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 Model
Gwen Lu
Exclusively Fashion Magazine:
You where modeling in Singapore Fashion Week and you had
the opportunity to move to New York; can you tell me how
your career flourished from that point?
Gwen Lu:
During my first debut in Singapore
Fashion Week, I was spotted by the director from Elite
New York. However, I couldn't fly to New York
immediately. It took me a year to make my book stronger
and prepare for my working visa in the U.S. Once I
stepped foot in New York, all kinds of great
opportunities were opened up to me. From my first trip,
I got the chance to work with Greg Kadel for Numero
Homme, together with fellow models like Sean Oprey and
Abby Lee. I also secured a Redken campaign, which the
creative director is the world's top stylist, Guido
Palao. And to my surprise, my first ever appearance for
TVC took place in U.S., it was for Target. The most
followed model site, models.com also featured me as
"Model of The Week." Then my career expands to
Milan, Paris, Tokyo, Spain and Greece.
EFM:
How old were you at that time (when you moved
to New York)?
GL:
20
EFM:
Have you always wanted to become a model?
GL:
Not really. Due to my height, many friends urge me to
try modeling, but I was too shy and thought it is
impossible; till I saw on TV Ai Tominaga strike the
runway of Paris and Milan. I approached an agency my
hometown Penang, then moved on to KL, then Singapore.
EFM:
I've seen your recent work, you look amazing with blonde
hair; do you think that has become your signature look?
GL:
I did my first blonde hair for fun during my
holiday. But it attracted clients like L'Oreal Paris,
Aveda and Saks 5th Avenue to shoot me in blonde. So I
was switching hair colors very frequently during first
half of 2010. I have grown my natural black healthy hair
now, I guess my signature look is my short-cropped boy
hair, no matter in black or blonde.
EFM: Do you fear that once you reached
a certain age that your career as a model could be
possibly over?
GL:
I don't have that fear. But I
accept the fact that age is a factor in modeling. But if
you plan wisely, a model could still work for different
kind of market in her older years.
EFM:
Who are your favorite designers?
GL:
Comme des Garcons, Maison Martin
Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto, Alexander Wang, Helmut Lang.
EFM: What has been
your favorite memories about being a model?
GL:
I always like to recall all the hard times I have been
through in the past, and I felt relief that I have been
through those obstacles and not feeling hurtful anymore,
and I knew that I have grew wiser and stronger.
EFM:
Where do you see yourself after modeling?
GL:
Maybe I'll become a chef.
EFM:
One of your interests is shooting images; do you think
that it is possible that you may go into photography?
GL:
Yes. I like documenting little
things in different cities.
EFM:
What advice can you give to
aspiring models?
GL:
You got to have the X-factor to become a model, and like
your job. With 100% dedication and hard work, compliment
with some luck, one's career could change the life of a
person.
Interview by Rochell “E” James
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