Model steers career showcasing cars

By Wang Chao (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-26 08:12

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Guan Shuang, 24, has been modeling for five years. Provided to China Daily

Model Guan Shuang talked to METRO about her work.

Q: Is it competitive to be a model?

A: Yes. There are so many beautiful models in Beijing, so you have to have a good attitude because people's attention is not always on you. When you are not getting enough attention, don't feel sad. Just keep trying, and find your own niche.

Q: What training did you go through before the Auto Show?

A: I had two or three days of rehearsal before the show. During that time, I needed to find a costume that fitted and the kind of car. Sometimes, the auto show is more than just standing by the car. For example, we are going to hold a fashion show for Volkswagen this time.

Q: What style of model do you consider yourself?

A: I was assigned to play a "sweet" role in the Auto Show, but I don't think I am actually that style. The car company watched my tape from my agency and defined me as a "sweet" girl.

Q: How many years have you been in this field?

A: About five years. I began modeling in 2004 when I was studying at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology. After I graduated in 2008, I joined the Longteng Model Co and began to do car modeling last year at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I love traveling. My favorite destination is Lijiang in Yunnan province, and Sanya in Hainan province. I also like anywhere near the coast. I was born in Heilongjiang, a very cold province in northeastern China, so I prefer warm beaches.

Q: Have you ever had any embarrassing moments at a show?

A: Yes. Last April, when I was walking on the stage, one of my shoes dropped off. It was very embarrassing, but I have to pretend that nothing happened and put on the shoes again. I guess every model meets that kind of embarrassment once in a while in their career.

Q: Do you have your clothing tailored every time?

A: Rarely. The clothing is easier since we can fix it easily with pins. But for shoes, it is different. We models have to fit our feet into different sizes. For me, any size between 37 and 40 will do. Once I walked with a heel 20 cm high. I still remember how unsteady it felt.

Q: Do you have any plans for a career in acting?

A: Not yet. I don't know if I have that talent to be an actress, but I will try if I get the chance. My concern is that I might be too tall to be an actress (at 178 cm). I guess it would be difficult to find a male to match me.

Q: Are you in a relationship?

A: I have a boyfriend, but we are not always together because we are both busy. Besides, I am independent, and I don't need to be with him all the time, especially when I am busy.