Sophomore Rita Gao has been modeling ever since she could count to 10.
Gao’s modeling career began when she was in kindergarten when her parents saw an opportunity and took her to an agency that was looking for young models.
At only four years old, Gao was already a contracted model for the New Silk Road fashion agency in Beijing, China. She also participated in China’s International Fashion Week along with other fashion events.
Additionally, Gao modeled in commercials when she lived in China. Now she predominantly focuses on competitions.
Her most recent competition was the International Modeling and Talent competition last month. Typically at events like this, there are six competitions within a span of five days. Judges evaluate and score contestants’ walk, poses, outfit and confidence.
“My favorite part is [walking] the runway during competitions because I love the feeling of being on stage,” Gao said. “I feel very comfortable.”
At the various competitions she has participated in, Gao has consistently placed in the top three. At the most recent IMTA competition Gao won Top 10 Female Commercial Model of the Year, first place for fashion runway, second for jeans runway and fashion print, and top four for swimwear and commercial print.
“As long as there is a stage and music she can choreograph her own dances,” Gao’s mom, Catherine, said. “ No matter how tired she is she can keep going.”
Gao’s next competition will be the 2024 Miss International Fashion Travel Global final beauty pageant.
Planning for these events can be tedious.
“You have to prepare, you have to have all your outfits, then you have to practice your walks and poses,” Gao said.
Ahead of the competitions Gao has to review makeup and hair artists’ Instagram to determine whether she will do her own makeup or have them do it for her.
“The costumes [are] different for each competition,” Gao said. “The organizers inform us what type of costumes they need and we follow that to find the right one.”
To procure the outfits Gao and her mom look online and in person. Sometimes they even come up with their own designs and make the outfits themselves.
“I think costume design is a place to discover and create beauty,” Gao said. “I can experience the pleasure of turning my imagination into reality when I make clothes. It is a thing full of creativity.”
Through her competitions she encounters many people with similar interests, which is another facet of modeling that she enjoys.
Gao has found a way to organize her modeling schedule around school in order to avoid falling behind. She maximizes her time by modeling mainly during school breaks to keep her absences to a minimum.
“I think I can organize myself better because when I’m out there [on stage] I have to do a lot of stuff on my own so I learn to be more independent,” Gao said.
After moving to the United States in second grade, Gao took a break from modeling until she recommenced in eighth grade.
“I respect all of Rita’s choices, and I fully support her in whatever she likes,” Gao’s mom said.
Gao’s mom, a former professional model who possesses a lot of experience in the industry, has become her daughter’s biggest supporter.
Gao’s mom aids her in many ways, such as taking her to competitions in different places to see more of the world. Gao models more as a leisure activity for fun and she doesn’t envision modeling as a career for herself. She loves making sketches and is contemplating being an artist or fashion designer in the future.
In class, Gao is described as cooperative and communicative by junior Yuge Shan, a classmate and good friend.
“I believe her observational skills are remarkable,” Gao’s modeling teacher, Fan Xia, said. “She grasps new concepts swiftly, possesses high emotional intelligence, and pays meticulous attention to details.”
Gao’s mom characterizes her daughter as exceedingly kind and self-disciplined.
“I think to be successful, [the] first [thing] is to learn to be a kind and loving person who knows how to be thankful,” Gao’s mom said.
For aspiring models, Gao emphasizes the importance of being authentic and showcasing what sets her apart from others.
“I hope that she can use her own talents to help more girls become more confident and brave,” Xia said.
