From University Runway to Global Dreams: The Modeling Journey of Gentry Gao

Model Gentry Gao for a photoshoot

Some careers are born from years of planning. Others happen by chance, sparked by a single unexpected opportunity. For Gentry Gao, the journey into the fashion world began with a simple invitation: a friend asked them to walk in a university fashion show.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” he recalls. “But after that first show, I just kept walking more and more.”

What started as a favor for a friend quickly grew into a passion and a career. Today, Gentry has graced billboards, traveled across Europe for work, and is steadily carving a place in the competitive world of high fashion.

The First Break and the Big Stage 

While the early days brought plenty of small shows, one moment stands out in Gentry’s memory: his first major casting for FENDI. It was the kind of room that could make even seasoned models nervous.

“Every model besides me was talking about how many shows they’ve walked before, and I’m kind of the new face in the room. Surrounded by all the top models makes me almost shake. But after that, I just think that I’m here for a reason.”

That mindset—acknowledging the nerves but leaning into self-belief would become a recurring theme in his career.

Fashion as Self-Expression 

For Gentry, fashion isn’t just about the clothes. “Fashion to me is about knowing who you are and showing the best of you,” he explained. His style draws inspiration from Calum Harper, whose approach to image and presence resonates deeply with him. But trends? They’re not much of a concern.

“I don’t follow fashion trends,” he admitted. A signature element of their appearance? The eyes. “I focus on my eyes the most because I think that’s my unique part.”

Building a Brand in the Digital Age 

In today’s industry, walking the runway isn’t enough—you also have to cultivate a presence online. For Gentry, Instagram is both a portfolio and a personality showcase.

"I tried to show most of my personality on social media, making some reels,” he says. Nowadays, you can’t just show up and do your job—you also need to build your profile.

One of his proudest moments was seeing his work for Pazzo on a billboard for the first time. 

His advice to aspiring models trying to build a presence? “Don’t think too much—post first.”

The Reality Behind the Glamour 

While modeling is often portrayed as a life of luxury, Gentry is quick to point out the reality. “It’s not easy at all. We don’t fly in first class. Spending quite a lot of money just to have that opportunity,” he says.

Preparation is both physical and mental. Before a shoot, he keeps it simple: black coffee and a face massage. On the runway, the key is to relax. “I try to feel the music and the atmosphere.”

Even illness can’t always slow him down. “Maybe the most challenging shoot was when I had a fever,” he recalls. In this industry, you push through.

Dreams on the Horizon 

Looking forward, Gentry’s ambitions are clear. “I want to become a top runway model who shows up to fashion week every season and keeps getting more and more shows,” he says.

His dream jobs? To walk for Yves Saint Laurent and to appear in Vogue. Short-term, he’s set a concrete goal: walking at least ten shows in Europe in the next year.

Would he relocate for the right opportunity? Absolutely. 

Staying Grounded & Eyes on the future

In a fast-paced, appearance-focused industry, it’s easy to lose your center. Gentry stays grounded by surrounding himself with positivity.

“To my younger self, I’d say: You’re doing a really good job. Keep making good friends and surround yourself with good energy. No matter what challenges you face, don’t give up easily.”

From that first university runway to billboards and international shows, Gentry’s journey has been a mix of serendipity, determination, and self-awareness. He's faced moments of doubt, navigated the shifting demands of the digital age, and embraced the challenges of a fiercely competitive industry.

And he is far from finished. With major shows, dream collaborations, and even the possibility of launching a creative project someday, the next chapters are already being written.

“I’m here for a reason,” the same thought that carried him through that nerve-wracking FENDI casting.

And if the past is any indication, that reason is only going to get clearer.

Xoxo,

Fashion Editorial Writer, Ezabella Piccione.