From Detroit To The Runways Of New York: Meet Riley Montana

“I was insecure. I was a dark-skinned girl and extra skinny. I never, ever imagined it. I wanted it, but I never imagined it.”

People were always telling Riley that she should be a nurse, “you’ll always have a job in nursing” they would say.  After earning an associate’s degree in nursing, Riley knew a career in the medical field wasn’t for her, especially since she disliked blood.

Soon Riley moved to Los Angeles to pursue modeling. In her first year and a half in L.A., she worked regular jobs like Radio Shack, Claire’s, and Sprint to make ends meet.  Realizing she didn’t move to L. A for this, she decided to head to New York, which turned out to be her best decision.

 Riley did a lot of test shoots in L.A. just to prepare herself to get to New York. she thought, “I’m fresh, I’m new, let’s get a book together.” With the support of her agency, they helped her connect with New York agencies. Riley ended up signing with New York Models because they wanted what she wanted.

Within her second week of being in New York, Riley was booked by Givenchy for a spring campaign and pre-fall look book, “I literally cried. I fell on the floor. I had already done my research as far as who I wanted to work with, and for this to have happened so soon, it was like, shut up! Quit playin! Riccardo [Tisci] took a chance on me,” she said. “I was brand new. He supports diversity and I love that about him. He doesn’t care about what people think.”

Since getting her big break with Givenchy, Riley has walked for DKNY, Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta, and Balmain, among others. She’s landed editorials in W, Vogue Paris, Harper’s Bazaar, V, U.K., i-D, Love, Numéro, and CR Fashion Book.

Some of Riley’s inspirations and fellow models that she looks up to are, Joan Smalls “she’s really humble” and of course, Naomi Campbell “she’s the boss” and “she’s the baddest!” and Kate Moss, “she’s still killin. She’s 40 and still taking all the covers. She is bomb!”

Riley hopes to one day land an American Vogue cover.  With her rising success and résumé, it may just be a matter of time (fingers crossed).

When Riley’s not modeling, you can catch her on Instagram @loveme_rileym.

Riley Montana is just another example of what Detroit has to offer.

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Source: WWD

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