Lorenz Namalata

Talk about how New York Fashion Week is more than just a parade of couture and celebrity sightings—it’s where the future of fashion reveals itself. Designers set the season’s trends, models stride with poise, and industry insiders buzz with excitement. But behind all the glitz is a meticulous process ensuring that every model who struts the runway is a flawless fit. 

Meet Lorenz Namalata, a Filipino casting assistant whose keen eye for talent and passion for fashion have made him a valuable part of NYFW’s backstage machine.

Glamour, chaos, and last-minute model changes—this is the reality of working as a casting assistant at NYFW. Read on as Lorenz takes us behind the curtain of one of fashion’s biggest events.

Lorenz backstage at Bronx and Banco FW '25 show

From Manila to Manhattan: Being the man behind the models

Lorenz’s journey into casting was not something he had originally planned. Before moving to New York, he had experience working with models in the Philippines, handling campaigns and runway shows. However, the sheer scale of New York’s fashion industry was an entirely different playing field.

“I truly did not realize that ‘casting’ was a job up until I moved and started working in NY. I just found the ad online that they were looking for an intern and from there I moved on to becoming an assistant,” Lorenz admitted, kickstarting his casting career at Tasha Tongpreecha Casting.

Fast forward to today, he’s now an assistant, handling multiple responsibilities during NYFW and beyond. When he’s not working on runway shows, his team also casts models for editorial shoots, commercials, and music videos that need casting assistance. He told Metro.Style, “It’s only my third season with [the] casting team but I’ve worked with them since 2023. I also accept remote work from them when time permits and it’s been work that I surprisingly enjoy!”

Bronx and Banco casting board

Models behind the scenes at Bronx and Banco FW '25

Casting for NYFW is a high-pressure job that requires both precision and speed. His role is to mainly assist in hiring the models that best represent the designer’s vision for the season.

“During NYFW, my boss, Tasha, is in charge of hiring the models that fit the brand’s current look for the season. I, along with a few others, help assist her in the sense of coordinating with agents making sure models attend pre-casting, callbacks, fittings, day of show, and even making sure they’re lined-up in order during the show proper,” he explained.

The Highs of NYFW: Backstage moments and industry recognition

The fast-paced nature of his work can be exhausting, but for Lorenz, the rewards outweigh the pressure. Seeing a designer’s vision come to life and being part of the team that ensures a smooth show is fulfilling for him.

“As an assistant, it’s my job to make my boss feel confident like every detail is taken care of and in order. It’s when clients tell her of their appreciation of how efficient our team is and how we made sure we got the best models with our best effort that ultimately makes the job feel rewarding,” he shared.

One of his most unforgettable moments was receiving direct praise from designers Prabal Gurung and Natalie De’Banco after their shows. Lorenz said, “[They] made time to thank the team post-show and were so generous with the compliments!” 

Prabal Gurung casting board

Backstage at Prabal Gurung - NYFW FW '25

Prabal Gurung's New York Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2025 show was held at the iconic Surrogate Court's building in Manhattan.

When prodded about his favorite fashion bits from the shows he was part of, Lorenz found it “magical” to realize that the models he collaborated with are destined for greater things. He reflected, “I think just working with models that attend our go-sees, pre-casting or do the actual show and seeing them end up in big campaigns later on is so cool for me to witness. Something about knowing they have the perfect look and they’re meant for bigger things is so magical.”

And then there are the pinch-me moments, like spotting Anna Wintour backstage at Prabal Gurung’s show. “Seeing [her] enter backstage to attend Prabal this season was surreal,” he recalled.

Backstage at Prabal Gurung - NYFW '25

There’s no denying that his role as a casting assistant demands both organizational skills and an ability to think on one’s feet. Lorenz pointed out the not-so-glamorous side of the industry, stating, “I do think this is one of those things that one only enjoys if they’re in it for the actual work and not just for the glam. Like yes, the end product is glamorous but I am understanding of the fact that I am behind the scenes and that’s that.”

One of the biggest challenges? Models getting pulled out at the last minute. “The most challenging would probably be having a model pulled out the day of the show and having to find a replacement, but it happens and we still make it happen one way or another,” he shared with a laugh.

Backstage at Bronx and Banco - NYFW FW'25

The art of preparation and the science of faces

With the whirlwind of NYFW, being organized is the name of the game. Lorenz has developed a system to ensure he stays ahead of the chaos. “I make sure I read the project brief, familiarize myself with model packages and try my best to remember each face on the model board. In this line of work, remembering faces and names is one skill one must possess! And you must be quick at that,” he pressed.

Beyond the hectic logistics, Lorenz also has an appreciation for fashion itself. He takes note of trends, and this past season, he was drawn to the mix of understated elegance and bold statements. “Khaite and Brandon Maxwell had black leather + animal prints look that are super chic. Zankov with their chunky coats + sequined skirt in apple green (!!) as well as Monse and Tanner Fletcher’s cute polka dots looks that are so cool for F/W dressing to shake things up,” shared Lorenz.

Behind the scenes at Tanner Fletcher's lookbook shoot

A creative spirit with big aspirations

Casting may be his main role, but Lorenz is a creative force beyond the runway. He also wears other creative hats as a director and producer, dreaming of working alongside industry heavyweights like photographers Gordon von Steiner and Luke Gilford, stylist Brett Nelson, and image architect Law Roach. “I feel like there’s too many creatives to learn from and engage with. It’s a non-stop learning process, so how I wish I can be on the same set as them,” he said.

He draws inspiration from fellow Filipino creatives making a name for themselves on the global stage. “Honestly, seeing other creatives shine. Seeing other Filipino creatives shine, more so. The way that there are a handful of peers and other Filipinos alike who are creating their own lanes in their own respective fields and industries inspire me.”

Behind the scenes with TAGPI for FILIPINXT, a platform that celebrates the craftsmanship of Filipino designers at New York Fashion Week

He added, “It’s really just about showcasing one’s talent and skill and making it known that we can work alongside other nationalities. I love a global mindset.” 

Lorenz Namalata embodies the spirit of ambition, resilience, and creativity that defines the new generation of Filipino talents breaking into international industries. He knows that carving a place in the global fashion scene takes grit, and he’s here to prove that Filipinos belong in the conversation.

Photos courtesy of Lorenz Namalata