Long Island-born, 21-year-old Dilone is having a great year. The Dominican model with the covetable curls and boyfriend haircut has graced magazine covers, campaigns for Coach, Balmain and Versace and too many runways to count (Marc Jacobs, Chloé, Stella McCartney, you get the idea.) We caught up with her between show fittings to talk life backstage and how diversity in fashion revived her career.
You've reached top newcomer status quickly. How does it feel to navigate the fashion weeks now compared to when you first started out as a new girl?
It's amazing now. I actually pursued modelling a few years ago and it didn't work out. So I took a little break from it. But to see how much has changed in just a few years is so amazing. Back in the day, it felt like models of colour only had 'one' spot [in a runway show]. So if one model took your spot, you would be envious. Now it's a lot friendlier and people now understand that there's a bigger thing going. And you now see more than just one black girl in a show. It's like, 'Hey, you want all of us.' So, it's nice backstage now. I don't feel the same pressure I did back in the day when there was only one spot. It's amazing how much diversity there is now.
What's your NYFW routine?
I like to take my time in the morning so I'm not rushing out to a casting and feeling stressed. I usually start my morning with Elvis music and just dance around. Then, I wash my face and get dressed. It's important for me to arrive to a place feeling calm and good about myself. Though today, I was kinda late [laughs].
Most useful fashion week beauty habits?
Just wash your face every morning and night. I always carry makeup wipes with me and I swear by under eye cream.
Which city will be your next fashion month stop after New York?
I hope to do some shows in London, but I can't reveal which ones yet. I love London and am thinking about moving there for a little while actually.
Great choice, which area?
Brixton. Everyone tells me it's the place to go and I like my crew there. I've been to Dalston too, it's pretty cool.
