In Conversation with Model Tory

From South Korea to France and Italy; from the UK to Germany… Tory, who shines with unique beauty, is signed with seven modelling agencies, including London Wild Management , A.Conic – her ‘mother’ agency from Seoul, and Model Werk from Germany. She often travels thousands of miles to present her talents not only on runways, but also displays her modelling skills in editorial works for online and printed publications such as Solstice Magazine, Vogue Korea, GQ Korea, Dazed, Elle Vietnam and Adidas. After spending some time in the United Kingdom and Germany, Tory has recently returned to South Korea and is ready to take over the domestic fashion market, which was something we addressed in in our recent conversation, during which Tory also talked about her London working experience.

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Photo © Provided by A.Conic

You have been present in the fashion business for over two years now – what made you decide to pursue a career as a model in the first place?

When I was 20 years of age, I prepared to become a model while I was working as a part-timer at my favourite fashion brand’s showroom. During that time, I built my image as a model and at the same time, I studied fashion content. After two years, I started working as a freelance model and did various editorial/fashion brand photo shoots as well as runway work.

Apart from working in South Korea, work took you to many European locations, including London and Germany. How has that been for you?

I felt and still feel that Europe is big; without limits. By going to many castings and while working, I met models from various countries. I love to travel and working in Europe always feels a bit like going on a trip – there have been many occasions when I had to travel by plane to do a modelling job.

Photo © Provided by Model Werk & A.Conic

As you travel a lot for work, what do you think is the hardest thing when it comes to travelling?

I have never had a hard time travelling, and I have done lots of it. I think the time difference is challenging at times. Sometimes, I do have to get up early in the morning to catch the flight etc.; so now, I try to practice getting up early in the morning.

Fashion trends change rapidly, no matter the country or style. What are the fashion trends you love the most this year?

I like the androgynous look; you know, women wearing men’s clothes. These days, I really enjoy this style.

Let’s talk about your beauty regimen: how do you keep yourself healthy? Do you have any tips for our readers?

I don’t like to exercise (laughs). As a result, I walk and cycle for two hours everyday. I also drink lemon water with vitamins.

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Photo © Provided by A.Conic

While working on an editorial photo shoot, how do you build your professional relationship with a photographer?

Actually, I speak a little English. Also, I try to judge the situation by observing the face and reactions of a photographer during a shoot. I always try to be confident with my posing in front of the camera and then when I take a break, I try, somehow, to communicate with the photographer.

Do you see yourself strictly as a model or do you ever feel the pull to create fashion designs yourself?

I am a fashion model, not a fashion designer. I do have experience in making fashion and with styling content, but I have never made or learned how to design clothes. I do wear a lot of cool clothes while modelling, so sometimes, I do wonder if I could design clothes myself or if it would be fun if I myself were to direct a fashion project.

Photo © Provided by A.Conic

Modelling industry is known to be harsh; how do you perceive the modelling industry? Is there anything you really wish would change?

Modelling is a job that uses the beauty of the body, and you could see a model as an artist who expresses herself/himself with the body or body movements. It is not a job to show the body in a superficial way; I think, as a woman, some privacy should be respected and protected. And a model’s body should be treated with great care. Sadly, modelling industry is not always respectful, and occasional rude behaviour is difficult to deal with.

Which part of your job as a model do you find the most difficult? And which is the most rewarding?

Keeping one’s body healthy and dieting is hard. My weight changes really often, so when I go on a diet, I really don’t eat much and my body does not feel particularly healthy at that time, but afterwards, when I see the results of a photo-shoot, I feel rewarded for it.

What’s your favourite thing to do on your day off?

I often hang out with my friends, but I sometimes also just stay at home and watch movies or Korean dramas. I do enjoy having a glass of wine when I am alone.

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You spent some time in London, how did you find the capital of the UK? Did you enjoy your stay there?

At first, I did not expect to spend any time in London. But then the London agency invited me and accommodated me in a house for models and organised my visa as well. I was happy to be able to stay in London; it is an amazing city. I walked around London everyday and made friends as well.

Marc Jacobs once said: “Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them.” What does fashion mean to you and would you agree with Marc Jacobs’ statement?

I totally agree with Marc Jacobs’ statement. Fashion is freedom and thinking is freedom. We should never criticise other people’s ideas and ways of thinking. Fashion is second to me; anyone can look different depending on what clothes they wear. The way I think is: my body, my skin tone, my image etc.

A modelling career can be relatively short; do you have any plans for the future after you stop modelling?

When I stop modelling, I thought that Visual Merchandising would be a good idea, but at the moment, I don’t have any plans and I don’t want to accept that my modelling career could be short (laughs). I enjoy modelling as much as I can, and I accept my future, whatever it might hold for me. While waiting, I will continue to do what I want to do.

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We’d like to thank A.Conic for their assistance with the interview and Tory who kindly took the time to answer our questions.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Edited by Sanja Struna