What’s your take on Shanghai?
Print Edition
Tima Fei
The new fall/winter 2025 fashion week taking over Milan, Paris and New York, Shanghai is one of the closing cities once again. All the fashion enthusiasts, models, bloggers and designers are coming back from their winter slumber to impress, dazzle and inspire each other. We recently spoke to a few models in Shanghai to get their take on the city and what it meant to them and their careers.
Shanghai, where self-expression and street fashion can boost your career
I confess that the biggest surprise throughout my time in Shanghai was that I never imagined that so many people would recognize me through street photos. This has certainly been something that I never imagined I would experience, both in person and on social media, receiving messages of admiration for my work, personality and style, and support for me.
Due to the cultural diversity in the city, I see that everyone has a different idea of life in Shanghai. Yes, the competition is extremely fierce here. But at the same time, there are also numerous opportunities in this city to progress your career and even reinvent yourself. My advice: make local friends, communicate with people from different industries and explore this city with a curious mindset.
Jéss Arendacz
30, from Brazil
From Disney to modeling — networking makes a difference
I originally moved to Shanghai to work for Disney, but I’ve since transitioned into freelance modeling. The fashion industry here is diverse and constantly evolving, making it an exciting place to work.
I imagined the scene to be highly competitive, which is true, but I didn’t realize how much collaboration and networking play a role in getting opportunities here. Many assume the industry is purely about looks, but professionalism, adaptability and connections matter just as much. One of the biggest challenges is navigating the ever-changing industry trends and understanding cultural differences in how brands market themselves here compared to the West. Gossip and competition exist, like in any industry, but the upside is the chance to work on campaigns and be part of an evolving fashion hub.
Jesse Addams
28, from Australia
Shanghai, the boundary-breaking fashion capital
I dreamed of becoming a model for as long as I can remember. After school, instead of cartoons, I watched “America’s Next Top Model.” The moment Tyra Banks said: “Smile with your eyes,” I knew I wanted to model.
However, tattoos were a barrier to fashion in other cities. It devastated me, the rejections — my dream felt impossible. So, out of defiance, I got another tattoo — a dragon to match the year I was born in. Symbolic, right?
I didn’t want to give up, so I reinvented myself. I cut my hair, dyed it platinum blonde, and it wasn’t long before I found a mother agency. That’s how I ended up in Shanghai. I didn’t choose Shanghai; it chose me. It is a fast-paced, competitive city, where people who take risks and are confident in themselves thrive. To this day, I can’t see myself anywhere else.
Arina Maximenko
24, from Belarus
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