Model Profile: Seon Hwang

Posted by Tiffany on January 25, 2012 at 10:36 am

I initially noticed this 17 year old Korean beauty backstage at the 2010 Whitecliffe College Fashion show, and since then, Seon Hwang, from Clyne Model Management, has booked many modeling jobs – she walked in numerous shows during New Zealand Fashion Week 2011 and is one of the faces of New Zealand Fashion Festival‘s current 2012 campaign. By the sounds of what you’re about to read in the interview I had with her, not only is she a face to watch out for, but she is, evidently, also very smart.

How did you get into modeling / how were you discovered?

Modeling wasn’t something that I saw myself doing. I was involved in a fashion show at school and during the time, I loved the new experience. Even though it wasn’t much like the real deal, (all the castings and fittings you have to go through) it gave me a new sense of interest that I might actually get into modeling. I searched for modeling agencies in New Zealand and came across my current agency, Clyne Model Management, and was then able to go into the agency for a mini interview. A spark of curiosity is what started it all.

So how long have you been modeling for?

I can’t say for sure, but almost a year and a half. Time really does FLY!

What has been your favorite job been so far?

It’s really hard choosing a favourite job in modeling. Every day you get something new and different. Every editorial or campaign has a different style to it and even after doing many fashion shows, every show has its own unique atmosphere. For me, a job is favourable if the people you work with, in my words, are DARLINGS. It is never tiring working with people who are fun, thoughtful, and most importantly, ‘on to it’.

Usually, models enjoy either fashion shows or photo-shoots. Which do you prefer?

Gosh, it’s a hard question… BOTH! They are very much different jobs with different likable factors yet they are two jobs that can’t be separated in terms of modeling. I think for a model, a fashion show is like the field for a rugby player and photoshoots would be the tries made. Without fashion shows, a model would not get a chance to walk on the catwalk and would hence not be a true model. Same with photo-shoots – if a model has no photos, it would be harder to get jobs as there is no publicity.

Asian models are really making a mark out in the modeling industry at the moment, what does your background consist of?

I love how the fashion industry are opening up to different race and looks! As for me, I was born in South Korea and with my family, came here to New Zealand when I was 7. I have lived in New Zealand longer than I have lived in Korea but have never lost my cultural roots and speak both Korean and English fluently. I sometimes totally forget what language I was speaking in and start off speaking Korean and end up speaking English!!

What are your fave perks of modeling?

Well, there are alot of things you earn physically in modelling. I guess a girl’s dream of an extreme makeover from head-to-toe is something you always get, being a model. I also have to say that I do love the vouchers you get sometimes!

You’re one of the faces for the New Zealand Fashion Festival 2012 campaign (looking super cute by the way!), how was it working with the beautiful Penny Pickard?

Yeah, the NZFF campaign was great! It was one of those working environments where I mentioned earlier was super fun due to all the incredible people around you. Penny is, as you said, beautiful both inside and outside. I first met her in a film shoot for Stephen Marr with two other girls (it was like old film inspired with all four of us wearing short black wigs with an awesome cool fringe). We did all sorts of things from dancing like aliens (as we were meant to be from like out of space!), to jumping off an edge of a swimming pool, and without Penny and the girls, it wouldn’t have been half the fun!

Where do you wish to travel to with modeling?

I haven’t really thought about travelling with modeling but one day, I would definitely love to work in my home country, Korea.

So you’re still in school. Do you find it hard to juggle schoolwork with modeling? Is your school/are your teachers understanding?

At first it was definitely a struggle making all the castings and fittings and I wasn’t really sure what I should say to the school for my abscences, but I told them everything as it is and my teachers were all very understanding and supported me all throughout the year. Afterwards, I became an expert on catching up with schoolwork after a day off from modeling, and I have to say that my friends were awesome lending me their notes!

How do you stay fit?

To be honest, I don’t do specific exercise to stay fit. I was never a sporty girl – Physical Education was my number one hated subject -and I wasn’t a fan of sports. However, I do like going for a slow walk every now and then. So that would be my exercise.

Who are your favorite models that you look up to?

There is a huge list of models that I really love but if I had to choose, I would say Sasha Pivovarova and Hyoni – I can’t choose between the two! I love Sasha for her cat-like facial features and she isn’t a tall model (like me!) but is at the top of the list. Also, Hyoni is great because of her really cute baby-like face, and she is one of the best Korean models out there.

Describe your ‘model off duty’ style!

I would say very, very casual and modernised vintage! I love shopping in second-hand shops, and a bulky sweater made by Grandma is something that I would definitely wear along with my collection of skinny jeans.

What do you wish to do after you finish school?

Aside from modeling, I’ve always had an interest in architecture. For my last year in school, I have focused my subjects to study architecture at Auckland University and hopefully… in 2013, I will be studying my first year in uni!

Isn’t she a smart cookie? Be sure to check this beauty out during this year’s New Zealand Fashion Festival, held on 24th February – 4th March, 2012.