Being hungry for life has its benefits, and for Romy Nassar, a 27-year-old Lebanese model, that hunger has always been intertwined with her love for fashion. Growing up in a household where style was a constant presence, Nassar’s journey from law and economics graduate to vintage reseller has been nothing short of fascinating. Her business, @romyni.vintage, is a testament to her passion and eye for unique pieces.
“I was always reading film and fashion books on the side,” Nassar reflects. “Initially, I dreamed of attending acting school. But as a people pleaser, I followed the path of law school, believing it was the ‘smart’ choice. While I don’t regret it—law is rewarding and intellectually stimulating—I realized my true passion lay elsewhere.”
FORM: Was there a particular item, brand, or era that inspired your love for vintage fashion? What personal connection do you have to it?
NASSAR: I grew up watching Fashion TV. I am sad it shut down and that it hasn't been digitized. It was part of my childhood. I grew up with that channel. The influence of Fashion TV seems to carry on in my life. I loved it so much. I appreciated the clothes, the mixture of fabrics, the designs, the colors, the makeup on the models, the runway feels, the music, everything... It was truly fascinating for me. I would say I like this and I don’t like that. My eyes captured these things at a very young age.
Her discerning eyes developed early. Attending a Catholic school with a strict uniform policy, Nassar didn’t have the chance to explore her personal style until later. “Independence and style go hand in hand,” she explains. “It’s only when you become your own person that your fashion truly matures. And for me, vintage pieces hold a special place—they tell stories, evoke nostalgia, and allow me to express myself authentically.”
In a world fixated on the fleeting present, the allure of archival and vintage fashion has surged in recent years, captivating the imaginations of many. For Nassar, this enchantment stems from a kaleidoscope of imagery, weaving a tapestry of beauty across all realms. Her infatuation with vintage jewelry serves as a vessel to recreate the nostalgic visuals that dance through her mind, infusing her daily existence with echoes of the past.
FORM: In a world that is obsessed with the “now”, why do you think that archival and vintage fashion has become so prevalent in the past years?
NASSAR: All these images in my head made me fall in love with this world of beauty on all levels. So I feel like my obsession with vintage jewelry is immediately related to how I am trying to recreate those nostalgic visuals in my present daily life. We love vintage and archival pieces because they’re rare and unique. I feel like people are getting bored of everyone dressing up and looking the same. Individuality is rare nowadays. In a world before social media, we had no idea what people are doing, where they go, the clothes they wear, in every part of the world. Instagram and TikTok are live magazines getting updated every second. It is insane. And also, forgettable. I remember how my mother would go buy a magazine a month later so she can get to see her pictures from events she attended. There was way more space for excitement and imagination. The craftsmanship of vintage pieces was immaculate. They are also more remembered. You go to a store today, try clothes on, and forget about them all. But you will always think about that vintage item you tried on. Even years after. That’s what makes vintage super special, personal, and rich. And people are more and more striving for authenticity in an extremely inauthentic world.
FORM: How has the role of models changed over the years with the onset of social media and influencers? Models in the past were silent mannequins to sell clothes and now have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the fashion community. How important is a social media presence when working with brands as a model?
NASSAR: Fashion models are still silent mannequins. They are maybe more “heard”. But that’s it. In any career, there are requirements to fill. And rejection is 60% part of that industry. And it isn’t personal. So it is all good as long as industry professionals are expressing their opinions in a respectful manner. And one doesn’t have to be too sensitive. Do your best and work with what you have. Some models/influencers have this hybrid role and their advantage is that they can drive sales for brands. They are the story now between the brand and the people. Brands will choose the influencer that would fit their message and storyline best. A lot of people don’t buy magazines anymore to know the trend. They are not even streaming the fashion shows. The only way they would watch it is through the TikTok or Instagram story of an influencer attending the show. Influencers are today’s fashion messengers. People simply love them and relate to them way more than they would relate to a professional fashion model (exceptions apply to famous supermodels- celebrities). We all know that when you sell an item, you’re selling a story, a feeling, a memory, and not just a piece of clothing. Influencers share their stories and values, while a lot of fashion models do not. But the clothes fit them so well. So the models are kinda doing the talk and the influencers are doing the walk. The mix of both is a perfect win-win for designers and business, I guess.
In this delicate dance between models and influencers, designers find a harmonious balance, where storytelling and style intertwine to shape the narrative of fashion's future.
“My platform has helped me a lot; I got discovered on it. A lot of the clients I met in castings initially discovered me on Instagram. It is a huge support really. I still don’t consider myself a fashion model or an influencer. I am just out there trying new things every day and I am enjoying it and loving it. I am an open book and a people person whether it is online or in real life. There is no filter. So being on that platform just works well for me. Naturally. I am not a model in the traditional sense too. I have my own style and body. I just have now a better idea of when I will book a job and when I won’t. I never give people more power than they need to have. I embrace every opportunity and simply accept every rejection,” Nassar adds.
In navigating the realms of fashion and self-discovery, Nassar's journey underscores the intricate interplay between passion, perseverance, and personal expression. From her early fascination with vintage fashion to her emergence as a voice within the evolving landscape of modeling and social media, Nassar's narrative resonates with authenticity and resilience. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of following one's passions, embracing every opportunity and rejection with unwavering determination. Through her platform, Nassar not only showcases her unique style and vision but also fosters connections with a global audience, embodying the ethos that true fulfillment lies in the unapologetic pursuit of what sets our souls on fire.
