Flying Dust teen model makes debut at New York Fashion Week

• Artists wanted: YXE community colouring book accepting submissions
• Cree/English bilingual school celebrates language in Saskatoon
• Once upon a classroom: A touch of Tinkerbell at Wildwood School

“When I found out, I was really excited,” she said.

“I had just started modelling and was already set to walk in the Edmonton Kids Fashion Week, and I knew SCI [the agency] would be selecting models for New York Fashion Week, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.”

Her dad was the first to break the news.

“One day after rehearsal, my dad told me they had asked me to join them in New York. In the car, we celebrated, and as soon as we went home, I told my mom.”

From TikTok to the runway

Nguyen only began modelling about three months ago, after signing with an Alberta agency called Spotlight Couronne Internationale Inc.(SCI) last year. Her first step into fashion was as spontaneous as it was simple.

“I was sitting in my room scrolling through TikTok and kept seeing models. I thought to myself, ‘Why not try it?’ So I went to my dad and we started researching agencies and applying to casting websites together.”

Her first runway show in Edmonton was a nerve-wracking but defining moment.

“I remember being really scared going in, and I didn’t have much confidence,” she said.

“But the people doing the casting saw potential. They told me the walk could always be worked on. They even gave me free training. All the other models were already experienced, but they were really supportive and so nice backstage.”

Grace Nguyen said it means a lot to represent Flying Dust on such a major platform. She said it shows First Nations voices and talents belong on those stages too. (Spotlight Couronne Internationale Inc./Facebook)

Times Square dreams

The trip to New York comes with another milestone. While the runway show will take place at the Edison Ballroom, all of the models will also appear on a Times Square billboard.

“When I found out, I thought, no way, that’s crazy,” Nguyen said with a laugh.

“I’m going to get my five minutes of fame.”

For Nguyen, the experience goes beyond the lights and cameras.

“It’s really powerful. It shows Indigenous people, especially teens, are capable of achieving incredible things… sometimes you can be overlooked,” she said.

“So, being able to represent Flying Dust on such a major platform means a lot. It shows our voices and talents belong on those stages too.”

A childhood filled with dresses

Her mother, Melissa, remembers the signs were there early on.

“She’s always been into dressing up and looking pretty,” she said.

“Ever since she was about three years old, she had almost every single Disney princess dress and those little high heels. She would always be in her room playing dress up.”

Melissa laughed as she recalled how hard it was to get Grace into anything else.

“When she was in preschool or kindergarten, I had to fight with her to put on a pair of pants because all she wanted to wear were dresses.”

Seeing her daughter on stage has only deepened that pride.

“I was so proud of her and she looked so beautiful,” she said. “The confidence she had walking down that runway — I could never have. She did such an amazing job.”

Other models from the same agency will also be heading to New York Fashion Week with Grace. (Spotlight Couronne Internationale Inc./Facebook)

Inspiring others

Nguyen hopes her journey from TikTok to Times Square inspires other young people – especially those from small towns and First Nations communities.

“I tell them not to let where they come from hold them back,” she said.

“Even if you’re from a small town, opportunities are out there and you just have to go after them. Don’t be afraid to take the first step, even if it’s scary. I never thought I would be walking at New York Fashion Week.”

Nguyen’s Big Apple debut is set for Sept. 13 and 14. But her story – from a bedroom to a billboard in Times Square – is already larger than life.