Why Age Is Just a Number for Niki Song on the Runway
It is a long hard road to break into the world of Fashion Modeling!
Niki Song: the interview
You arrived in America and decided to start a new venture in your life. How did that new beginning take shape?
After arriving in America, I thought to myself that I needed to start a new venture in my life in my new world. Due to my language barrier, I decided to go to school to learn English. Although I am not fluent in English, it has helped me communicate with people in society much better than most people in my shoes. And after holding a green card for many years, I became a United States citizen about nine years ago.
Before modelling, you worked as a flight attendant. What did that job teach you?
When I first became a flight attendant, I knew I would have to learn some new skills. First and foremost, I had to learn what to do in case of an emergency. It was my job to direct the passengers to evacuate the plane in a safe and orderly manner on both land and water, and also to administer first aid.
Then came the quality of service to the passengers with the right attitude. I had to learn certain culinary skills, such as preparing fruit or veggie platters to serve to the passengers in an elegant manner, and also preparing entrees as requested by the passengers. These are all skills that I still use to this day.
That job also took you to Dubai. How did you spend your time there?
Well, I made the best of it. I enjoyed fine dining, shopping in the high-end stores, and sightseeing in the city of Dubai. What a beautiful city. During this time, the flight attendants would take turns on duty. I waited for about a month before I decided to leave this job due to the lack of work and returned to the United States.
The one thing I did learn from this job is that I love to travel. I hope to do that with my modeling career in the near future.
What made you decide that it was time to follow your dream of becoming a model?
I believe that age is just a number. At this time in my life, I was on my own. I had nothing and nobody standing in the way of following my dream of becoming a model. All my life I have worked hard to maintain good physical health and a nice slim figure. I have always loved fashion clothing and fashion modeling, and I have always loved being in front of the camera, so I decided now was the time.
How did you prepare for a career in modelling?
Once I heard that John Casablancas International offered a modeling course, I immediately signed up. That was one of the few names that I recognized as a leader in the modeling industry. I have always loved the fashion industry, so I concentrated on learning that. I learned how to apply makeup in a professional manner, how to pose in front of the camera as a model, and the correct way to walk the runway for high fashion modeling.
I also learned a lot about acting, and how to use facial expressions and body movements to express the character I'm portraying. I had to learn how to do commercials, monologues, and a little bit of voiceover acting. I had to do everything in English, so it was a bit challenging for me, and I had to work harder than the average student.
After seven months, I completed the course on time and received a certificate of completion from John Casablancas International. I'm very proud of this accomplishment.
What do you remember about the first time you stepped onto the runway?
The first time I stepped onto the runway, it was like starting a new chapter in my life. It was exhilarating. I was so excited, but I was confident thanks to my training and all the practice I had done on my own. It was truly a dream come true.
You also trained in acting. How do you approach acting work while you are still learning English?
This is difficult for me. Right now I am not fluent enough in English to be cast as a main character, but I can do small parts in movies, commercials, and other acting casting calls that come my way. I just need a little time to learn my lines beforehand. I continue to learn English and hope to become fluent in it in the near future.
Many runway castings have height requirements. What is your view on them?
I feel that this is very unfair. It is almost as if we are being discriminated against. There should be other factors they use to qualify someone to walk the runway. For instance, do I keep my body upright and straight when I walk? Do I walk in a straight line and have the right body type to look good in fashion clothing?
Do I know all the proper techniques for turning while walking on the runway? Why can't they let us shorter models wear platform heels to give the appearance that we are taller? I know that I can please the audience, and that is probably the most important factor, because it is my job to sell the fashion designer's clothes.
You love gardening. How does it connect with your work in front of the camera?
To start with, when I garden and grow plants and flowers, it puts me in a really good mood. And you always want to be in a good mood for the camera. Also, I feel that if a producer wants to do a program on gardening or foraging for food, my skills in this area would be of great help. I would love to contribute my knowledge in this area.
What does beauty mean to you?
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But to me, beauty comes from within. Because I have taken care of my body all my life, I'm told that I look much younger than my age. Most people guess that I'm in my 40s. So looking younger than my age is important to me.
What would you tell women who want to start modelling later in life?
I feel that age is nothing more than a number. If you really want to do this, you should at least try. There are far fewer senior models out there than younger ones, so your odds are actually better. I would recommend hiring a professional photographer, setting up a portfolio site, and applying to casting calls. Just be aware of modeling scams, such as starter packages that cost a lot of money and promise you the world. These could just be money-making scams.
What kind of modelling would you most like to do next?
I have always had a love for fashion, so I would love to do all kinds of fashion modeling, including print modeling, catalogs, and walking the runway, which I truly love. I'd also love to try commercials and maybe some small acting jobs to start. But for the most part, I am open to all aspects of modeling. I'm willing to try anything.
I'm willing to work long hard hours in front of a camera and for fashion designers. And I know that modeling isn't just about me. It is my job to sell clothes for the fashion designers. All I need is an agent to give me a chance to prove myself, and I know I will not disappoint them.
For the Love of Fashion! credits
Model: Niki Song @nikisong888
Photographer: Alia's Photography @aliasphotographyofficial
For the Love of Fashion! fashion credits
Image 1 — Dress: Kensie
Image 2 — Dress: Karl Lagerfeld · Boots: Venus
Image 3 — Dress: Xscape
Image 4 — Dress: Ralph Lauren
Image 5 — Outfit: Karl Lagerfeld · Boots: Coach
Image 6 — Dress: INC · Boots: Venus
Image 7 — Dress: Donna Karan
Image 8 — Dress: INC
Images 9–11 — Blouse: DKNY
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