“Meet the Face Behind the Magic”
Nayme Durmush
**Personal & Creative Journey**
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modelling
career?
My first time modelling was for a Women's Project calendar. I played Grace Kelly on this iconic calendar. A year later, I went to a performing arts centre in London, where I acted in a play, played the piano, and sang onstage. Additionally, I acquired knowledge in music theory. I like the arts and the way they make me feel.
What inspired you to become a model?
The social environment and the impact of your family played a significant role in inspiring you to become a model. Someone asked me to "model", and friends in the business got me interested. Living in London also gave me more chances and opportunities to meet new people. I liked fashion, photography, art, and performances, so I was drawn to modelling. Confidence, resilience, and being comfortable in front of a camera and a crowd were also crucial.
Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?
"It wasn't just one moment for me; it was more of a realisation that grew over time." I've always liked fashion and how it reflects identity and feelings. I have always been passionate about fashion and the ways in which clothing and personal style can reflect one’s identity and emotional state. Fashion, along with clothing and personal style, can express your identity and emotions, who you are and how do you feel. Even before I officially started modelling, I was always trying out new looks, mixing old and new styles, and finding new ways to make fashion feel real and personal. I realised that I wasn't just following trends; I was making them, changing them, and making them my own. That's when I realised that fashion had always been part of who I am.
​
Modelling was a logical progression for me. It was a way to express my creativity, tell stories through pictures, and help an art form that is constantly changing. Fashion is essential to me because it is a big part of my culture. It's not just about how it looks; it's also about keeping a sense of style, heritage, and expression alive. I've come to see that I've always been a part of fashion in many ways, keeping its creative spirit alive while also paying homage to where I came from.’’
**Industry Experience & Challenges**
What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you've worked on?
This is a makeover shoot in Central London. The photographer was an award-winning professional with amazing skills who gave me great advice on how to stand and pose. I've never had pictures that looked better.
Have you faced any challenges in the modelling industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
"I'm still new to modelling, so I'm always learning. I may not have years of experience yet, but I have a lot of drive, creativity, and love for the art of modelling. That's what keeps me going.”
Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modelling, and why?
"I like all kinds of modelling because each one tells a different story." Working as an editor lets me be creative in a deeper, more artistic way. Every picture tells a story with pictures. It's about feelings, imagination, and turning fashion into art. Runway modelling is a sense of empowerment and elegance. Commercial modelling is a beautiful thing that brings people together and shows how fashionable it can be for everyone.’’
**Future Goals & Advice**
What are your biggest career goals for the future?
“I want to make a lasting impression on the fashion world in the future, not just with pictures but also with meaning. I want my work to show off elegance, culture, and uniqueness in a way that makes other people want to do the same. I want to be remembered in history for representing beauty that is timeless and true—a kind of beauty that goes beyond looks and speaks to confidence, creativity, and self-expression.’’
How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?
"Getting ready for me is both technical and creative. I have read an entire modelling guidebook and studied professional modelling in depth. I use what I learnt to improve my poses, posture, and presence. But I also become ready by focusing my mind and creativity. I perform my hair and makeup because it allows me to express my personal vision of beauty. I pick clothes that fit the mood of the shoot and show who I am: elegant, expressive, and inspired. To make fashion feel alive, I try to combine art with realness. When I walk down the runway or in front of the camera, I want to do more than just look good. I want to embody beauty—confident, graceful, and true to myself.
**Creative process
& Style**
How would you describe your modelling style?
“My modelling style is a fusion of haute couture elegance and modern-era fashion expression. I love the freedom and individuality of modern style, but couture inspires me because every movement feels like a work of art. Coco Chanel has always been one of my greatest inspirations. I admire how she revolutionised fashion with her timeless, simple, confident, and sophisticated style. She showed that being elegant isn't about having too much; it's about having the right attitude, being independent, and being true to yourself. Her designs still have an impact on modern fashion, and they remind me that being true to yourself is what makes you beautiful and powerful.’’
What role do you think storytelling plays in modelling?
“I think that great modelling is more than just looking pleasing; it's about making connections.' When people tell stories, they can feel the image—the mood, the message, and even the personality behind the clothes. It turns fashion into a language that means different things to different people.’’
**Creative process & Style**
How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?
''I really look up to famous supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer because they are always graceful and professional and can make every picture memorable. I also like photographers who can show emotion through their lenses, like Annie Leibovitz, whose work tells stories with depth and drama.’’
How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?
‘”My goal is to keep growing little by little by getting more experience, working with professionals who inspire me, and looking at both modern and classic styles of fashion. I want to show beauty in a way that feels real and personal. Making my own Makeup and looks also keep me inspired and let me show who I am. I stay motivated by contemplating how much I love fashion and being creative. Modelling inspires me because I can always learn something new, like how to express myself, move, or work with different styles and people. Every experience, no matter how big or small, helps me get better and learn more about the industry.’’