Behind a beautiful smile and petite body, Rina is shy and composed. At the age of 20, she slowly, but surely, climbing the fashion ladder. Her shining personality and talent has drawn the attention of young designers, who cast her for this year’s Seoul Fashion Week S/S20. Rina is also ambitious but not dull or greedy; she is craving for more as a model, and soon she might achieve her dream as her delivery, whether it is editorial or on the runway, is stunning. She is also a keen video maker and editor; she recently started her YouTube channel where she posts about her work and other things she enjoys doing, such as singing.
In a short period of time in the industry, Rina took part in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Dazed Korea, and Nacific, a cosmetic company. She is no stranger to hard work, and with her goals set towards success, she is destined to accomplish just that sooner rather than later.
Seoul Fashion Week S/S20 – Photo © D-ANTIDOTE
Do you remember the first moment when you felt your future should lie in the fashion business?
Actually, I started to model because of people’s recommendations. I’m just trying hard, so I’m still bewildered.
How would you describe your own fashion style? Consider anything and everything from colour to historical eras, and more.
I’ve liked simple and neat clothes since I was young. I always wear comfortable clothes unless I’m at an official place, then I wear more sophisticated clothes.
In an industry that requires you to work such long hours and attend many castings, how do you motivate yourself?
I’m always grateful for all the casting and participation in shows. Being a model is great as there can be good opportunities for models out there.
Photo © Courtesy of the Photographer
Who encourages you? Who supports you from the sidelines on your hardest days when you do modelling?
I think it might be my parents. I don’t think there are people who support, care for me or watch out for me as much as my parents do. Of course, good friends watch over me and cheer me up as well. I do want to thank my dear parents and friends for their support.
While working on an editorial photoshoot, how do you build your professional relationship with a photographer?
I think the relationship is important as much to a model as to a photographer. At the first test shooting and clothes fitting, I look at the photographer’s reaction. Then I can get a sense of the photographer’s style. Also, I always try to talk to them when on a break.
American designer Bill Blass once said, “When in doubt, wear red.” Red is generally established as the colour that brings out confidence. Which is the colour – or colours – you find yourself the most comfortable wearing, and which colour(s) give you confidence?
The colours that make me feel comfortable are changing. Sometimes it’s black, sometimes it’s red and sometimes I choose brown. I seem to like less saturated colours. When my mood changes, my favorite colour seems to change as well.
Photo © Nacific Korea
Let’s talk about your beauty regimen: how do you keep yourself healthy? Do you have any tips for our readers?
There is a saying that ‘the mind rules the body’. Mind control is very important to my body. And nowadays, I make sure I eat enough nutritious food.
What are your goals as a model? How do you see yourself progress in this field?
I want to be loved more by people. I wish for people to know my name, and when they start looking for me and offer more work, I can then see that I am doing well.
How do you balance your everyday life and work as a model, especially in such a demanding industry?
Modelling comes first. I don’t know when or where I might be called in, so I put my modelling work as my priority. As a result, I sometimes get lost in my daily life, as I think of work more.
What do you think are your strengths as a model, what sets you apart?
I can’t tell you all about modelling right now, as I have just started. One thing I can say is it’s one of the most promising occupations.
Seoul Fashion Week S/S20 – Photo © Ike
In your downtime between shows and campaigns, what helps you relax?
Models basically need to manage their weight, but when it comes to resting I may buy some simple snacks or drinks. And after talking and meeting people who are important to me, it becomes a driving force to make my work more enjoyable.
Do you have any guilty pleasures you can share? Maybe something you love to eat or music you secretly love listening to?
In fact, I’m not just a model. I also make YouTube videos; I am in charge of video editing and photo retouching. I like listening to music, drawing pictures, watching movies and dramas. It’s also good when your job is a hobby as well.
What is the hardest thing about being a model?
I think, as a model, to control your own mind is hard. A model receives the public’s attention and is appreciated by the public, and it’s a very competitive industry, and it’s also a place where you have a lot of stress as you are left on your own at times. I start experiencing these things when I work, but there are people who get tired of the preparation process and can’t work properly. I realised that controlling your mind is vital in this industry.
What is your message to young people who are dreaming of becoming models, too?
‘Love the job’, ‘Model work is also a profession.’ I want everyone, who wants to work as a model, not to have negative thoughts about themselves and try their luck. And, when they become models, do not give up modelling as it can turn into something great.
We’d like to thank A.Conic for their assistance with the interview and Rina who kindly took the time to answer our questions.
Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler
Edited by Roxy Simons
All other photos © Courtesy of the Photographer and A.Conic
Featured Photo © Courtesy of the Photographer and A.Conic
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