Olivia Yumi Nootenboom[1] (born September 23, 1996), known professionally 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.
Yumi Nu | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 23, 1996 Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2010–present |
| Relatives |
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| Modeling information | |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Hair color | Brown |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Agency | The Society Management (New York)
Wilhelmina Models (Los Angeles) |
Early life
editNu was born in Englewood, New Jersey,[2] 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.[3] Her mother modeled and brought Nu to participate in shoots as an infant.[4] Nu is the niece of Devon Aoki and Steve Aoki.[5]
Nu's family moved from New Jersey to Maryland when she was seven years old.[2] 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.[6]
Career
editNu began modeling in 2010.[7] She began practicing songwriting at the age of 12, and wrote her first song in 2016. Nu released an extended play in June 2019.[8] Nu is signed to her uncle's record label, Dim Mak Records.[7]
Nu created Blueki, a plus-size clothing line.[9] She was on the cover of the American and Japanese editions of Vogue in 2021,[7][10] and also appeared in British Vogue.[4] Nu made her debut appearance in Sports Illustrated's annual Swimsuit Issue in 2021, becoming the first Asian plus-size model to appear.[11] Nu was one of the cover models for the Swimsuit Issue in 2022,[12] and released her second EP, Hajime, in May 2022.[13][14] She was also invited to the White House's celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2022.[15]
Personal life
editNu resides in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.[2] Her younger sister, Natalie Nootenboom, is also a model.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Olivia Nootenboom - Ancestry.com". www.ancestry.com. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Spiegelman, Ian (May 16, 2022). "Orange County's Yumi Nu Graces 'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit Cover". Retrieved May 16, 2022.
- ^ Namkung, Victoria (July 28, 2021). "1st Asian American Sports Illustrated curve model on fatphobia, quieting bullies". NBC News. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
- ^ a b c Okwodu, Janelle (August 17, 2021). "Yumi Nu Is Your New Favorite Model". Vogue. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
- ^ "It's Time To Get To Know Yumi". Into The Gloss. October 17, 2019.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "September Issue Cover 2021: How This Diverse Group of Models Is Changing An Industry". Vogue. August 5, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Fleming, Kirsten (May 16, 2022). "Yumi Nu 'shaking' over SI Swimsuit cover reveal". New York Post. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
- ^ Cooper, DJ (May 20, 2022). "Yumi Nu Kicks Off a New Beginning With the Irresistible 'Hajime'". Ones to Watch. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
- ^ McNab, Kaitlyn (May 31, 2022). "Hayley Kiyoko, Yumi Nu, & More Celebrated AAPI Month at the White House". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 1, 2022.