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The Bionic Woman

by Erica Bauwens

West Deptford’s Rebekah Marine is making moves and embracing diversity every step of the (run)way.

For many aspiring models, getting the chance to walk the runway in New York City Fashion Week is the pinnacle. For West Deptford’s Rebekah Marine it certainly was a dream come true, even if that dream didn’t always feel like a reality. That’s because she was born without her right forearm.

Now, the Rowan University graduate has begun a career in the fashion world that also includes appearing in Nordstrom’s seasonal catalog. She’s embraced calling herself ‘The Bionic Model’ and has become the genesis for countless stories of inspiration. We spoke with Marine about her burgeoning career, life at home in South Jersey and her plans for the future.

The first step…
I wore [a prosthetic] as a kid but never really picked up on using one. From third grade up until [age] 22, I never wore one and I started thinking about my future. I overused my left hand a lot, and wanted to relieve the pressure off my left hand. I had some really terrible arthritis and I wanted to look into getting a prosthetic hand. Then I realized I could use the prosthetic as a way to spread awareness.

Getting started…
A friend mentioned that I should model it and be a spokesperson. I thought—that’s not a bad idea, but I never wanted to be a model. I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously. I paired up with a local photographer and the response on social media was tremendous.

Chasing a dream…
When I was a kid I loved playing dress-up, and my mom used to take me to agencies in New York for modeling but I was always told no. I was at an agency in New York City and they said, ‘There’s no way you’re going to be able to do this.’ But so much has changed since I was a kid. Now there is diversity in fashion. Times are different and people are excited to see diversity. They want to see plus-sized models, models of color, models with a disability.

Her big break…
It was so surreal to shoot for Nordstrom. It was my first big studio in Milk Studios where Victoria Secret models shoot. Being there and being a part of Nordstrom—which is one of the biggest names in retail—was absolutely surreal.

Walking in Fashion Week…
I walked in one show for two different designers; Anna’s Loud and Archana Kochhar. It was like organized chaos backstage. Everything looks so fine-tuned when you’re watching the show as a guest. Behind the scenes people are running around and naked, and pulling at each others’ hair. It’s insanity, but it’s so much fun.

It’s stressful, but it’s a great stress. I kind of just black out [on the runway]. The entire time I’m just saying, ‘OK don’t trip, don’t fall on your face.’ You can’t really see very well because the lights are just shining right on you and the photographers’ lights are flashing. I just have to keep reminding myself to breathe; I tend to forget to do that [laughs].

Print versus runway…
I enjoy print because I think photos are easier for me to get out to the world. Being able to post on social media gives me a greater reach to other people like me and unlike me. When you’re walking on the runway it’s more closed off. They’re both fun, though. I’m only 5-3, so that’s my biggest hurdle on the runway.

Social media persona…
I want people to see that I’m a down-to-earth, happy person. I try not to post a lot of modeling shots, just fun stuff that I’m doing when I’m out and about with my friends. I want people to see that I live a happy, normal life and that I live life to the fullest. [And] I want to open the dialogue about disabilities. I want there to be conversations about how to communicate with disabilities. It shouldn’t be a hush-hush topic, we need to be talking about diversity and we all need to be asking questions. I love when people ask me questions.

Life with a prosthetic…
The process took probably about six to eight months, from first making the appointment and receiving it. It can be a long process, especially if insurance fights you. It helps me with little things, like being able to hold a cup of yogurt and a bottle of water in my hand. I now have the ability to multitask, which is something I’ve never been able to do. Sometimes I still forget that I can do that. People don’t know a ton about the ins and outs of prosthetics, especially about how it works, how it’s paid for, and how difficult it is to get one. I got denied for the longest time because insurance said it wasn’t a necessity. It can be difficult to get your hands … on a hand [laughs].

Working with the Lucky Fin Project…
[Lucky Fin] supports people like me—they create camp programs and support kids attending camps. I really love and support it; I’ve met so many great people through it. But without Advanced Arm Dynamics and Touch Bionics I wouldn’t have been able to reach out and do what I’m doing today. I wouldn’t be working with Lucky Fin, which has become so important to me over time, and I wouldn’t get to talk to other people and help raise awareness.

Life in South Jersey…
I live in South Jersey, I love South Jersey. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I love it here. I love the fall. I was out in L.A. and they didn’t have leaves or pumpkins out there. They had a few sad pumpkin patches off the highways, but it wasn’t the same. It makes me appreciate South Jersey even more.

Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 8 (November, 2015).
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