L for Louise

LOUISE WONG is out to conquer the world of modelling, one fashion capital at a time. KIM BUI KOLLAR follows her to New York, where she rules, 1970s street style

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a fashion icon in Hong Kong. I would love to have a fashion brand someday. After that I want to have a cafe that serves healthy food.

How long have you been modelling?

Nine years, since I was 17.

How did you get your start?

I entered a modelling competition at 16. It was for Elite Model Look Asia Pacific. I won a series of competitions to represent Hong Kong and I won. To this day, I am the only finalist from Hong Kong to have won the title.

How has the industry changed since you have been part of it?

Previously, the market was all about models and modelling. KOLS and social media have really changed this. Models now have the space to have other talents, and the brands can connect directly with the talent. The way that models are booked for jobs is different too. Before, a client would head to the agency website to find talent. That is not necessarily the case anymore. Selfpromotion is so important. It's not about just making things look good. It's about the image of the brand and the product that we have to consider. That wasn't always the case. Lifestyle storytelling is important.

Social media is…

Very important, more than ever.

Who is the most Insta-famous person you have ever met?

I just met Chiara Ferragni at a Michael

Kors show. I happened to be sitting next to her and I really lucked out that I knew the photographer and asked to have our picture taken. I totally was a fan. She is so sweet and nice, and easy going. I would love to be more like her. She seems smart. She has created her own brand, her own world.