I Modeled in China
Serving face abroad — without losing it
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Modeling is nothing like what you might see on TV or in the movies. It’s often profoundly dull, it’s rarely glamorous, and it can be extremely tiring. There are moments where you feel like a million bucks, but those are few and far between. You spend most of your days running around for “go-sees” (auditions where you show off your card and book of photos) and attempt to make yourself stand out from a waiting room full of people who look like you except slightly different, like some C-story of The Twilight Zone. Most of the time when I modeled in North America, I was bored or even bothered by the experience.
And then I went to model in China.
Because I was young and dumb, I honestly didn’t think uprooting myself to Hong Kong, where I did not speak the language or understand the labyrinthine business customs, would be any different than modeling jeans back home. I had been modeling quite a bit in Canada, and it was suggested that I meet with Irene, an agent who booked Canadian models for work in China. I was to meet Irene at a hotel and have my photos taken, wearing a bathing suit, and she would “let me know later.” Irene met me and said, “I like you. When can you come?” and the deal was done. The bathing suit stayed in my purse.
Anyone who has visited Hong Kong will describe it as too hot, very loud, and very, very fast-paced. There are places in the city where you can’t see the sky because the buildings are too close together. I’ve lived in cities before, but Hong Kong is the citiest city. Everything you hear about the frenetic lifestyle, the elaborate rituals of introduction and business card exchange, the constant vigilance to save face, the toilet mechanics alien to Westerners — all true.
The business of modeling in China is massive. Only larger companies opt to use “Western” models, so I was generally booked for at least two days on a given shoot, and I was usually expected to travel. Typically these were high-fashion catalog shoots, makeup shoots, and lingerie. Agencies in China operate with ruthless efficiency. If you’re sitting down, you’re not making them money. You’re put to work going on go-sees or meetings with clients for up to 12 hours a day. Including travel, that can easily reach 14 to 16 hours. It was a…
