Last year, Yumi Nu became the first Asian American plus-size model to be featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Now this year she’ll be on the 2022 cover.
From New Jersey, Nu is a second-generation Japanese American and is of Dutch descent. Her mother is the daughter of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki and Nu is the niece of DJ Steve Aoki and model Devon Aoki.
“She has a cult following and will be a classic model for the rest of time,” Nu said to the NY Post about her aunt Devon Aoki. “She has really helped me this year now that I am working with a lot of bigger names, like Steven Meisel. She has helped me stay grounded and remember why I am doing what I am doing.”
Since being on the 2021 SI Swimsuit edition, Nu graced the covers of Vogue Japan and appeared in a Victoria’s Secret fragrance campaign.
“It’s hard to even process or say out loud because I still can’t believe it,” Nu said to People. “It truly shattered the ceiling of what I knew to be possible for myself. I’m eternally grateful.”
She told the New York Post that she credits fellow plus-size model Ashley Graham for shattering beauty standards and norms.
“Her SI cover changed so many people’s lives, and I think it changed the industry because you have this legendary publication putting its first curve model on the cover,” Nu said to the NY Post.
Nu also told People that she feels more comfortable in her body and doesn’t second guess herself as much. She went to Montenegro for her cover shoot.
“I’m trying my best to understand the magnitude because I think if I really think about it, I would not get off the floor,” Nu said to Yahoo! News. “I’m still learning and healing through so many things myself. I’m in a good place and I feel powerful and I’m ready to be a role model in that sense. But I’m also just honored and humbled.”
Image of Yumi Nu https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1469757816776769537/mycBkkrj_400x400.jpg
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You don’t have to be Asian to feel like you don’t fit in when you are plus sized. I come from big people. Big bones, pones, and big butts. It’s not pretty, but it’s me. I’m 81 and it took me a long time to be satisfied with who I am. Congratulations. You made it at an age that you can do something about it and help change people’s attitudes. You are beautiful. Keep up the good work.