Yumi Nu

American model (born 1996)

  • Model
  • Singer-songwriter
Years active2010–presentRelatives
  • Rocky Aoki (grandfather)
  • Steve Aoki (uncle)
  • Devon Aoki (aunt)
Modeling informationHeight5 ft 11 in (180 cm)Hair colorBrownEye colorBrownAgencyThe Society Management (New York)
Wilhelmina Models (Los Angeles)

Yumi Nootenboom (born September 23, 1996), better known as Yumi Nu, is an American model. She appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2022, becoming the first plus-size model of Asian-American descent to do so.

Early life

Nu was born in Englewood, New Jersey,[1] on September 23, 1996. She is of Japanese and Dutch descent. Her mother, Kana Grace Nootenboom, is the daughter of Rocky Aoki, the founder of the Benihana restaurant chain.[2] Her mother modeled and brought Nu to participate in shoots as an infant.[3] Nu is the niece of Devon Aoki and Steve Aoki.[4]

Nu's family moved from New Jersey to Maryland when she was seven years old.[1] She has stated that she was one of two students of Asian-American descent in her school, and experienced racism while living in Maryland. When she was 14 years old, her family moved to Newport Beach, California.[5]

Career

Nu began modeling in 2010.[6] She began practicing songwriting at the age of 12, and wrote her first song in 2016. Nu released an extended play (EP) in June 2019.[7] Nu is signed to her uncle's record label, Dim Mak Records.[6]

Nu created Blueki, a plus-size clothing line.[8] She was on the cover of the American and Japanese editions of Vogue in 2021,[6][9] and also appeared in British Vogue.[3] Nu made her debut appearance in Sports Illustrated's annual Swimsuit Issue in 2021, becoming the first Asian plus-size model to appear.[10] Nu was one of the cover models for the Swimsuit Issue in 2022,[11] and released her second EP, Hajime, in May 2022.[12][13] She was also invited to the White House's celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2022.[14]

Personal life

Nu resides in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.[1] Her younger sister, Natalie Nootenboom, is also a model.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Model Sisters Yumi Nu and Natalie Nootenboom on Representation, the Fashion Industry, and Finding Their Roots". Teen Vogue. May 11, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  2. ^ Jessica Sager (September 23, 1996). "Get to Know Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2022 Cover Model Yumi Nu, Devon Aoki Relationship and More". Parade.com. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Model Of The Moment Yumi Nu On The Illusion Of The "Summer Body" | British Vogue". Vogue.co.uk. August 18, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  4. ^ Spiegelman, Ian (May 16, 2022). "Orange County's Yumi Nu Graces 'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit Cover". Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  5. ^ Namkung, Victoria (July 28, 2021). "1st Asian American Sports Illustrated curve model on fatphobia, quieting bullies". NBC News. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c Okwodu, Janelle (August 17, 2021). "Yumi Nu Is Your New Favorite Model". Vogue. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  7. ^ "It's Time To Get To Know Yumi". Into The Gloss. October 17, 2019.
  8. ^ Puliti, Alisandra (April 8, 2022). "SI Swimsuit's Yumi Nu Is Winning the Tug-of-War Between Her Two Cultures - Swimsuit | SI.com". Swimsuit.si.com. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  9. ^ "September Issue Cover 2021: How This Diverse Group of Models Is Changing An Industry". Vogue. August 5, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  10. ^ Talarico, Brittany; Juneau, Jen (March 18, 2021). "Yumi Nu Becomes First Asian Curve Model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: 'Still Pinching Myself'". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  11. ^ Yates, Jacqueline Laurean (May 16, 2022). "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2022: Maye Musk, Kim Kardashian, Ciara and Yumi Nu star on covers". Good Morning America. ABC News. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  12. ^ Fleming, Kirsten (May 16, 2022). "Yumi Nu 'shaking' over SI Swimsuit cover reveal". New York Post. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  13. ^ Cooper, DJ (May 20, 2022). "Yumi Nu Kicks Off a New Beginning With the Irresistible 'Hajime'". Ones to Watch. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  14. ^ McNab, Kaitlyn (May 31, 2022). "Hayley Kiyoko, Yumi Nu, & More Celebrated AAPI Month at the White House". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
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