Arlenis Sosa | Dominican Republic
“We have the most amazing, contagious, joyous spirit!”
Supermodel Arlenis Sosa takes us from the runways of NYC to the beaches of her home country, the Dominican Republic.
Where are you from originally? I grew up in a small town called “Copey” with a population of no more than 5,000 people. Everyone knew each other, and of course, I was hard to miss— standing at 6ft tall as a teenager! I am lucky to have a tight-knit family, and parents that did everything in their power to provide me with the best education.
How did your modeling career begin? I was scouted by fashion designer, Luis Menieur, while walking down the street. I worked with him for about a year where I learned about the fashion industry before moving to the states at 19 years old. In April of 2008, I traveled to the Big Apple where I was invited to interview with Marilyn modeling agency. Luckily they loved me, and asked me to sign that very day. I didn't even speak the language, but I managed to smile throughout the entire meeting! My first job was for the black issue of Vogue Italia shot by Steven Meisel within my first week in NYC. That experience was like a dream— even though fashion was never previously a dream to me. My second week in New York, I was called in to American Vogue to meet the Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour. It was an incredible meeting, really like a Cinderella story. Miss Wintour asked me if I knew who Oscar De La Renta was, and I quickly answered with my few words of English. “Yesss, he is like a King in my country!” She then added, “Well we have a big ball the first week of May, and I would like to invite you.” My eyes continued to widen as she said “You will be dressed in a De La Renta dress at the ball. What do you say?” I said, “Of course, it will be my pleasure!” From that day forward, everything has been just like a fairy tale. It will be 13 years in April since my career started. I am very blessed!
What is your first stop after the quick flight to the DR from NYC? As soon as I land, I run to Boca Chica Beach to enjoy fried red snapper (a DR tradition) and an ice-cold Presidente beer. I usually have my routine every time I visit my country. It starts with coffee and a traditional Dominican breakfast called mangú con los tres golpes (fried cheese, salami, mashed plantains, and sautéed onions), which I share with my mom. Then, I’ll spend the whole day at the beach, drinking fresh coconut water with friends and family.
What’s in your suitcase and what is your DR vs NY uniform? My hometown uniform consists of Rag & Bone shorts, an Hermès scarf that I like wearing as a shirt, too, some Haviana flip flops, a Dannijo slip dress, and, of course, a few swimsuits. (Solid & Striped, Tropic of C, and Teayou are my favorites!) In the DR, I am in a bikini all day, shorts, or a simple dress, and flip-flops. In NY, I am very minimal— I love comfortable jeans, booties, and a leather jacket.
Must-have beauty products? Oh, yes. 111Skin eye masks, Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Acid, a CO Bigelow lip balm, and of course, EltaMD’s sunscreen. For local goods, pick up melaza (molasses) for the immune system as well as fresh coconut oil, cacao buttercream, and an organic deep hair treatment called Jalea Real, or "Royal Jelly," that includes ginger, avocado, cinnamon, and rosemary.
Best spot for sunrise or sunset? Sunrise at Cap Cana Juanillo Beach and Sunset at El Morro Montecristi— it’s where I spent the morning of New Year’s Day, 2020.
Favorite Buildings? Alcazar de Colon, the only known residence during colonial times, and The National Palace in Santo Domingo.
Typical DR Dish? Fried red snapper and tostones- it’s the best! Also, Yanikeke- a salt, flour, and water mixture, which is then deep-fried. Yum!!!
Do you cook? What is your signature dishes? Yes, I cook! I can make anything, but I am weak for typical Dominican food. Rice and beans and chicken stew with avocado on the side for sure, or fresh red snapper with coconut sauce— Dominican style. YUM!
What do you miss most about the DR while in NY? Spending time with my family is definitely what I miss the most, and of course, bathing in the beautiful beaches, and walking around my hometown like I did when I was a young girl. She is still inside me!
Best place for Dominican Food in NY?
Mamajuana in Washington Heights.
Favorite Hotels or resorts in the DR? Eden Rock Hotel in Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Casas del XVl in the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, and Playa Grande Beach Club in Rio San Juan.
Favorite Restaurants, Cafes, or Bars in the DR?
Boca Marina is one of my all-time favorites as it is located right by the sea so you can enjoy our typical gourmet gastronomy and drinks, and at the same time, you can jump in the fresh blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Adrian Tropical, Lulu Tasting Bar, Buche Perico, Viralata, are a few others that I also like going to when I visit home.
Favorite Activities in the DR? DR is full of adventures, you can do it all from discovering blue lagoons to jumping on a horse to find waterfalls. Where I grew up, we have this really cool mountain, some people even say it is a sleeping volcano. Every time I return, I make sure to hike it to see the entire town and miles of the beautiful Atlantic ocean. We also have the beautiful Punta Espada Golf Club by Jack Nicklaus in Punta Cana. The Hoyo Azul blue lagoon cenote in Punta Cana, the Salto El Limón waterfall and Playa Rincón in Samana, the Laguna Dudú nature reserve in Cabrera, the Salto de Socoa waterfall in Monte Plata, and sightseeing the Ciudad Colonial in Santo Domingo is always a good idea. For hiking- El Pico Duarte and the brief, but beautiful, Parque Nacional El Morro is a must-do while visiting my county. My country has so much to offer!
Favorite Dominican Singers?
Juan Luis Guerra, Romeo, Johnny Ventura, Milly Quezada, and Fernando Villalona.
What are you watching or reading these days?
The Path to Love by Deepak Chopra, The Time is Now by Eckhart Tolle, and I just finished Eighteen by Mirtha Michele. I loved watching The Queen’s Gambit and Malcolm and Marie.
Who or what inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is my Mother. She’s resilient and always has the best advice and way to face every situation, always with a positive answer, and full of enthusiasm. I am lucky to have a few women close to me that are very headstrong, and fighters who I admire for the way they pursue their dreams without stopping until they are accomplished. They are my heroes!!
You just learned to ski! Do you also surf?
Skiing was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The freedom I felt and the adrenaline, just wow, I am obsessed with it! I don’t surf, but I should maybe one day. In the meantime, I am learning how to snowboard— also so much fun!
Where do you dream of traveling to next?
Honestly, the only place I want to fly is home, but I have plans on maybe going to Costa Rica this Spring… let’s see. Indonesia is a place I dream of going back to again, hopefully soon! Fingers crossed!
Tell us about Hope House? Hope House or Casa Esperanza is a home for girls who have been victims of physical, sexual and psychological abuse in Baravo, Dominican Republic. The mission is to transform the life of girls who have suffered abuse by giving them a home, guaranteeing that their human rights and their basic necessities are met in order to support their development as the adults of tomorrow. To learn more and donate, visit the link here.
Text: Veronica H. Speck Follow: @ArlenisSosa