A NEW MODEL SHINES IN MIAMI: MAGGIE WILLIAMS

When I first met Maggie Williams, I saw a top model who worked endlessly during MIAMI SWIM WEEK. I was struck by her poise and confidence on the runway. We decided to interview her to learn more about her career:

Meet Maggie Williams, the petite high fashion model and notable rising star of the fashion industry. Despite the challenges of navigating the industry as a petite model, Williams’ unconventional success has made her a well-known public figure within the world of fashion. She has never been afraid to challenge industry standards. Her confidence and relentless perseverance have allowed her to grace the runways of New York, Milan, and Paris- and even landed her international publications in Elle and Vogue. When it comes to Miami Swim Week, Williams is a top model and competitor.

A striking blonde with a magnetic stage presence; it’s next to impossible to miss Williams on the runways and red carpets. Williams’ story is particularly compelling given her accidental foray into the industry. While attending college and working as a bridal associate, Williams quickly was pulled from selling gowns to modeling for the store. Maggie laughs, stating, “I never dreamed of being a model in a million years. From the time I first put on that bridal gown 6 sizes too big for me and stood in front of that camera, I knew that this was something I wasn’t going to let go. Something clicked inside of me that day; I had to pursue modeling. I always go after what I want”.   A graduate from James Madison University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Maggie began her professional career as a Labor & Delivery RN. She made the decision to work full-time as a nurse at night in order to pursue modeling full-time during the day. Her incredible dedication to her passion proved to be just the start of her journey.

Williams began to build her diverse portfolio, shooting everything from high fashion to commercial work. She initially found her niche in swimwear and fitness modeling, but her drive soon pushed her towards the runway. Entering the runway world as a “petite” model (standing under 5’9”), Williams challenged industry norms from the start. She faced numerous rejections and pushbacks. She used each “no” as motivation, working even harder to prove herself and land bookings alongside the taller models.

“I’ve always fought hard and stood firm in my belief when it comes to modeling. Models should be booked based on their talent and walk, not height alone.” Williams laughs again, stating, “With that said, I became incredibly talented at walking in 6 inch heels. You’ll never see me without them”.

Her confidence and star-like presence quickly differentiated her as a model. “Models don’t ever truly have time off. I’m not just a model when I’m on set, I’m a model everywhere I go and with each interaction I have.”.

Her persistence paid off, leading her to walk in major fashion weeks internationally. While DC, Miami, and New York became her stomping grounds, she found herself booked Milan and Paris as well. Williams has now walked for over 100 designers in her career. A reoccurring covergirl in US-based fashion spreads, Williams has also been seen internationally in issues of Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Vogue. Her impressive success despite her height has served as a testament for aspiring models. Williams is a self-taught model, without ever having received professional training.

Williams became a fierce name and regular fixture at Miami Swim Week. The world’s largest annual fashion week for swimwear, MSW is a highly competitive and renowned event within the industry. Williams has now walked 4 seasons at Miami Swim Week, with each season being increasingly successful.

This Swim Week in particular, Williams has been spotted all across Miami. From A-lister events to the runways to red carpet appearances- she’s remained booked and busy.

“Swim Week this year has honestly been a chaotic whirlwind- it somehow gets busier every season. I’m so grateful for each of the new opportunities I’ve been given. I’m still walking runway myself, but also making time to attend industry-related events. I’ve attended various PR showrooms, gifting suites, and private designer showcases. I’ve been invited to attend a bunch of runways myself as a VIP this season as well. It’s been really cool to actually get to watch some of the shows from the viewers’ perspective- I’ve never had a seat before in the audience!”

Williams walked multiple nights for numerous designers this season, primarily working with Miami Swim Week the Shows.

Williams also has been spotted on the red carpets and backstage conducting interviews this season for Miami Swim Week the Shows. The model has interviewed designers, Miss Universe contestants, VIP runway attendees, and fellow models. Williams has had interview experience in the past, but reports this is her first official year of being the model behind the mic.

We asked the model what made her Miami Swim Week different this season.

“I’ve been a lot more selective and intentional when it comes to which designers and productions I’m choosing to walk for. In the past, I’ve walked for as many designers as possible- which ultimately can lead to burn out. I tried to approach this season with a ‘quality over quantity’ mindset. I loved being able to attend the industry-related events and conduct interviews on the carpet as well”.

The model attended events by Elle Swimwear, CupShe, Guess, Modeliste, and Paraiso to name a few.

Maggie Williams offers us a sincere smile.

Williams states some of her other favorite aspects of swim week have included working with Australian Gold and shooting for swimwear brands on yachts.

When asked about what initially paved her success in the swimwear industry, Williams credits her different mindset in terms of approaching swimwear. “I built my personal brand around incorporating elegance into swimwear. I try to bring a high fashion feel into everything I’m a part of.”.

Williams works as a model coach as well, mentoring models in everything from walking runway to learning how to pose in front of a camera. She coaches classes both virtually and in-person, and has assisted in guiding multiple new models into the industry.

The model travels constantly for bookings. Williams works frequently with hotels and brands to create travel content, in order to offset the constant expenses of travel. Williams is frequently spotted at A-list industry events and galas. She reports attending the Golden Globes for the first time this year as a VIP model on the carpet.

When not modeling, Williams still works PRN shifts at night as a labor and delivery nurse. The model states nursing is her way of giving back, and serves as a break for her from the chaos of the industry.

Outside of all the work, the model enjoys fishing, hunting, surfing, and being with friends and family.

Williams states that her plans for the future don’t stop anytime soon. She hints at working on a online project that will benefit various members of the fashion industry. “I can’t reveal too many details yet, but I can say I have a lot of my own projects launching in the near future. One of my specific projects is geared towards helping petite models learn how to be competitive in the industry”.