Model Behavior: Yuka Mannami Loves Horror Movies and Wants to Work With Petra Collins

The Japanese model has worked with Uniqlo and Shiseido and just wrapped up New York Fashion Week.

Welcome to Model Behavior, where we spotlight the up-and-coming faces to watch on the runway, and have them share a little bit about their life, career and more. Next is Yuka Mannami, a Japanese model who's fronted campaigns for global fashion and beauty brands, dreams of posing for Petra Collins and always has video games and bananas in her bag during fashion week.

Name: Yuka Mannami (@yuka)

Age: 31

Hometown: Kii Tenma, Japan

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Agency: The Society

When did you start modeling? I debuted in Japan as a model in 2015. My first job was shooting a campaign for Uniqlo.

What made you interested in modeling? I never really dreamed of becoming a model, being from a very rural part of Japan. When I moved to Osaka to attend university, a friend of mine asked me to model for her brand. That's where it all started!

How has your relationship with fashion evolved since you've started modeling? Being in the industry, it's such a great opportunity to be able to see firsthand designers' creative process and why so many people have loved a brand for so long. When I first started, I really loved looking for vintage pieces — I still do, and often wear some of the pieces I bought at the very beginning of my career, mixed with new designer items.

What have been your most memorable modeling jobs so far? One of the most memorable was a trip to San Diego to shoot Shiseido's worldwide campaign. The way the team worked together and made the campaign come to life was sensational. I was also very happy with how proud my grandparents were after it was released!

Bucket-list modeling gig? I love horror movies, so I would love to shoot an avant-garde horror shoot! I would also love to work with Petra Collins.

Coolest place you've been to as a model? I got to shoot on the largest location set in the world, in Bulgaria, which was very cool. The team had snow falling during the shoot, which was also very impressive.

Do you have any fashion week traditions? I always go to the gym, and often trim my bangs to make them look as fresh as possible. I also try and get as much sleep as possible prior to fashion month!

What do you always carry with you during fashion week? Video games, bananas, earphones, positive feelings.

Best piece of advice you've ever gotten? Don't affirm yourself by denying others.

Favorite backstage memory from fashion week? My previous job got pushed, and my hair and makeup was not going to be ready in time for the show. As various staff members were doing my hair, makeup and nails, the hair and makeup artist grabbed the arm of the staff member who wanted to take me offstage. They glared at each other. I remember when it was finally over, and we all ran to the stage.

What's on your fashion week playlist? I was recently listening to the background music of the movie "Final Fantasy X". My favorite song is "The Decisive Battle".

What's going through your mind when you're on the runway? I try to keep my confidence high and truly believe I'm one of the coolest people in the world at that moment!

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