisgender beauty standards, Slay Model Management is built on inclusivity and diversity, representing a wide range of transgender women and men, as well as non-binary individuals.
Over the years, Slay Model Management has gained international recognition for its models, who have graced the pages of major magazines like Vogue Italia, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, and Oprah Magazine, as well as walking the runways for prominent brands like Savage X Fenty. The agency's models have also broken barriers in mainstream media, with Slay model Mimi Tao becoming the first transgender model to appear on Project Runway. In the documentary Road to the Runway, Asuncion and his team provide viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the annual search for the next big face in transgender modeling, offering a glimpse into the lives of models as they prepare for their biggest opportunity yet. The stakes are high, with the winner securing not only a modeling contract but also a slew of high-profile brand campaigns, including a MAC campaign, a trip to London for a Carmen Liu Lingerie shoot, and shoes from Lidia Talavera.
The twenty models featured in Road to the Runway represent a diverse cross-section of North America. From the conservative streets of Texas to the progressive enclaves of Boston, each model brings a unique set of experiences to the competition. Many come from supportive families who have stood by them through their transitions, while others face the challenges of rejection, prejudice, or a lack of acceptance from their loved ones. Despite these obstacles, all the models share one thing in common: a passion for fashion and a deep-seated belief in their own beauty and worth. Asuncion, who also serves as the executive producer of the documentary, emphasizes how these models are not just competitors but also daughters, friends, and partners who deserve to be seen beyond their gender identities.
"Road to the Runway is an important reminder that these trans models are more than mannequins: they are daughters, friends, and partners in love, with stories that deserve to be heard," the show’s description states. The show takes viewers back to the models’ hometowns, where each journey is deeply personal. For many of the models, entering the world of high fashion has been a long and arduous path. Some have faced discrimination in their home communities, while others have struggled to find a space in an industry that has historically been slow to accept non-cisgender individuals. For Slay Model Management, Road to the Runway is an extension of the agency's ongoing mission to break down barriers and fight against the traditional standards of the fashion industry. The show captures the resilience and determination of these models as they work to overcome the struggles they’ve faced while striving for a place in the fashion world.
Cecilio Asuncion is a visionary who has dedicated his career to creating spaces where transgender individuals are celebrated rather than marginalized. Asuncion’s passion for inclusivity is evident not only in his creation of Slay Model Management but also in his commitment to showcasing the stories of transgender models through projects like Road to the Runway. Before founding Slay Model Management, Asuncion had worked on the documentary What’s the T?, which explored the challenges faced by the transgender community. It was through this experience that he realized the stark lack of representation in the fashion industry for transgender individuals. Asuncion recalls the moment he decided to launch the agency: "I had just finished shooting my documentary, and I had been exposed to the Trans community. Employment truly was, and still is, one of the biggest issues the community goes through. I grew up with supermodels, and space was necessary to create a place for Trans women and men to be seen as beautiful and to make a living out of it as a possibility."
Through Slay Model Management, Asuncion has created a space where transgender models are treated with the same level of professionalism and respect as their cisgender counterparts. His agency has been at the forefront of breaking barriers in the fashion world, making history with the first transgender model to appear on the cover of the Spiegel catalog and the first all-trans cast in a reality series called Strut. Despite the success, Asuncion acknowledges that challenges persist. He points to the issue of tokenism, where transgender models are often used as a "novelty" but not truly integrated into the fashion landscape. He remains committed to changing this narrative, advocating for greater representation and the recognition that "trans is beautiful" and that beauty does not conform to any singular definition.
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Road to the Runway is more than just a competition; it is a reflection of the changes taking place in the fashion industry and the broader cultural landscape. The modeling industry, once known for its rigid standards, is slowly becoming more inclusive, with brands and agencies recognizing the importance of representing individuals of all genders, sizes, and backgrounds. Asuncion’s vision for the future is clear: he hopes to see Slay Model Management expand globally and continue to push for more representation and inclusivity in the fashion world. "The sky is the limit for these young women," Asuncion said, emphasizing his dedication to developing each model from hopeful to professional. "The supermodel part is up to the individual. She must have the passion and drive to go the extra distance." The documentary showcases the journey of these passionate individuals as they compete not only for a modeling contract but also for the opportunity to inspire others in the trans community. The stories of resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery unfold throughout the series, leaving viewers with a deeper appreciation for the diversity and beauty that transgender individuals bring to the world of fashion.
Road to the Runway is a powerful and necessary reminder that the fashion industry is evolving, and so too is our understanding of beauty. It shines a light on the struggles and triumphs of transgender models and provides a platform for their stories to be heard. By following these brave individuals on their journey, the documentary series challenges the traditional ideals of fashion and promotes the idea that true beauty lies in authenticity. In the end, Road to the Runway isn’t just about modeling; it’s about acceptance, courage, and the celebration of diversity.
As Cecilio Asuncion and Slay Model Management continue to pave the way for transgender models, they are not only transforming the industry but also shaping the future of fashion itself. Through their work, they are showing the world that beauty comes in all forms, and it is time for the fashion industry to embrace this reality fully. Slay Model Management has become a symbol of hope and opportunity for transgender individuals in fashion, and Road to the Runway is a testament to the agency’s enduring commitment to inclusivity, passion, and perseverance. The journey is far from over, but with each step, the future of transgender representation in fashion looks brighter than ever.
Image credits: YouTube
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