Riannét De La Cruz: Modeling allows me to transform life’s challenges into art

You describe your path as one shaped by resilience. Was there a particular moment in front of the camera when you realized modeling had become more than a profession and closer to a form of self-expression?

Absolutely. I’ve been through many challenges in my life, and modeling has become a powerful tool for me to express those experiences without saying a word. Every pose, every look, and every image tells a part of my story. What began as an interest in fashion and photography evolved into something much deeper: a creative outlet where I can channel resilience, strength, vulnerability, and growth.

There wasn’t just one defining moment in front of the camera. It was the realization that I could communicate emotions and experiences through movement and expression. Modeling allows me to transform life’s challenges into art, and that’s when I understood it had become more than a profession. It became a form of self-expression and a reflection of the journey that shaped me into the woman I am today.

Storytelling through imagery sits at the heart of your work. When you step onto a set, how do you decide which version of a story your body, expression, and presence are going to tell?

It often begins with the atmosphere around me. The scenery, the lighting, the energy on set, and the creative vision all influence the story I want to tell. I pay close attention to the mood of the environment because every setting has its own language and emotion.

From there, I allow my body, expressions, and presence to respond naturally. Sometimes the story calls for strength and confidence, while other times it requires softness, mystery, or vulnerability. I see modeling as a collaboration between the model, the creative team, and the space itself.

Authenticity is a word many use lightly. What does it mean to you, concretely, in an industry that often rewards a curated image over a real one?

To me, authenticity means staying true to who you are, even in an industry that often encourages people to fit into a certain mold. It’s about bringing real emotion and genuine moments into every image rather than trying to imitate what’s popular or follow every trend.

What makes someone memorable is often what makes them different. I believe there is power in embracing your individuality and allowing your true self to shine through. When I’m in front of the camera, I want people to connect with something real, not a version of myself created to meet expectations, but an honest reflection of who I am.

Trends come and go, but authenticity has a lasting impact. The right people will appreciate and connect with you because of what makes you unique, not because you’re trying to be someone else.

You’re drawn to editorials that blend creativity, emotion, and high-fashion aesthetics. Can you walk us through how you prepare emotionally before a shoot that asks for that kind of vulnerability?

For editorials that require vulnerability, I often draw from my own experiences. There have been many moments when I’ve had to revisit certain emotions or memories in order to connect authentically with the story being told through the lens. It isn’t always easy, but it allows me to create images that feel honest and emotionally compelling.

Some people might wonder why I would put myself through that for a photograph. My answer is simple: storytelling takes many forms. Some people write books, paint, or create music to express their experiences. For me, modeling is one of those forms of expression. The camera becomes a medium through which I can translate emotions, memories, and personal growth into something visual.

Confidence and individuality are themes you want to inspire in others. Where do you locate your own confidence on the days it doesn’t come easily?

Confidence isn’t something I wake up with every day. It’s something I choose to cultivate, especially on difficult days. There are moments when self-doubt creeps in, and getting motivated can feel like a challenge. But I’ve learned that confidence is built through consistency, not perfection.

On those days, I remind myself of everything I’ve already overcome. I look in the mirror and think about the obstacles, setbacks, and challenges that once felt impossible but are now part of my story. That perspective helps me realize that whatever I’m facing today is just another step forward.

I believe there is strength in simply showing up. Sometimes confidence looks like taking on the world, and other times it looks like getting out of bed and choosing not to give up. Every step counts. I remind myself that I’ve made it through difficult seasons before, and I can do it again. That’s where my confidence comes from, not from always feeling fearless, but from knowing my resilience has carried me this far and will continue to carry me forward.

High fashion can feel distant or untouchable to an outside eye. How do you bring warmth and humanity into images that are meant to feel elevated and aspirational?

High fashion may be aspirational, but emotion is what makes it relatable. I bring warmth into my work by tapping into real feelings and authentic moments. To me, the most memorable images aren’t simply beautiful. They make people feel something.

Every model develops a private language with the lens over time. How has the way you move and communicate in front of the camera evolved since you began?

When I first started modeling, I was focused on learning how to pose correctly and become comfortable in front of the camera. Over time, I realized that the camera can see more than just a pose. It can capture who you truly are.

Now, I don’t just think about how I look in a photograph. I think about what I’m trying to say without words. The more I’ve grown, the more I’ve learned to trust myself and allow the real me to come through the lens.

Are there experiences, personal or professional, that changed the way you understand beauty and how you choose to embody it?

Absolutely. I’ve learned that true beauty is often created through the process, not just the final result. Everyone sees how beautiful a diamond is, but many don’t see the pressure, time, and transformation it had to go through to become something so valuable.

I relate that to life and to myself. The experiences, challenges, and obstacles we go through shape us and add depth to who we become. Beauty isn’t only about what people see on the outside. It’s about the story behind it.

When a concept on set differs from your own instinct, how do you navigate the space between a creative director’s vision and your artistic voice?

I believe it’s more of a collaboration. Every creative person brings their own vision to a project, and I respect the story the creative director is trying to tell. At the same time, I think the strongest images happen when I can bring a piece of myself into that vision.

I take the time to understand the emotion and purpose behind the concept, and then I find a way to connect with it personally. Even if it’s different from my first instinct, I see it as an opportunity to grow, explore, and create something unexpected while still staying true to who I am.

Fashion, for you, is a form of self-expression. Is there a look, collection, or shoot that felt like it captured who you truly were at that moment in your life?

Yes. Modeling gives me a way to release and express the feelings and emotions I’m carrying in that moment.

Looking at the industry as it stands today, what would you like to see change so that individuality and real stories are given more room?

I would love to see the industry continue to make more room for individuality and real stories. Everyone has a different journey, and I think those differences are what make people truly interesting.

Sometimes there is pressure to fit into a certain image or follow what is trending, but I believe the most powerful work comes from people being authentic and embracing what makes them unique. I would love to see more opportunities for models to share their stories because beauty is not defined by one standard.

Where do you hope your journey leads next, and what kind of work would make you feel you’ve fully arrived as the artist you’re becoming?

My journey is about continuing to shine and never allowing anyone or anything to stand in the way of that light. I want to keep growing, creating, and telling stories through my work while staying true to who I am.

For me, fully arriving as an artist isn’t just about a certain achievement, opportunity, or goal. It’s about knowing that I’ve used my voice, my experiences, and my creativity to inspire others. I want to be part of projects that have meaning, that make people feel something, and that remind others to embrace their individuality and keep shining, no matter what life throws at them. Photographer: Edwin Ocasio

Model: Riannét De La Cruz @Model And Talent Management @riannetdelacruz