SUNGHEE KIM
After studying dance for more than 14 years
in her native South Korea, Kim was on track
to be ballet’s next breakout star. But then the
fashion world came calling. “I was ready to try
something new, and because I’ve always loved
clothes, modelling just seemed like a natural
fit,” says Kim. “I already knew how to move my
body, so posing for shoots came easily,” she
adds. In 2012 Kim relocated to New York and
quickly became a runway regular for designers
like Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren, which
inspired her to experiment with her off-duty
look as well. “One day I’ll dress punk, and then
the next really chic,” says Kim. She always adds
her own spin, whether it’s texturising the hems
of her favourite boyfriend jeans or cutting up
a vintage belt. In fact, her instinct for styling
might lead to her next act. Last year she styled
her first shoot for South Korea’s edition of
Dazed magazine. “I love being a model,” she
says, “but I also want to be able to share my
idea of style with the world.” –J.F.MIRTE MAAS
Discovered while still in high school in
Holland, Maas made her modelling debut
by opening Alexander Wang’s spring 2010
show. Since then, she has spent most of her
time on the runway or in front of a camera,
starring in campaigns for the likes of Chanel,
Calvin Klein and Tom Ford. But when planning
her future, the fashion veteran wants to do
something different: she’s begun studying
economics and maths part-time at Columbia
University in New York, where she now lives.
“This is giving me a better understanding of
the industry,” she says. “I might want to work
on the business side of a brand one day.”
When Maas is not on set or cramming for
a test, she’s hitting dance cardio and barre
sessions or shopping labels like Helmut Lang
and Reformation for pieces that fit her
self-described “girlie-minimalistic” style.
“I started wearing a neckerchief after a shoot
with J.Crew. It doesn’t keep you warm, but
it’s so cute!” –A.S.HERIETH PAUL
Chanel silk organza
top, organza skirt,
tulle, organza, and
strass floral garland
(worn in hair), and
metal and resin
necklace118 I n STYLE JUNE 2017