When deaf model Antonella Ghonda stepped onto the runway at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) with an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter by her side, it wasn’t just a walk — it was a statement. For the Belgian-born, Maryland-based model, this was both a personal milestone and a defining moment for disability inclusion in fashion.
“At first, it was hard,” Ghonda shared. “But I kept manifesting for the industry to become easier and more accessible for me. This was the first time I had a sign language interpreter at a major show, and it meant so much to me.”
Her walk symbolized progress in an industry long criticized for its lack of accessibility. It reminded the world that beauty, power, and expression transcend sound.
From Belgium to the World’s Runways
Born in Belgium to Congolese parents and raised among four siblings, Antonella’s love for fashion began early.
“Everybody knew me for having amazing clothes everywhere I went,” she recalled. “It wasn’t just dressing up — it was my language.”
Her career launched spectacularly when she booked New York Fashion Week as her first major job — a feat that often takes years for models to achieve. Since then, she has walked in Paris, Milan, and Miami, her striking presence marked by confidence, poise, and a signature grace that commands attention.
Turning Rejection Into Power
Ghonda’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. During a Paris casting, she was initially turned away — only to be called back when a designer saw her undeniable potential.
“That rejection turned into my favor,” she said. “It taught me that belief in myself has to be stronger than someone else’s doubt.”
Today, designers request her by name, valuing not only her look but her professionalism and energy. Her story is proof that perseverance transforms barriers into bridges.
The Digital Revolution and Self-Discovery
Social media became Antonella’s gateway to global recognition. She was discovered online, a modern fairy tale rooted in authenticity.
“You don’t have to wait for someone to find you anymore,” she said. “If you show up fully and consistently, the right people will notice.”
Her digital presence isn’t just promotional — it’s purposeful. Through her platforms, she advocates for visibility, representation, and the beauty of being unapologetically oneself.
“Authenticity is magnetic,” she declares. “The only way for me to live an authentically fulfilling life is to be so me, to the point that it makes me magnetic.”
Redefining the Model Archetype
With her fearless fashion sense — mixing streetwear with heels and rejecting overdone trends — Antonella celebrates individuality.
“My biggest fashion inspiration is myself,” she admits. “I love bold combinations. What I’m not loving? Newsie hats and multiple belts — those trends need to go!”
Yet, beyond style, her mission is about substance.
“We have voices — whether we speak them or sign them,” she emphasizes. “Models are not emotionless. We are storytellers.”
Mindset of Resilience
Behind the runway glamour lies a fortress of mental strength.
“I stay motivated because I know my worth,” she said. “I’m someone who attracts miracles, no matter what.”
Through meditation and visualization, she channels challenges into growth, often mentoring aspiring deaf and disabled models who look up to her as a beacon of hope.
Building an Inclusive Future
Ghonda’s next chapter includes launching her own modeling agency — one rooted in mentorship and accessibility.
“I want to build something that didn’t exist when I was starting out,” she said. “An agency where people who feel overlooked get the training, support, and visibility they deserve.”
Her mission extends to educating brands and organizers about true inclusion — not as tokenism, but as transformation.
Beyond the Runway
Before modeling, Antonella trained as an esthetician — a reflection of her lifelong passion for beauty and self-care.
“It’s not just about how you look; it’s how you feel,” she says, blending her wellness philosophy with her career in fashion.
Her balanced perspective grounds her in authenticity — a quality that continues to draw admiration across continents.
A Role Model by Example
“I didn’t set out to inspire anyone,” Ghonda admits. “I just wanted to walk the runway and express myself. But if my presence makes someone feel seen, that’s a blessing.”
Her dream? To walk for Dior. And with her record of breaking barriers, it’s only a matter of time.
A Titan in the Making
Within two years, Antonella Ghonda has completed runways in New York, Milan, Paris, and Los Angeles, with London next on her list. Her ascent is meteoric, her influence undeniable. By walking with purpose and authenticity, she is reshaping not only fashion’s future but its very foundation.
“You don’t have to change who you are to succeed,” she says. “You just have to become more of who you already are.”
Antonella Ghonda’s story is one of courage and conviction — a reminder that fashion’s most enduring icons are not those who conform, but those who transform.
