Everyday supermodel
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Qin Shupei struts the catwalk at 2009 Spring/Summer New York Fashion Week. Cao Tang / Xinhua |
Qin Shupei had little interest in clothes until she was spotted by a modeling scout on the streets of New York. The former student from Henan province is now the darling of the international fashion jet-set, but for her it's just one, long holiday. Gan Tian reports.
Qin Shupei is a Chinese model whose face is recognized internationally as she appears in campaigns and on catwalks across the globe.
The 23-year-old has modeled for high-end labels Chanel and Victoria's Secret, making her one of fashion's top faces. She is a favorite of Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, and Vera Wang. Her style has been imitated on and off the runway by fashionistas and paparazzi.
People would take it for granted that this young supermodel is wild like Kate Moss, or a diva in the mold of Naomi Campbell, but Qin is neither.
She is cheerful and easy-going. Walking into the hotel for the interview, the supermodel was teaching her co-workers to speak Shanghai dialect and telling jokes.
Qin says she considers herself a nice and friendly "girl next door", not a cold and difficult supermodel.
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"I think they want me just because I match the image of their brand: warm and casual I didn't feel like I was doing a job, but enjoying a vacation," Qin says with a laugh.
Unlike models who were passionate about fashion since they were very young, Qin admits she knew nothing about the industry until she started modeling. At school she cared little about what she wore.
"But, hey, I was in New York, the city of fashion!" She says, adding that the city has given her numerous opportunities.
