Every week, Bazaar's booking team highlights one name to note, from the industry's best-known faces to girls who are just starting out. This week, we turn our attention to Hyun Ji Shin.
It's rare to see a reality-show talent go so far so fast, but the Korean newcomer Hyun Ji Shin has proved her seriousness to the global fashion market. There are many reasons why the former winner of Korea's Next Top Model has become a runway star: her perfect, poreless skin, doll-like beauty, and happy, sweet nature are just a few of them.
The 20-year-old has made waves on the catwalk for powerhouse brands including Chanel, Sonia Rykiel, Dries van Noten, Miu Miu, Jil Sander, Prada and Marc Jacobs. It should come as no surprise that editors and image-makers are responding to her with the same enthusiasm as designers. Shin has already shot with the top photographers Alasdair McLellan, Harley Weir and Ben Hassett, and starred in campaigns for Benetton, Bobbi Brown and Calvin Klein.
"Hyun Ji embodies natural beauty and is one of the most easy-going models I have ever encountered," says Jamie Ellis at IMG London. We chat to the newcomer about an alternative career as an architect, her hometown of Seoul and Kate Moss.
How were you discovered?
"I was discovered when I was 15; my mother suggested that I should enrol in a modelling school to have a good posture and to have a career that all women dream of at least once in their lives. Being a model was once my mother's dream as well."
If you weren't modelling, what career would you pursue and why?
"I would be an architect or a home designer. I have always been interested in home design since I was very young; I want my home to be efficient, unique, comfortable and fun to live in."
What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
"Everything in my life. So far, every moment becomes the biggest moment."
How do you spend your free time?
"I like to read, watch movies... I love hanging out with friends and to go window shopping and sometimes real shopping too. My absolute favourite thing to do is sightseeing as I'm always up for new experiences in the places I am in."
Do you have any travel tips for those visiting your home town?
"In Seoul there are lots of places to go shopping and eating. It is also the safest place in the world. You should definitely visit Hongdae, Garosu-gil, Etaewon, Myeoungdong, Gangnam and go to Namsan Tower. You can see Seoul in a single view from the Namsan tower!"
What are the three products you can't live without?
"My iPhone, Homeoplasmine lip balm (I usually buy this in Paris) and my PQI power portable charger that allows me to fully charge my phone four times."
What's your favourite form of exercise?
"I strongly recommend Pilates, it is a great core exercise."
What is your dream shoot?
"I would love to work with Steven Meisel and Tim Walker. I would like to shoot in Japan, Spain and places I wouldn't visit normally."
Name the five essential items you wouldn't leave the house without
"My iPhone, wallet, lip balm, headphones and a family picture."
If you had to wear only one designer, who would it be?
"Céline."
Is there a model's career that you admire and why?
"Kate Moss. There is no particular reason, I just love her."
Let's talk about favourites. What about…
…Music? "Leon Bridges, Jeff Bernat and Sam Ock."
…Movies? "Léon: The Professional and Silver Linings Playbook."
…Books? "The World's Most Beautiful Farewell (a Korean book), Falling Dinner (a Japanese book) and Me Before You."
…Food? "Whatever my mom cooks without seaweed."
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