YIDAN HUANG
With a plan from the start, Yidan Huang has seamlessly navigated fashion, casting, and social media, proving that a career in modelling is just the beginning of endless possibilities.
PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID WILLIAM BAUM
INTERVIEWER WEI LIU
Life with Possibilities: An Interview with Yidan Huang
When we ask a model how she got into the industry, the answer is often “by chance.” Very few have the same level of planning and self-awareness as Yidan Huang did from the beginning. This Sichuan-born talent has been passionate about fashion since childhood. While earning honors at a top Chinese university majoring in accounting, she simultaneously embarked on her modeling career.
From a traditional perspective, academic excellence and a successful modeling career may seem mutually exclusive. However, Yidan defied expectations: in her first international season, she walked for JW Anderson, the London-based label known for setting new modeling trends. She quickly became a favorite of designer Jonathan Anderson, appearing in multiple JW Anderson and Loewe shows, as well as lookbooks and campaigns for Loewe and Uniqlo's JW Anderson collaborations.
On a commercial level, Yidan's presence is everywhere. Her M.A.C campaign was prominently displayed on Shanghai's bustling Nanjing East Road, while her work for Zara Beauty, H&M, and Uniqlo has been featured in stores worldwide.
At the same time, Yidan recognizes that modeling is not the entirety of her life. Beyond fame and financial success, it has opened doors to explore other fields. She has built a strong social media presence on Douyin (China's TikTok) and Rednote, and has also transitioned into casting, curating talent for fashion magazines like Modern Weekly and brands such as Timberland.
For Yidan Huang, life is dynamic, full of endless possibilities waiting to be explored.
THE WOW: Let's start our conversation with a brief introduction of yourself.
YIDAN HUANG: Hi, I'm Yidan. I've been a model for almost seven years. I started modeling while studying in college, and after graduation, I pursued an international career. Over the years, I've traveled to all four major fashion weeks, visited more than a dozen countries for shoots, and worked with some of the world's most creative artists.
THE WOW: Why did you want to get into modeling in the first place?
YIDAN: I love fashion! When I was in school, I followed fashion closely and always wanted to be part of the industry. Modeling became an incredible opportunity for me to step into this world.
THE WOW: What do you think is the best thing about modeling?
YIDAN: I love working with artists and creatives in the industry—some of whom I admired growing up while reading magazines. It's exciting to collaborate with them and learn about fashion history, clothing culture, and new industry trends through my work.
THE WOW: What are your proudest moments in your career?
YIDAN: I have always been a fan of Jonathan Anderson. As a student, I saved up to buy accessories from the first season of his personal brand. I loved reading about his shows and collections. My proudest moment was when I had the incredible opportunity to be the exclusive model for JW Anderson's show at London Fashion Week during my first international season—a true dream come true.
THE WOW: You're not just a model now; you also run your own Rednote account and have started working as a casting director. Why did you decide to explore other roles?
YIDAN: The longer you stay in the industry, the more you interact with different people and projects. You start to realize your other interests and strengths. I try not to create anxiety for myself—if a new opportunity arises, I go for it. There's no need to force a singular focus on motivation; sometimes, just trying something new is enough.
THE WOW: What are the differences between these roles? Do you see any similarities?
YIDAN: The biggest difference is the shift from being passive to active. As a model, your personal style and presence matter, but creative decisions are often out of your hands. When I take on other roles, I have more space for reflection and decision-making—it's a completely different perspective.
The similarities lie in experience. Having worked in the industry for years, I already have a strong network and understanding of how things work. That gives me an advantage when transitioning into new roles, as my experiences complement each other.
THE WOW: Having worked for so long, do you think age is a limitation in modeling?
YIDAN: Not really. The industry is becoming much more inclusive, moving away from rigid age restrictions. There’s a growing appreciation for diversity—unisex, intergenerational, and artistically versatile models are more in demand. This shift is great for the future of fashion, making it less narrow-minded.
THE WOW: If you had to describe your identity as a model, how would you define it?
YIDAN: I am a model with endless possibilities! There are so many new directions to explore.
THE WOW: What would you like to try next?
YIDAN: I want to try acting! Last year, I took an acting course in London, which was incredibly inspiring. It broadened my understanding of performance, and in the future, I hope to take on more acting opportunities and step into new industries.
Talent: YIDAN HUANG
Photographer: DAVID WILLIAM BAUM
Stylist: TIFFANY HORN
Hair & Make-up: GRACE CHOO