Harlem’s Glory: New York Fashion Week Makes Way For Upcoming Supermodel Glory Quinonez

By Brittny Krone-West

Naomi. Tyra. Gigi. GLORY.  Harlem’s own Glory Quinonez is on her way to supermodel status as a runway trailblazer. 

Standing at a demure 4’1” tall, Glory is ready to become the next big thing in fashion as the first Latina model with dwarfism to walk a runway at the iconic New York Fashion Week.

The 34-year-old beauty first strutted her stuff down the runway at Gregory Taylor fashion show in September of 2015, and is still going strong – booking more shows for New York Fashion Week, and even jet-setting off to catwalks in Paris. While model life can be full of fancy frocks, glitz and glamor, Glory is taking her role as a “first” very seriously. “I just want to be that beacon of light,” she muses. “[Inclusivity] is very important because you don’t see little people or people with disabilities walking the runway.”  

Like many millennials, Glory was influenced by the age of “The Supermodel.” She was fascinated by the wildly popular, yet poorly aging, reality TV competition, “America’s Next Top Model.” “I grew up with Tyra Banks… and I was inspired by Naomi Campbel,” she recalls. “I wanted to be that.” And THAT, she eventually blossomed into. 

Glory describes her personal style as, “Very New Yorker.” It’s a mix of swag, sass, and sexy tomboy complemented with a healthy dose of confidence. Glory always possessed a fierce sense of style, so that was the easy part when it came to her breaking into the fashion industry. 

However, a network of supportive peers, friends and organizations helped turn Glory’s model dreams into reality.  In a fortuitous encounter on Facebook with Trish Morris, President of The Courageous Faces Foundation, Glory was invited to walk her first NYFW show. “You know what’s funny? Before she found me, I was thinking about how I could get on a runway,” Glory recollects. “I feel like I manifested it.” 

As Glory’s career continued to flourish, she made more key connections in the industry, including her mentor, Rick Davy, Director of BK Style Foundation & BK Fashion Week. “He took me under his wing and showed me how to run a show.” This peek behind the scenes influenced Glory to steer her path towards a creative director role, so that she could see more people with disabilities actually run the show. “I believe I’m going to be the first one to do that,” she affirms.

Perhaps one of Glory’s greatest and most longtime supporters has been Good Shepherd Services. GSS provides children from New York City’s underserved communities with access to high-quality programs designed to help individuals and communities thrive. “Every time I achieve something new, they’re just so happy and excited!” Glory exclaims.  Glory broke down another barrier when she became the first person in her family to graduate from college. GSS assisted her along the way – providing funding for her books, internship opportunities and entry into various development programs.  

Although Glory is busy enough submitting her portfolio, shuttling back and forth to castings, and perfecting her strut, she still makes time for what’s important.  She regularly participates in women’s empowerment workshops, as well as volunteer outreach with GSS.  “I’m involved with them because you help me and I help you.” That helping hand spirit transcends into her ultimate professional goals of becoming a creative director and fashion designer. “We [little people] don’t have designers for us, so I want to be an asset.”  Glory says a lot of “non-conventional” models reach out to her for advice and on how to follow in her footsteps.  While she encourages them to persevere, she also recognizes the challenges, which is why she wants to create her own shows where she can change the game. “I want to make it easy for people like me to walk the runway and show off.”  

There’s no doubt we’ll be seeing more of Glory. She hosted the Little People of America Fashion Show for the last two years. She’s pursuing enrollment at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Commercial modeling and acting are also on the horizon for her. 

She aspires to one day collaborate with Harlem fashion legend, Dapper Dan. “His style is just fire – and unique,” enthuses Glory. I know he would love to work with me in the future.” We’ll be on the lookout, Glory! 

In the meantime, you can keep up with Glory on IG and TikTok at @glorymiamor; and under Glory Quiñonez on Facebook.

Fashion Credit: Gregory Taylor