Fashion News

Meet three career models from iD Dunedin Fashion Week

Fiona Fraser visited Dunedin and spoke to three of the international beauties who have chosen the tough world of modelling as a career.
Models iD Dunedin Fashion Week

Bachelor of fancy footwork

For the second year in a row, 10 international models from the University of Shanghai Engineering Science were part of the 60 models selected for the iD Dunedin Fashion Shows and the iD International Emerging Designer Awards held earlier this month. Some have walked for fashion designer superstars – from Balenciaga to Vera Wang. And they’ve all chosen to study towards a degree in fashion and modelling at their university. Fiona Fraser visited Dunedin and spoke to three of the international beauties who have chosen the tough world of modelling as a career.

Photo: Chris Sullivan

Ding Rouyin (Doreen)

Age: 21

Height: 180cm

How hard was it to get into your degree course?

I was 18 when I started and I got in quite easily. There was an exam, plus an interview and I had to do a performance.

What topics are covered in the course?

We cover a lot of different topics – everything from design, how to organise and plan a fashion show, what it’s like to work backstage in makeup, photography, styling so that we have an appreciation of all the different aspects of work as a model. We also learn English.

Which topic did you find the most challenging?

Overall I find not being able to eat whatever I like most challenging. The course I love, and I am happy with all topics, but I love food and this is the biggest challenge for me.

Which topic did you excel in? Catwalk

What was the experience of visiting New Zealand like for you?

I love it here. It is beautiful, fantastic. The people here are very kind and I really like Kiwi food.

What do you think of the Kiwi clothes you are modelling?

New Zealand clothing has its own personality and character. I like the vintage look here in New Zealand. I also love black so I’m happy wearing all the black. My own clothes are always black.

What clothing is in fashion in Shanghai right now?

At the moment, people are wearing short tops, crop tops, coats, holes in jeans, skinny jeans. And very high stiletto heels.

What do you say to people who think that modelling is not a sensible career choice?

Being a model I can make myself strong and independent and I can face many different things alone. I don’t need parents to support me with money. I can do it by myself.

Photo: Chris Sullivan

Ding Yi (Eve)

Age: 23

Height: 178cm

What drew you to modelling as a career?

Because I like walking on the stage – I like the feeling and to be on the stage and on the catwalk. I like the clothes.

Which topic in your course did you find the most challenging?

To be a model you have to be confident. Also modelling is very competitive which can be very hard.

Which topic did you excel in? Catwalk

What has the experience of visiting New Zealand been like for you?

The people here are very nice and the air is very pure and the environment is very clean.

What do you say to people who think that modelling is not a sensible career choice?

I think it’s OK because when we are young we should show other people our beauty and confidence.

What do you plan to be doing in 20 years’ time?

I want to earn a lot of money and use my money to travel the world and open a coffee shop. I love coffee.

Photo: Chris Sullivan

Chen Si (Cassie)

Age: 21

Height: 177cm

Which topic in your course did you find the most challenging?

Walking in high heels on the catwalk at first, and body training.

Which topic did you excel in? Posing

What did you think of the Kiwi clothes you modelled?

I like the silhouette construction and the unique designs.

How fashion conscious are the women of Shanghai?

There is a high fashion culture.

What do you say to people who think that modelling is not a sensible career choice?

I like modelling and my career is important to me, but I know it’s not going to last forever.

What do you plan to be doing in 20 years’ time?

I want to be a model now. In 20 years’ time, I don’t know what I will be doing. What will you be doing?

Check out more highlights of iD Fashion Week here.

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