Uncovering the Journey: An Exclusive Interview with Toronto Model Dilshan Marasinghe
- Toronto Artists
- Apr 13
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 25
TORONTO-ARTISTS SCENE takes a look into the competitive world of fashion, emerging models have captivating stories that deserve to be told. Today, we speak with Dilshan Marasinghe, a talented model based in Toronto who is making waves not only locally but soon to be on global platforms as well. In this exclusive interview, Dilshan shares his journey, inspirations, and the hurdles he faces within the modeling industry.
Dilshan Marasignhe Inspiring Insights from a Career Journey
We had the pleasure of catching up with him, and what a delightful adventure it turned out to be! He shared some truly fascinating stories that not only highlighted his remarkable career but also painted a vibrant picture of life in the industry.
We kept it straightforward by asking him a few questions as Toronto prepares for several fashion events in the coming weeks.
How did you get started in being a model, and what drew you into this as a career?
I started being a model 3 years ago in Toronto, and how I achieved that was by attending as many photoshoots and events as possible. I was constantly surfing through Instagram and the internet, searching for photography studios in the city, and I discovered many unique and stunning locations, each with its distinct look. So, as I attended all these shoots in the studios, I met many creative people such as models, photographers, artists, singers, dancers, hair stylists, makeup artists, etc., and I stayed connected with all of them... In this industry, making connections is very important because it can lead you to the discovery of many more wonderful opportunities, and that’s exactly what happened to me.. Thus with every new person I met along my journey. It’s crucial to shake more hands and keep networking out there. What drew me into this exciting career of modelling is that being a model grants me the ability to fully express my body and emotions in any forms and expression I desire. This truly allow me to just simply be myself without having to feel ashamed or embarrassed of who I am.
Unfortunately, in today’s society, people are constantly being dragged down for being themselves by their family or friends or just people in public, and as a result, that creates a storm of doubt in their mind where they start pondering the questions: “am I enough? Does my presence in this world have any meaning just being myself?” Many bright, beautiful souls get lost, entangled in a maze of confusion. While trying to answer and figuring these questions out, I’m here to say yes, yes, you’re enough, and yes, your presence in this world has meaning just by being yourself. I aim and hope to inspire everyone around me as a model that they are perfectly fine being themselves, and they should never change who they are. Not to alter themselves to conform to meet the needs of society's expectations. We all have our own bodies and personalities, and we should learn to smile every time we look at ourselves in the mirror because we are
enough.
Dilshan Marasignhe Navigating the Fashion Scene in Toronto
Toronto is not just a city; it’s a vibrant hub known for its diverse fashion scene and multicultural environment. For Dilshan, this setting has been critical in launching his modeling career.
Through Toronto's fashion weeks and events, such as Toronto Fashion Week, he has had opportunities to connect with a wide array of designers and photographers. This has greatly enriched his modeling experience and provided him with a fresh perspective on branding.
The Spark of Inspiration
What are your thoughts about art and fashion in the modern world today?
Art and fashion today truly are advancing and becoming more open-minded in a way that people can literally wear anything they want and call it fashion. For example, I watched a fashion show online where the models literally walked wearing a trash bag, so if that’s how it is now, then anything can be considered as fashion, and I’m very intrigued by that, because it can open a door to many new creative,, and wild ideas people have never thought of. We’re not holding ourselves back today, we’re very open-minded pursuing all the craziness and weird ideas that emerge in our mind, which I immensely love because that’ll create the birth of countless fashion masterpieces yet to be seen in this world which I am looking forward to witness and hopefully walk for myself. Young emerging artists are rising up from their dreams and stepping into the spotlight with the vast amount of resources and opportunities they have now, which is a joy to see.
The Challenges of Being a Model
While the international modeling scene in Toronto sparkles with potential, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Dilshan is candid about the harsh realities he faces in the industry.
What are some of the obstacles you had to overcome in your career?
"Getting rejected, getting rejected again, oh yeah, and more rejections. When I apply for all these casting calls and auditions as a model, I of course hope to get selected for all of them and unleash my full potential but life has different plans for me and I sometimes don’t get accepted for all of them which is totally alright; it’s part of the process. I’ve learnt not to put myself down by getting rejected from something I really wanted to do because when one door closes, another one opens. But if another door doesn’t open I’ll just kick one open myself, I’m not going to stop chasing my goals and dreams, and I never will. Other obstacles like not meeting specific body requirements such as height, skin color and ethnicity and casting calls being in different countries, which I’m not able to fly to. (since I don’t have the required permits there as well.) In Conclusion, at the end of the day, I do my absolute best with the opportunities that are available for me, which I’m able to apply for and don’t let any obstacle hurdling across the way to hold me back. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take (perfect dating advice).
A Journey of Passion and Creativity
His enthusiasm for his work shines through every tale, making it clear that passion fuels creativity. It’s a testament to the idea that when you love what you do, every day can be an exciting new chapter!
How do you see Canada shaping the world of fashion?
Canada has the power of unity with them in the sense that many different cultures and backgrounds live there, which allows all these different fashion ideas curated from different perspectives to collectively come together in a collaborative way. Canada brings the world to them with all the different cultures living among its soil and that allows the world of fashion to be carved in a very unique way by granting people the opportunity to learn from each other and embrace everyone’s distinct fashion identity. I’ve watched and walked at many fashion shows in Canada, and it’s still growing, it still has a lot of progress to go through to make a bold stamp in the world as one of the most uniquefashion destinations and I’m confident it’ll reach there one day. Someone should definite ly make a design revolving around maple syrup, pure Canadian fashion right there.
The Importance of Personal Style
Dilshan Marasighne, personal style goes hand-in-hand with the clothes he models. He believes being true to oneself is crucial for building a unique personal brand that resonates well with audiences. His own personal style plays a massive role in how he approach his modeling. It’s about showcasing who you are while complementing what the designer wants to convey,
His best advice for aspiring models is simple but impactful: embrace individuality. Unique traits can set one apart in the competitive industry.
Who has been an influence or inspiration in your world?
"I am my own inspiration. Everytime I gaze upon myself in the mirror, I look at all the potential pumping through my heart and flowing through my veins. I look at all the goals I’m able to achieve. I look at the bright path ahead, waiting for me to step on and embark on my glorious and magnificent journey of dreams turning into reality. I think it’s important to store a lot of confidence in your soul and push yourself to believe that you can do this, you can achieve all the ambitious dreams you had growing up as a kid, because you believe in yourself, and when you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Nothing will hold you back, and you will become an unstoppable force of nature preying on those who dare to put you down and stop you from achieving your dreams. I am and always will be my biggest inspiration, and I am very proud to be able to call myself that.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
As Dilshan continues to grow in his career, he has set ambitious goals. He aspires to work with top international designers and hopes to explore opportunities in styling and design.
“I want to keep challenging myself and grow with each project. My ultimate goal is to create a lasting impact in the industry, not just as a model but as a creative person,” he shares.
He offers valuable advice for aspiring models: “Never lose sight of your dreams. The journey will be tough, but each step brings valuable experiences. In my career so far, I've faced many rejections, but each one taught me resilience.”
Final Thoughts
Dilshan Marasinghe's journey as a model in Toronto demonstrates the power of inspiration, resilience, and authenticity in the fashion industry. His story, filled with challenges and victories, serves as an inspiration to many. With a vision that extends beyond the runway, Dilshan is on the path to making a significant impact both locally and internationally.
As he molds his future, one thing is clear: we will be watching closely, eager to see what this rising star will achieve next.
You can find him on Instagram
DILSHAN MARASINGHE
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