This story is taken from the spring 2024 issue of Dazed. Pre-order a copy of the magazine here.
Omahyra Mota was always a chameleon. First stomping runways across the globe as the late 90s faded into the 2000s, the model was a go-to for Jean Paul Gaultier and muse to cult fashion outlier Miguel Adrover. Her appeal lay in her ability to code-switch with seemingly zero effort, from sultry femme fatale at Tom Ford, to dick-swinging cad with a half-smoked ciggie hanging from her lips at Gaultier.
A proud Dominican immigrant who planted roots in New York, she spent the late 2010s bringing up her kids away from the spotlight. Last year, the model detailed plans to kickstart creative workshops for migrant kids in the city, equipping the upcoming generation with the ammunition and inspiration to make big changes in the creative industries. In her long-awaited fashion comeback, she graced runways everywhere from Off-White to Luar and Mugler.
Omahyra Mota: My sister, Patricia Mota, chilling on top of this huge tamarind tree we had in our backyard! She would always do extreme stuff; she was never scared.
Who was your style icon growing up?
Omahyra Mota: My style icon is and will always be Vampire Hunter D.
All clothes and accessories Saint Laurent by Anthony VaccarelloPhotography Hugo Comte, styling Ibrahim Kamara
Embroidered beaded dress KNWLS, Tiffany Knot Drop gold and diamond earrings Tiffany & Co, crystal and metal choker Versace, silver-plated metal necklaces Laruicci, brass cuffs Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, rhodium-plated metal belt Deborah Drattell, patent leather pumps AlaïaPhotography Hugo Comte, styling Ibrahim Kamara
What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you during fashion week?
Omahyra Mota: After hours at this strip club in Paris; we always end up there! I can’t say more - but if you know, you know.
What would you do if you were president for the day?
Omahyra Mota: FREE everything!
What’s your favourite movie and why?
Omahyra Mota:Princess Mononoke - the story, the visuals.
Cotton tank top Eytys, leather and metal chaps Zana Bayne, lace thongs Fleur du Mal, crystal and metal choker Versace, silver-plated metal necklaces Laruicci, silver-plated brass bangles Dinosaur Designs, brass cuffs worn on right arm Saint Laurent by Anthony Vacarello, aluminium and sating drawstring choker worn as belt Hugo Kreit, patent leather pumps AlaïaPhotography Hugo Comte, styling Ibrahim Kamara
Wool knitted cape Loewe, patent leather pumps AlaïaPhotography Hugo Comte, styling Ibrahim Kamara
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Omahyra Mota: My eldest, Judah. She’s perfect for it.
What’s a cause you really believe in?
Omahyra Mota: NYC migrant solidarity.
What five people would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Omahyra Mota: Leo Velasquez AKA EVIDENTFUTURE, David Bowie, Che Guevara, Dimebag Darrell, Alejandro Jodorowsky.
Photography HUGO COMTE, styling IBRAHIM KAMARA, text EMMA ELIZABETH DAVIDSON, hair MUSTAFA YANAZ at ART + COMMERCE, make-up ERNEST ROBINSON using PAT MCGRATH LABS, nails DAWN STERLING at EDMA WORLD, photographic assistants PETER DUONG, TRISHA HARMSEN, RYAN CARTER, styling assistants LEA ZÖLLER, HADYA TUOFIO, CHRIS LEE, ALEXA LEVINE, BIANCA PARISOTTO, ZACH TURKSON, JONAS HARRIS, hair assistant RACHEL HOPKIN, production SERIE YOON and MICHAELA MCMAHON-DUNPHY at 360PM, production accictent ANDY MARTINEZ, post-production NUMÉRIQUE, casting MISCHA NOTCUTT at 11 CASTING
