#StopAsianHate
In recent months, hate crimes towards Asian people have sadly seen a huge increase. We invited models Mia and Diana to our studio to talk about their experience, the fashion industry and their personal goals for 2021.
Photography JC Verona Make-up Aimee Joyce Hair Lewis Stanford Models Mia and Diana from Contact
Mia is originally from Taipei, Taiwan and moved to London following her studies and passion for Fashion.
Diana is from the Philippines and she would love to work as an Oncologist in a hospital.
Hello girls, thank you for joining us today. Tell us, how and when did you get scouted? Did you always want to be a model?
Diana – I was scouted on social media last year, I was invited to a casting and I’ve been with Contact since. I enjoy modelling it’s great fun, and I’ve always admired the fashion world and all it’s glamour, but I hadn’t seen myself becoming a model or being immersed in it full time. I have aspirations of becoming a doctor in the future.
Mia – Some uni fashion design students asked me to do their graduate fashion shows for them when I was 19 in Taipei, Taiwan.
Not really, I never thought my unique look would be accepted by people or the fashion industry because I had bleached short hair, and a nose piercing.
What is the most surprising thing about you?
Diana – One of my greatest fears is the ocean, something about the vastness and depth of it or the unknowns of it terrifies me. Yet, one of my greatest passion is free diving and exploring it…
Mia – Once I am determined, nothing can stop me. For example, teaching myself English allowed me to start my life over in a new culture. I am stubborn and once I decide, I set my eyes on getting exactly what I want.
Mia © JC Verona
During the pandemic, hate crimes towards Asians have almost tripled. As a result, the #stopasianhate movement has gained a lot of momentum over the last few months. What are your thoughts on this issue and what can everyone do to fight racism?
Diana – It makes me really sad to hear of all the hate and violence in the world at the moment. Especially at a time of great loss and grief all around the world. I recently began worrying for the safety of my own family and friends. I have rational thoughts about my loved ones being targeted and hurt and it makes my heart sink to my stomach. It saddens me that people can carry extreme hate in their hearts over a person’s race. It’s frightening that people can severely lack empathy towards others. To fight racism I think it’s important to bring to light these issues, we’re fortunate we have platforms like social media to spread awareness like wildfire and have it able to reach a vast audience. We should speak up when people are being discriminated. We should seek to open our minds and understand and educate ourselves on these issues so we’re aware and knowledgeable of how we can support one another in any way possible. I also think it’s important to radiate positivity and love everywhere we go, in everything we do and to whomever we come across.
Mia – Just because something bad happens from a place or a person, it is ridiculous that people would associate this thing with all people from that place or culture. Look inwards, educate yourself and your mindset would change your views naturally.
Diana © JC Verona
How can the fashion and model industry respond to be more inclusive?
Diana – Humans come in all shapes, sizes and colours and every single one of them deserves to be represented and to feel beautiful. Sometimes it makes you feel lonely and irrelevant when you don’t see models that look like you. It definitely made me feel insecure and not beautiful by how infrequently I saw models that looked like me. All types of people enjoy and love fashion, and everybody is beautiful in their own unique way, the industry should showcase and include them all for everyone to admire.
Mia – Step down from a pedestal and be willing to learn from the people and the unique styles they have to offer.
Mia © JC Verona
What personal goals do you have for 2021?
Diana – This year I want to focus on my growth: mentally, spiritually and in all aspects of my life. I want to grow stronger and begin to make my dreams my reality. I’m working on securing a position at a hospital in an Oncology or Emergency Department.
Mia – I hope I could do modelling in Europe, and speak English fluently!
Outside of modelling, what are you interests or hidden talents?
Diana – I love travelling, my best friends and I carry out a tradition of visiting a new country every Christmas, it’s our third year running! I enjoy the outdoors and adventures so I love to hike, ride horses, and dive. I love to play tennis, volleyball, and video games. I’m very passionate about literature, I enjoy reading and have been attempting to write my own novellas. My hidden talent would be that I’m a relatively skilled player on Call of Duty and League of Legends.
Mia – An endless list of anything colourful, creative, wise and pure.
Mia and Diana © JC Verona
Diana © JC Verona
Do you have a fashion designer or photographer you’d love to work with?
Diana – I’d love to work with Dior. Every fashion week I’m hooked watching the shows, especially when the gowns are showcased they are so beautiful.
Mia – Yes! Vivienne Westwood...
Fast round!
Describe yourself in 3 words
D – Shy, adventurous, ambitious.
M – Fiery, logical, imaginative.
Are you superstitious?
D – I am. I make a wish every time the clock reads 11:11.
M – My opinion is not definite, but I'm interested just to observe.
Your perfect pet?
D -– A Chestnut horse or a Giant Flemish rabbit.
M – A white cat.
What or who would you take with you to a deserted island?
D – If it’s excluding essentials such as water, food and survival items... I’d probably take my snorkel and fins, a Polaroid camera and my best friends.
M – A big screen with a speaker set, so that I could play films.
What’s your motto?
D – “Have courage and be kind” I first heard it from Cinderella and it’s stuck with me since.
M – What have I done today to make me feel proud?
Any guilty pleasures?
D – Sweet wine and fresh strawberry cream cake.
M – No, I will never feel embarrassed about the things I love.
You never leave the house without___
D - A first aid kit.
M - Something to keep me warm.
Next hairstyle?
D – I’m contemplating on getting curtain bangs.
M – Orange, long, curly hair.
2020 was __
D – The most difficult year of my life.
M – A let down and a miracle.
2021 will be__
D – The start of an epic one.
M – The year of experimentation and learning.
Mia © JC Verona
Diana © JC Verona
Diana & Mia © JC Verona
READ NEXT
