Gone are the days when models had to dress like a blank canvas for their various go-sees. This new crop of models are embracing personal style and expressing their individuality through their fashion choices—be it with jeans and a tee, or a statement dress. Every month, Vogue is diving into the stylish wardrobe of a buzzy model of the moment, to see what they wear to their casting calls. This isn’t any old clothing haul!
This month, meet model Gavi Kay Stroemer, who hails from Sitka, Alaska. After being discovered by her mother agency, MMG, last year, Stroemer was signed in January and immediately moved to New York City. Being Nakota Sioux, Stroemer marked her first New York Fashion Week this season in a special way—by walking for the Indigenous designer Kayla Lookinghorse. Since then, the model has continued to hit the catwalk, also walking for the Miami Swim show and the Getty and Autry Museum’s big Indigenous showcase earlier this month.
Below, Stroemer discusses her discovery story, her favorite assignment to date, and what’s in her closet. (Hint: She has an amazing jewelry collection.)
Vogue: What is your discovery story?
Gavi Kay Stroemer: I was discovered by MMG through Instagram, in December of 2023, and signed in January. But many years of persistence in applying to agencies went into my journey of finding the right fit for me.
What’s been your favorite job thus far?
My favorite job was walking for Kayla Lookinghorse during New York Fashion Week. It really hit home for me; walking for a Native designer was so empowering and a beautiful experience. Being Nakota Sioux, and raised around Tlingit culture in Alaska, I feel honored to be able to showcase the beauty of Native heritage in any way I can.
Photo: Patrick Chmura
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is all over the place, but one thing I carry throughout all my outfits is thrift and vintage fashion. I find sustainability very important, and thrifting fashion is an easy and universal way to help with that. Sometimes, I’ll dress funky with a piece of interest, but other days I live for a comfy sweatshirt. I do both!
What’s your perfect casting look?
My perfect casting look is a tight-fitting black tank top or bralette with a straight leg denim jean and black boots or heels. To add a bit of myself to it, I go for this pair of jeans, which I customized myself! Being a 6’1 woman, pants can be tricky at times, so I started thrifting pants and adding length to them by sewing in pieces. I also love to represent my home by wearing these metal engraved earrings by Jennifer Younger, a Tlingit artist from my hometown Sitka, Alaska, as well as this metal engraved raven cuff bracelet by Gene Chilton, another Alaskan Native artist.