In a groundbreaking endeavor, photographer Ramona Jingru Wang and stylist Momoè Sadamatsu have reimagined the conventional fashion casting process, traditionally known as a “go-see,” into a space of profound connection and empowerment. Their two-year collaboration, culminating in the release of the 100-plus-page spiral-bound book "GO SEE*" with Friend Editions in November 2025, champions intimacy, process, and care. This innovative project challenges established norms by integrating first-person narratives from the models themselves, predominantly from Asian diasporic communities, thus fostering an environment of reciprocity and self-definition within an industry often characterized by its rapid pace and superficiality. Through their unique approach, Jingru Wang and Sadamatsu highlight the importance of valuing individual experiences and perspectives over fleeting trends, paving the way for a more human-centered approach to fashion photography and representation.
The project’s genesis lies in a concerted effort to dismantle the pervasive influence of the male gaze and confront persistent stereotypes within the modeling world. By creating a collaborative platform, Jingru Wang and Sadamatsu empower models to articulate their identities and contribute actively to their own portrayal. This not only imbues the photographic process with a deeper sense of authenticity but also strengthens community bonds among participants who often share similar experiences of marginalization. The creators advocate for significant shifts in the fashion industry, urging it to transcend its extractive practices and embrace models as vital creative contributors and storytellers, ultimately fostering an inclusive environment that truly reflects the diverse tapestry of human experience.
Transforming the Traditional Go-See into a Space of Authentic Connection
Photographer Ramona Jingru Wang and stylist Momoè Sadamatsu embarked on a two-year journey to revolutionize the conventional fashion “go-see.” Their collaborative project, “GO SEE*,” culminates in a book featuring intimate portraits and personal writings, primarily from models within Asian diasporic communities. This initiative seeks to subvert the male gaze and challenge outdated casting dynamics by emphasizing genuine connection, slow-paced interaction, and mutual respect. Wang’s personal experiences as a model profoundly influenced her approach, leading her to prioritize listening over looking, and fostering an environment where models could define their own narratives. Sadamatsu, similarly driven, focused on styling that authentically reflected each model’s individuality, transforming the traditional power imbalance into a symbiotic relationship. Their work underscores the critical need for empathy and collaboration in an industry often criticized for its fast pace and impersonal nature.
Through "GO SEE*," Jingru Wang and Sadamatsu have meticulously crafted an alternative to the often-objectifying traditional fashion "go-see." Instead of a fleeting assessment, their sessions involve prolonged, conversational interactions that allow for the organic emergence of personal stories and self-definition. Ramona Jingru Wang, drawing from her own modeling background, consciously structured these encounters to be less about evaluation and more about a genuine meeting of individuals, creating a safe space for models to express themselves without preconceived expectations. Momoè Sadamatsu’s styling philosophy complements this, focusing on individualized expressions of identity rather than generic fashion directives. The inclusion of first-person writing, directly from the models, amplifies their voices and ensures their perspectives are authentically represented. This holistic approach not only produces visually compelling portraits but also cultivates a deeper understanding and appreciation of each person’s unique journey, fundamentally shifting the power dynamics and fostering a more equitable and caring creative process within fashion.
Challenging Stereotypes and Advocating for Industry Evolution
The “GO SEE*” project directly addresses the pervasive issue of stereotypes and the male gaze within the fashion industry, particularly impacting Asian models. Ramona Jingru Wang’s past as a model informed her intentional creation of a space where individuals are truly seen and heard, moving beyond superficial assumptions. Both Wang and Momoè Sadamatsu actively worked to empower models to co-author their own images, fostering an environment where individuality and self-definition are celebrated. This collaborative methodology counters traditional power structures by inviting models to share their unique experiences and insights, thereby challenging the reductive categories and expectations often imposed upon them. The project ultimately advocates for a fashion landscape that values authenticity, diverse representation, and supports models as integral creative voices rather than interchangeable figures.
A central tenet of "GO SEE*" is its deliberate confrontation with the male gaze and the harmful stereotypes prevalent in the modeling world. Ramona Jingru Wang's personal understanding of being objectified fueled her determination to create a process where models felt empowered, rather than judged. She facilitated open conversations, allowing ample pauses and encouraging models to articulate how they wished to be perceived. This approach aimed not to abolish the act of looking, but to redefine its dynamics, making it mutual and responsive. Momoè Sadamatsu further reinforced this by ensuring the styling reflected each model's distinct character and expressions, directly challenging the notion of a fixed ideal. The project also sheds light on the broader impact of political climates, particularly anti-Asian sentiment, which has heightened the urgency for authentic representation and structural change within the industry. By foregrounding models' unique narratives and fostering a sense of community, "GO SEE*" pushes for an evolution where collaboration is the norm, and models are recognized as thoughtful storytellers and creative partners, ensuring their longevity and visibility are genuinely supported.
