HONG LIN
Hong Lin’s career is a masterclass in fusing heritage with innovation. Through Sweet Nostalgia, she celebrates the rich traditions of her past while reinterpreting them for contemporary audiences. Her work embodies the belief that fashion is a powerful platform for storytelling, capable of bridging cultural identities and pushing boundaries.
By weaving personal and universal narratives, Hong Lin inspires an industry-wide shift towards deeper, more authentic representation, proving that fashion is not just about clothing but about the stories that define us.
Using our beloved Asian “granny” candies as inspiration, this story weaves affectionate anecdotes from our past. Personifying four childhood symbols – Botan Rice, White Rabbit, Meji Apollo, and Guava – we celebrate nostalgia with saturated colours from our memories.
Top DAIRU REN.
PHOTOGRAPHER JINGYU LIN
STYLIST XUYUNER (ABBY) QI
INTERVIEWER EDWIN
SWEET NOSTALGIA: AN INTERVIEW WITH HONG LIN
From a Parsons Game Design graduate and Stanford MBA student to a celebrated model recognised as one of fashion’s “Faces to Watch,” HONG LIN’s journey is one of reinvention and ambition. Her breakthrough came in 2020 with her debut in ELLE USA alongside Alex White, marking the beginning of a career dedicated to redefining Chinese representation in fashion. Since then, she has appeared in high-profile campaigns for Coach with Jürgen Teller, editorial collaborations with Rick Owens, and has continuously worked with Nike—a brand close to her heart, having played tennis since the age of seven. With a distinctive ability to merge storytelling and fashion, HONG LIN is shaping the industry with a fresh and inclusive vision.
THE WOW: What drew you to the concept of nostalgia for this shoot?
HONG LIN: Nostalgia resonates deeply with me as an emotional anchor. Revisiting childhood symbols—Botan Rice, White Rabbit sweets—felt like reconnecting with simpler times, a bridge between my past and present. These icons hold personal significance, and reimagining them in a modern context was an opportunity to honour those memories while presenting them anew.
THE WOW: How does your career journey reflect the themes in Sweet Nostalgia?
HL: My journey has always been about balancing roots with reinvention. Childhood memories often serve as a foundation for creativity, and this shoot encapsulates that balance. While my career has spanned global platforms, the essence of my upbringing continues to influence my vision and drive.
Dress NORA LAN,
ring ROUSSEY,
shoes RUBBY RUBBY.
THE WOW: How does fashion serve as a storytelling medium, especially in your work as a model?
HL: Fashion is a visual language, and modelling is its expression. In Sweet Nostalgia, I don’t just wear the clothes—I embody the story behind them. Modelling allows me to channel emotions, heritage, and identity, creating images that resonate beyond aesthetics. Through movement, expression, and styling, I bring narratives to life, ensuring that each editorial or campaign carries meaning beyond the surface.
THE WOW: The use of colour in this shoot is striking. How does it enhance the narrative?
HL: Colour has the power to evoke deep emotional connections. In this story, the vibrant hues are not just a stylistic choice; they are woven into my personal and cultural memory. As a model, my role is to translate these elements into an immersive experience—using posture, gaze, and interaction with the garments to communicate the joy and warmth of my childhood in China. It’s about making nostalgia feel tangible and universal through the visual language of fashion.
THE WOW: How does your cultural heritage shape your career in the modelling industry?
HL: My heritage is integral to my work. I see modelling as a platform to bridge cultures and redefine representation. Being a Chinese model in an industry that has historically lacked diverse narratives, I aim to push past stereotypes and showcase the multidimensionality of Asian identity. It’s not just about representation—it’s about reshaping global perceptions and creating space for new voices.
THE WOW: As a rising force in fashion, how do projects like this contribute to evolving representation?
HL: Representation should be more than a trend—it should be a fundamental part of the industry’s evolution. Sweet Nostalgia demonstrates that cultural storytelling belongs at the forefront of fashion. By highlighting authentic experiences and diverse aesthetics, we challenge outdated norms and expand the industry’s vision of beauty and identity. Each project I take on contributes to this shift, ensuring that underrepresented voices become an integral part of fashion’s future.
THE WOW: What are your thoughts on the future of diversity in fashion?
HL: True diversity isn’t just about visibility; it’s about influence. It’s about who gets to shape the narratives, direct the campaigns, and set the trends. As a model, I want to be part of this transformation—working with brands that prioritise inclusivity and collaborating on projects that tell meaningful stories. The future of fashion lies in embracing complexity and authenticity, making diversity a core principle rather than an afterthought.
Jumpsuit KUAI LI.
THE WOW: Your career spans Game Design, an MBA, and now modelling. How has this multidisciplinary background influenced your approach to fashion?
HL: My background gives me a unique edge in the industry. Game Design taught me how to craft immersive worlds, which translates into my ability to embody characters and narratives in editorial work. My MBA sharpened my strategic vision, allowing me to navigate the business side of fashion with confidence. Modelling, for me, is not just about being in front of the camera—it’s about understanding the creative and commercial forces shaping the industry. This perspective allows me to bring more depth and intention to my work.
THE WOW: How does nostalgia continue to shape your creative direction in modelling?
HL: Nostalgia is a lens through which I interpret fashion. It allows me to infuse depth into my work—whether it’s in editorial shoots, campaigns, or runway moments. It’s about taking the memories and emotions that define me and translating them into powerful imagery. By doing so, I stay connected to my roots while continually evolving as a model and storyteller.
This story was published in The WOW N° 9.
Talent: HONG LIN
Photographer: JINGYU LIN @ KRAMER + KRAMER
Stylist: XUYUNER (ABBY) QI
Hair: CHIKA NISHIYAMA @ 87 ARTISTS
Make-up: KEVIN CHEAH @ KRAMER + KRAMER
Casting Director: LUCKY TENNYSON @ DMB