Helena Chan
A franchise of the successful US reality show, the pilot of “Asia’s Next Top Model” is set to air this month. Representing Hong Kong, 23-year-old Helena Chan is a recurring presence on the local fashion scene, having appeared in numerous commercials as well as plenty of runway shows. She talks to Andrea Lo about her experiences in the fashion industry ahead of the show’s premiere.
HK Magazine: When did you first begin modeling?
Helena Chan: I booked my first show when I was 17; it was a runway show for Amy Gao. I was wearing a peacock dress that had a train of 10 meters. I didn’t get my big break until two years ago.
HK: How did you get involved with “Asia’s Next Top Model?”
HC: One of the judges on the show is a friend of mine. He suggested that I apply. I love “America’s Next Top Model”—I’ve always watched it, and that was kind of why I wanted to model. I thought it’d be cool to be a part of something I’d been watching for so many years.
HK: What are your favorite and least favorite kinds of jobs?
HC: I love doing high fashion editorial work, as well as being on the runway; it’s just such a great feeling being out there. I wouldn’t say there is anything that is really bad [about the job], but sometimes there are very long hours. For a TV commercial, for example, you can be on set for 18 hours, and it can really wear you down.
HK: Are you ever expected to do things you are opposed to?
HC: I am opposed to wearing fur. I have been on set before where I was nearly told to wear it, and I was happy that the stylist decided in the end to go for something else. You just have to make a decision as to whether you are going to stick with what you believe, or if you are going to please the client.
HK: What do think your appeal is in the modeling world?
HC: I work well here because I’m half-Chinese and half-Swedish, and they love the Eurasian look. I think the fact that I’m from Hong Kong is [also] very important. Fashion industries all over the world are moving more towards Asia, and when they’re booking girls for campaigns, they want variety. Now that the Eurasian girl has come into the picture, it’s becoming a lot more popular.
HK: Are there skills that you can develop to become a top model, or do you have to be naturally talented?
HC: A lot of it depends on your height—you have to be quite tall to work in this industry. Unfortunately no designer will take a second look at girls below 5’8”. You do have to have a unique element about you. There are a lot of models who are not always classically beautiful, but there is something different about them. I’ve been told by high-end designers that I have a quirk to me—my eyes. In terms of modeling, you can definitely learn better poses, as well as how to use the light and your angles, because not every angle is good. I now know which my good side is. It takes a lot of practice in the mirror.