LIV LO: Exclusive Interview

By Eva Fydrych

Infinite Possibilities

Credit: Rayli Fashion Pioneer Magazine, 2012.1 issue.

Liv

Occupation: Fashion Model
City: Tokyo, Japan

FASHION STUDIO: When did you start modeling and how did it happen?

LIV: I started modeling in Taiwan at the age of 17. I had been approached on the street many times by interested agents, but it was not until I was pushed to apply by a girlfriend that I sent in my headshots.

FASHION STUDIO: What projects have you been involved in so far?

LIV: To my surprise and delight my first job was an editorial for Vogue. I was so nervous! I promptly went to the bookshop to buy back editions and do some research on ‘Vogue’s style’ and how to pose. Since then I have been managing a successful career as a fashion model in Japan, Taiwan, and China. I have been the cover girl for Madame Figaro, I am currently affiliated with Tom’s Shoes, Fendi, Tory Burch, H&M, Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Armani Exchange, Diesel, BMW, Maserati, United Airlines, Tourism Guam, DHC, Easyoga, Joanne Kitten, Ravijour, Vemar, NYLON, Glamorous Magazine, Sweet Magazine, Kiss Cosmetics, Tokyo Girls Collection, Tokyo Runway, FashionTV, and FoxTV.

Photo courtesy of Liv Lo

FASHION STUDIO:  What are your strengths as a model?

LIV: My strengths as a model are my trilingual language abilities and my mixed Italian and Taiwanese heritage. Because of my mixed features, my face will change when accentuated with makeup. People are often shocked when they see my pictures and may not recognize me with heavy or light make up on. I guess that is why I have been lucky to represent so many brands in different categories. I do not just have one look.

FASHION STUDIO:  What do you like/dislike about modeling?

LIV: Working day after day so sometimes excruciatingly long hours. No matter, we must arrive fresh faced with a smile on our face. Since we always shooting preseason we must wear sweaters in summer and bikinis in winter. The upside is that we get to travel to beautiful locations to get glamorous shots. I am in London as I write this interview, flying to Tokyo tonight, to Singapore two days after, then on to Paris from Singapore.

FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe your personality?

LIV: It is difficult to talk about character traits, but I can say that I love new experiences. I live and love passionately, fully, and well. Above all I cherish my family and friends.

Kobe Collection catwalk show AW 2011 (Photo courtesy of Liv Lo)

FASHION STUDIO: What type of clothes do you usually wear? Who is your favorite designer?

LIV: I wear the brands I support! It is important to convey the image of the brands you represent at all times. Still, my favorite designers are Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Alexander Wang, and upcoming designer Mary Katrantzou.

FASHION STUDIO:  If you could pick one fashion icon to be for one day, who would it be? And why?

LIV: I would like to be my all time fashion icon Kate Moss for a day. I would specifically want to be Kate on the day of the MET Ball and attend in a striking gown.

FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe fashion industry in Japan in comparison with your home country, Taiwan?

LIV: Both Japan and Taiwan are fun to work in. As Tokyo is a fashion forward city, the Japanese eclectic style will always make Tokyo an interesting and inspiring fashion capital.

Credit: Rayli Fashion Pioneer Magazine, 2012.5 issue 

FASHION STUDIO:  Where do you usually spend your free time? Which places in Tokyo would you recommend for shopping, eating out, and clubbing? 

LIV: I usually spend my time at home, at Sun and Moon yoga studio, or at cafes and restaurants with friends. As Tokyo’s districts are mini metropolis’ we don’t have to stray far from our area to find exactly what we want. I live in the Minato-ku area, so you can often find me at the restaurants and cinema in Roppongi Hills, singing Karaoke in Smash Hits, catching up with friends from out of town in Gonpachi or having margaritas and Mexican food at Junkadelics.

FASHION STUDIO: What inspires you?

LIV: My work inspires me. Modeling is more than a job for me. It is my lifestyle. My career choice has made brought me to learn about health, experience the world, and meet influential people.

FASHION STUDIO: What is your favorite cosmetic brand?

LIV: I do not have a favorite cosmetic brand but I have interesting cosmetic shopping habits. My favorite thing to do in different countries is to shop at the toiletries department in Boots, WalMart, ABC Mart, Watson’s etc., I love buying the local cheaper toiletries that really work. 

FASHION STUDIO: Most stylish travel destination...

LIV: There are so many stylish travel destinations. My favorite trips so far have been to Sicily, Australia, London, Bali, and the islands off Malaysia.

Liv on holidays in Sicily, Italy

FASHION STUDIO: Who is your favourite fashion photographer?

LIV: There are too many photographers I love and respect! 

FASHION STUDIO: What advice would you give to all aspiring models?

LIV: Modeling is a career that requires talent, intellect, and personality. There are many beautiful girls in this world, so to get ahead a model must be more that just a pretty face. Discover your talents and use them!

FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe your fashion blog and what inspired you to start it?

LIV: My fashion blog is based on the four words: Tokyo, Model, Life, Diary. I share my experiences, events, and interests both public and private in written articles with images. The writing and links gives readers an in depth introduction to different topics while the surplus of images depict my topic in detail. Since my blog is in English the images give readers from all countries a deeper understanding.

FASHION STUDIO: What are your future plans? What else would you like to achieve?

LIV: World dominance. Haha. Actually, I plan to expand my career to Singapore and work more in television. I have also been hosting my own events and love promoting. The possibilities are infinite.

Lovedrose Summer 2011 ad campaign (All photos courtesy of Liv Lo)


Official website: Liv Lo


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