Slay Model Management’s First Worldwide Transgender Model Search

Slay Model Management will host its first ever transgender model search on February 15, 2020 at One Culver in Los Angeles. “It takes more than beauty to be a top fashion model,” says Cecilio Asuncion, the founder and director of Slay Model Management. Check out our interview with Cecilio below.

What was the moment when you knew that the industry needed you to create Slay Model Management?

I had just come from doing the Festival rounds from my documentary at that time and I had met many beautiful Trans women. I also learned that employment was definitely lacking in that community. I figured why not blend my love for beauty and finding opportunities for those who need it. That was when Slay Model Management was formed.

Pushing back against societal stereotypes can sometimes be grueling. What advice would you give to trans models that want to make a way for themselves in the industry?

The first advice I would give is to find joy in every step of this process. Simply see themselves beyond being Trans and being a complete human being and to constantly work on their craft. We are all humans and we are not exempt from common threads such as wanting the best for our careers, to find love, success and of course, prosperity. Things are changing and you cannot use the same mentality as the Trans models from a different generation had to endure. These amazing women, such as Tracy Africa, Caroline Cossey, and Lauren Foster helped pave the way and the best way to honor them is to love this craft.

You’ve said that a big “misconception[s] is that a trans model has to be an activist”. Why do you think marginalized models and artists are always expected to be activist first and creator/artist/entertainer second?

I’ve worked with so many clients and press, their number one question to anyone Trans is always to ask about someone’s transition. Everyday, I received 15-20 applications and a potential model would start their story, when asked “Tell me about yourself”, is always about their transition. I personally feel, part of respecting one’s identity is honoring their privacy. Ironic, I know as I’m doing an interview. haha.

Honestly, I am gay and Asian. I am only made aware of these things when I am asked about this. I don’t wake up asking myself, how can my gay Asian self change the world? I wake up, and I do the work, I just happen to be gay and Filipino. While I believe strongly in representation, to feel the burden of representing an entire global identity is a lot, don’t you think? Wouldn’t it be easier to just be the best model at your job?

Trailblazers like yourself always have a bigger dream that they’re working towards.  What’s your next major goal for Slay Model Management?  Is it something you can talk about?

My big dream is to keep building and having bigger and better clients. I would like to expand Slay Model Management to key fashion markets in Europe and Asia. World domination of course.

Strut must have been the experience of a lifetime. Were there any major lessons you learned from the show? And if so, how do they inform what you’re currently doing with Slay Model Management?

My major lesson from STRUT was patience, it is no joke to open a new business on National television.

As we move into this next decade, what are some predictions you have for the fashion industry?

One day, the models from my agency will be hired based simply on their beauty and capability, not because of their gender identity. Casting Directors, Fashion Houses, Art Directors will just say, “Call Cece at Slay, he has the best models.”

What are you hoping to find in your Open Call coming up in Los Angeles? What’s the kind of talent that will catch your eye?

We aren’t having an open call, everyone applies online and if there’s interest, they’re asked to come for an in-person interview.

Where can people follow your journey and keep up with the latest regarding Slay Model Management?

Follow me on insta: @yetasuncion and @slaymodelsla