From Guatemala to Hermès and Balenciaga: The International Journey of Model Emiliano Ubico

Rejection is part of the modeling industry. Emiliano Ubico knows this well: before being selected to work with Uniqlo, he attended eight in-person castings. His perseverance ultimately led him to work on projects for renowned international brands such as Hermès Japan, Balenciaga, Uniqlo, and Yoke Tokyo.

Today, as an IZ Management model, Emiliano continues to develop his career in Guatemala and shares how he broke into the international industry, the challenges he faced, and the reality behind every campaign.

Emiliano Ubico's Beginning in Modeling

Emiliano's career started thanks to the recommendation of a friend who was already working as a model.

"I had a friend who modeled, and one day he asked me why I didn't try going to the agency to see if they would accept me. I went, and they ended up accepting me," he recalls.

Years later, upon returning to Guatemala, another friend referred him to IZ Management. Since then, the agency has supported his professional development within the country.

"IZ has been my agency for the last two years and has allowed me to continue working as a model in Guatemala."

His story proves that an opportunity can arise unexpectedly, but building a trajectory requires preparation, networking, and consistency.

His First International Campaign in Japan

Shortly after joining a modeling agency in Japan, Emiliano received his first international opportunity: a direct booking for Yoke Tokyo.

This project marked the beginning of an international career that would later lead him to collaborate with some of the most recognized brands and publications in the fashion industry.

Among the most important works of his career are:

• Campaign for Uniqlo LifeWear Magazine.
• Hermès Japan Editorial for Silver Magazine.
• Balenciaga Spring 2022 for Them Magazine.
• Yoke Tokyo Spring 2021 Campaign.
• Dake ja nai Teijin commercial alongside actress Moka Kamishiraishi.

How Did Emiliano Ubico Get to Work with Hermès Japan?

The opportunity to participate in a Hermès Japan editorial began, like many stories in modeling, with an uncertain casting call.

His agency asked if he could attend. Upon arrival, he found a large number of models waiting for the same opportunity. After a long wait, his turn came: they took photos, measured him, and days later, he received the confirmation.

The production took place on the coast of Japan.

"They took us very early to a beautiful house on the coast, where we worked on the project alongside five other models," he recounts.

That experience became one of the key milestones of his career and proof of how far Guatemalan talent can reach within international fashion.

Modeling for Balenciaga

Another highlight of Emiliano's career was participating in a Balenciaga Spring 2022 shoot for Them Magazine.

The session took place in an optical illusion museum, a setting that complemented the brand's visual concept.

"It was a very interesting experience. The museum was strange, but it fit perfectly with the concept of the production," he remembers.

More than just adding a major brand name to his portfolio, this experience meant being part of a creative vision with global reach.

The Reality Behind International Modeling

From the outside, working as an international model might look like a life filled with travel, major campaigns, and luxury brands. However, Emiliano explains that the reality is also marked by long waits, relentless competition, and frequent rejection.

"As a model you face so much rejection. There's intense competition, and it's important to understand it's never personal; it's completely normal."

According to his experience, a model might be rejected in nine out of ten castings. Yet that single booking can become the defining job of a career.

"You might get rejected nine times, but that one time they accept you can be the job of a lifetime."

Added to this is the discipline required to maintain physical conditioning. Exercise, nutrition, and self-care are constant parts of his profession, which over time became habits benefiting his overall health.

Being a Latino Model in an International Industry

For Emiliano, the challenge isn't limited to being Guatemalan. Latin American models generally compete in markets where other profiles may be requested more frequently.

"As a Latino, the competition can be tougher, because that profile isn't always as sought after as European, Asian, or African profiles. Standing out is hard, but with persistence, connections, and a bit of luck, it's achievable."

There's also a misconception that working internationally guarantees high income or a packed schedule. While a model may see increased opportunities upon arriving in a new market, things change once they are considered local.

Over time, bookings can taper off and castings become longer and more competitive. Work doesn't arrive automatically: even experienced models must keep showing up, preparing, and facing rejection.

The Pride of Representing Guatemala

Participating in projects for international brands has been a source of pride for Emiliano, who considers himself part of one of the first generations of male Guatemalan models to reach this level of editorial campaigns.

For him, every opportunity is also a chance to show that Guatemala has talent capable of competing at the highest levels of global creative industries.

His journey demonstrates that your origin can be a challenge, but never a limit.

Emiliano's Advice for Aspiring Guatemalan Models

For those dreaming of building an international career, Emiliano recommends caring for both physical and mental health.

Rejection will be one of the first realities encountered, so learning to manage it is as vital as building a strong portfolio or preparing for castings.

His main advice is perseverance. Results take time, and a brand might need to see a model several times before making a selection.

Emiliano Ubico's story was not built overnight or from a single break. It is the result of years of discipline, castings, rejections, and choices that brought him to work with Hermès Japan, Balenciaga, Uniqlo, and other global brands.

Today, Emiliano is part of IZ Management, continuing his career as a model in Guatemala.