Staying Grounded at the Top: Ray on Fame, Fashion, and Staying Real
RACHELLE HARRIS for @louisvuitton - High Jewellery by @francescaamfitheatrof for @somethingabout_rocks - Photography by @NiklasHaze - Direction @TimoHolloway - Styling @Lawrie_Abei - Hair @Michael.T.Bui - Makeup @CamilleLutzMakeup - Nails @HanaeGoumri - Styling assistant Tamiya Brooks - Production @CuratedbyMalc
From the runways of Paris to a soundstage in Montreal, Ray has spent a career refusing to sit still. Since breaking into the industry, the Canadian model has walked 15 Chanel shows across some of fashion's biggest cities, a résumé most models spend a lifetime chasing, all while staying remarkably unbothered by the pressure that usually comes with it. "I take my career seriously," Ray says, "but myself not so much."
That mix of ambition and ease has become something of a signature. It's carried Ray from the world's most exclusive runways into a new chapter altogether: acting, with a debut role in the TV series Cats in the Plateau marking the start of a pivot toward cinema. Rather than slowing down, the shift has done the opposite. Ray describes the past year as the busiest of an already decade-plus career, proving that betting on reinvention doesn't have to mean starting over.
In this conversation, Ray opens up about the Chanel show that felt like a dream fulfilled, why authenticity (and a healthy lack of filter) has been the real engine behind a lasting personal brand, and how growing up grounded in Canadian nature shaped a model's-eye view of an industry built on excess. It's a candid look at what it takes to stay in the game and evolve without losing yourself in it.
Models of Canada: From Canada to the international runway, you’ve built an impressive career and walked 15 Chanel shows across multiple cities. What has that experience meant to you, and is there a Chanel show or moment that stands out most?
Ray: That experience is the building block to where I’m at today. It was awesome. I made friends, I travelled to the most impressive places at a young age, I did my first big modelling trips by myself and learned how to explore unfamiliar and far away cities on my own. I did a Chanel show in Tokyo which marked me because I had always dreamed of going to Japan. But every Chanel in Paris was amazing because I got to see their offices/headquarters.
Models of Canada: You recently made your acting debut in the TV series Cats in the Plateau. What was it like stepping into your first acting role, and how has the experience influenced your career beyond fashion?
Ray: Stepping into my first acting role felt great and new whilst still being familiar because that had been my favourite part of modelling since the start, which is to play different characters. My first acting experience has given me more patience and professionalism as well as the excitement to explore new characters in the future, hopefully for acting purposes.
Models of Canada: Building a recognizable model brand takes more than booking jobs. How have you intentionally shaped your personal brand, and what has been most instrumental in getting you to where you are today?
Ray: I believe authenticity is the most important thing to me, especially in the industry that I work in. I find that staying true to myself and who I’ve always been as well as staying true to where I come from has been helpful in creating true connections with the people I work with. I find that that’s what has shaped my brand, and that is also probably why I luckily have had longevity as a model. Even though I have grown and changed, I have stayed grounded and have stayed connected to who I am since day one. I also think maybe humour has to do with my personal brand, because I don't have a strong filter that allows me to be more "contained" or serious at work or on social media. Initially I thought this was an issue, but now I think it's better that way.
Models of Canada: You’ve worked across major fashion markets and alongside some of the industry’s most recognizable names. How have you evolved as a model throughout your career?
Ray: I believe I’ve grown and my priorities have became clearer. I’m very laser focused on what I want to do or how I want to feel. I find that having good work ethic will get opportunities coming your way. Professionalism is very important to me. Either I do my best or there’s no point in doing it at all. I want to be respectful of whoever has booked me for a job, respectful of everyone’s time/energy, therefore respectful of myself.
Models of Canada: Longevity in fashion is no small achievement. What do you believe has allowed you to continue creating opportunities and evolving as the industry changes?
Ray: I remember when I started modelling, everyone and anyone would tell me to make the most out of it because it’ll only last a few years. I found this annoying to hear, so being naturally competitive (with myself), I made it a challenge to see how I could contradict this belief. I think having inner drive and discipline can make you last. This is a business, and you do have the right to make your own choices and hold your ground. I’ve just followed my intuition, and tried to stay true to what I want my career to look like, even if it may feel like a roller coaster.
Models of Canada: As a Canadian model working on an international stage, how has being Canadian shaped your perspective and approach to your career?
Ray: Throughout the years I’ve become more and more grateful to be from Canada. I grew up in nature, and that is my primary source of grounding. It is very humbling and nurturing to go back home to Canada, spend a day in nature, and realise how small everything is. Nothing matters yet everything matters. I take my career seriously, but myself not so much.
Models of Canada: Looking at everything you’ve accomplished from 15 Chanel shows to your first acting role, what do you hope the next chapter of your career looks like, and what are you still determined to achieve?
Ray: As soon as I made the decision to want to transition to acting, my modelling career (which was already pretty good) went mayhem. I’ve never worked as much as I have this past year. This is what I mean when I say that it’s a roller coaster and you have to follow the ebbs and flows. I’m grateful to be working so consistently, which is a luxury in the fashion industry. I’d like to stay on that track whilst still pursuing acting (however many auditions it takes). I’m determined to work in cinema and very excited for that!
Written by: Models of Canada
See more of Ray at NextModels.ca