WAWA LI

5' ELEVEN''
Oct 8
3 min read

To Wawa Li, modelling is about connection. Whether between collaborators on set or the audience and their muses, she sees her work as storytelling. Off set, she grounds her practice in travel to rural towns and time in nature – reminders, she says, to slow down and savour every moment.

Interview by Maya Avram.

Photographed by Conor Clarke. Styled by Charly Suggett. Makeup by Quelle Bester using Shiseido. Hair by Charles Stanley using CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Hair Perfume. Wawa appears courtesy of Nevs Models.

How did you get into modelling?

It was like something out of a movie. About 10 years ago, I signed up for a backstage internship at LA Fashion Week – dressing the models, sweeping the floors, checking in guests. On the last day, one of the designers was short of models and their director asked me if I could walk in heels. I was like, “I can try”, and all of a sudden I was walking down the runway. Once I graduated from university, I signed with a modelling agency.

So did fashion feel natural from the start?

I always loved the creative aspect of it. To me, it isn’t really about working with big-name designers – I love the teamwork. Everyone has to do their part to tell one story, together.

Do you enjoy working collaboratively?

In the beginning I found it hard to let go of control, because when I model for myself, I would climb a tree or jump into a pond to get “the shot”. So I preferred to do things on my own, to tell a story from start to finish.

Eventually I realised that I am constantly putting myself in a state of isolation. So now I’m way more open, and I enjoy making genuine connections with people.

Who inspires you?

I admire my mom a lot. She’s a hardworking woman. In a way, I feel like everyone around me has inspired me. Without the people I encountered in the industry, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Travelling is a big part of your job. When you’re en route, how do you stay grounded?

I always carry with me this box of incense that I got from the temples in China. If I’m in a new place, I would light some incense, play music and do yoga to ease into my routine. Oh, also local farmers’ markets. That’s actually the best thing, you immediately feel like you’re part of the community.

What’s something about you that might surprise people?

I think people assume that because I’m Asian, I’m quite reserved or conservative, but I’m very adventurous. I love being in nature because it’s healing, and it connects everything. I believe authentic art must have deep roots. And I get that with nature.

What are some of the highlights, challenges and pinch-me moments from your career so far?

I worked with lots of amazing beauty brands when I was in Paris, and on those shoots, I learned to properly love myself. I felt like I embraced who I am and actualised my self-worth. A challenge is my plan to open a gallery in Brooklyn next spring. I have so many designer and creative friends who craft, and I think there’s room for the patience and love that goes into that in fashion. My dad told me that when he was little, he bought three T-shirts per year, and would fix and patch them as needed. Every garment of his, he would pass on to his younger brother. There was this sense of holding onto heritage and an emotional connection to pieces. So for my gallery, I only want to showcase designers who produce items made to order.

How would you describe your personal style?

I would describe myself as a combination of futuristic and vintage. I’m a big fan of vintage. Actually, I’m a big fan of everything. I used to have colours, patterns, textures all together, but nowadays it’s a bit more minimal.

What are your best thrifting tips?

Small towns are always better because you get the best prices and you hear the most interesting stories.

What was your best vintage find?

When I was in Paris, also in a small town, I found these hairy mountain boots from the 80s or 90s. I bought them for 15€. That was a great one.