[Professional Interview] Meet Gigi, the Model
hello. Spotlite, the place to find customized models for your brand.
We're all familiar with the annual fashion week that takes place in cities around the world. The world's four most prestigious and influential fashion weeks are London, Paris, Milan, and New York. London, in particular, is home to many famous brands and designers such as Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen, as well as a number of renowned fashion schools. When you go to London, you see so many fashion people. In the Spotlite, we meet Gigi, a British model who spent five years as a professional model in the fashion capital of London and is now working in South Korea.
Interview with model Gigi
Hi Gigi. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm Gigi Hari, a 7-year model from the UK. After five years in London, I moved to Korea and transitioned to the Korean model.
How does the experience compare in London and Asia?
I think the biggest differences are in client interaction and casting. When I was working in the industry in London, the most important thing was networking. Unlike in Asia, networking is very important and once you have a certain amount of connections, opportunities keep coming. I'm studying hard, but right now I'm limited by language, so I'm not good at networking because I'm not good at Korean yet. And Asia is more focused on commercial modeling, which can be challenging for European-based models.
What are the gender challenges of being a Korean model?
The transgender model is probably not a common concept in Korea yet, so it can be uncomfortable. Of course, I've had my share of uncomfortable experiences and poor treatment due to gender segregation while working in Korea. This may be a touchy subject, but I don't think it's a hostile intent, but rather a misunderstanding due to inexperience in Korea. I think there needs to be a cultural shift on diversity, and with it, positive progress on gender consciousness.
What if you're in an unfamiliar country?
I'm not good at Korean conversations yet. But fortunately, I can listen (laughs). The first year was really hectic with moving in, dealing with legal stuff, security deposits, etc. I've gotten used to it now. We're stabilizing. I'm doing well in Gangnam.
There are so many different fields of modeling, what are you best suited for?
I personally find more satisfaction in non-commercial editorials and runway shows. Of course, I love commercials and big runway shows, but I'm getting better at picking and choosing what works better for me. My years of modeling have taught me a lot about my style and appeal. I think it's really important to know yourself. I've recognized that the commercial model is not for me, and I'm interested in acting, so I'm trying to expand.
What are your thoughts on AI-generated models, a hot topic these days?
If an AI-generated model were to drive the fashion industry, for example, I think it would be weird. I still find it hard to look at something created by generative AI and feel realistic, but also unrealistic and helpless. Whether it's a human model or an AI-generated model, the public doesn't want a perfect face, they want to be comfortable and engaging to look at.
Fashion is an art form, and it needs to keep changing. The most important value for a model is constant self-assurance and energy.
Finally, is there anything you'd like to say to people interested in the fashion industry or modeling?
If you want to break into the fashion industry or the modeling world, the most important thing is to find yourself. It's like finding the value of your brand. You have to discover yourself, figure out your character, your personality, your traits, what makes you unique. It's also important to have the self-belief to never doubt yourself, no matter how many rejections you get. People who can find their own charm and express it well will succeed in this industry.
Learn more about model Gigi Hari and contact us for a quote!
Want to meet foreign models that bring out the best in diversity and uniqueness?!
No more same old, same old characters! If you're a brand that needs to emphasize creativity or diversity, take note! Spotlite has hundreds of foreign and mixed-race models, including Gigi Hari. Each of them has their own unique charm and experience in the global fashion industry, which helps us produce higher quality work. If you're a global brand looking to take your brand to the next level, consider casting international or mixed-race models for lookbook shoots, fashion shows, editorials, commercials, and more!