Talent: Ling Tan. Photographer: Tom Marvel. Dress, Jean Paul Gaultier. Shoes, Dear Frances.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Ling Tan emphasizes self-care, adaptability, and authenticity, viewing beauty as a blend of inner peace and confidence, and fashion as a form of artistic expression.
In this exclusive interview with Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Ling reflects on her journey in the ever-evolving fashion industry, her advocacy for greater inclusivity for Asian models, and the principles that have sustained her remarkable career.
Dress, Proenza Schouler. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.
Harper’s Bazaar (HBZVN): As someone who has witnessed the evolution of fashion from the ‘90s to now, how do you feel about the growing inclusivity of Asian models on global runways today?
LING TAN: Over the past 30 years, there has been a significant improvement with inclusivity for Asian models on global runways. Although there has been a noticeable increase in representation, with more Asian models achieving international recognition, there is still a need for greater diversity in fashion. As the global Asian population continues to grow, it is crucial to have more visibility for Asian models at all levels. By continuing to advocate for representation, the industry can better reflect the diversity of its global audience.
Trench & pants, Gabrielle Venguer from Showroom Seven. Shoes, Dear Frances.
HBZVN: Beauty standards have shifted significantly since your early days in the industry. What does beauty mean to you now, and how do you believe it should be defined in the modern world?
LING TAN: To me, beauty now represents a harmonious combination of inner happiness, self-confidence, and peace. A clean and natural appearance with minimal enhancements is the epitome of beauty in the modern world.
Dress, Diotima. Shoes, Narciso Rodriguez.
HBZVN: Your career has taken you across the globe. How has your lifestyle changed over the years, and what routines or practices do you maintain to balance the fast-paced world of fashion with your personal well-being?
LING TAN: Maintaining routines that prioritize self-care are important to me, such as consistent skincare, eating nutritionally balanced foods and getting regular exercise. I especially enjoy wellness practices like meditation, yoga, swimming, snorkeling, and long walks on the beach. Another favorite would be gardening, which I feel helps me in maintaining an inner equilibrium.
I also make sure that I find time for rest, and to nurture my personal relationships, and work at staying connected to my passions outside of modeling. I feel that all these elements come together to play a role in sustaining my overall happiness and balance.
Dress, A.W.A.K.E Mode. Shoes, Dear Frances.
HBZVN: What are some of the key principles that have helped you thrive in the demanding fashion industry for so long?
LING TAN: To be able to sustain three decades of modeling career, it has been vital to adhere to certain key principles. Remaining adaptable to industry changes, maintaining a positive attitude, and continually learning and growing are essential. Furthermore, discipline in areas such as self-care, regular exercise, professionalism on set are crucial.
Prioritizing one’s mental health and physical well-being, while staying passionate about the craft helps navigate the demands of the industry. Additionally, building strong business relationships with clients and developing resilience in the face of challenges is vital for long-term success.
Dress, Bibhu Mohapatra. Shoes, Dear Frances. Bracelet, Pluma.
HBZVN: Modeling is often seen as an art form where the body becomes a canvas for expression. How do you connect your background in art and design to the way you view fashion and modeling as an artistic pursuit?
LING TAN: My early exposure to fashion modeling was through watching my mother create garments at home since I was a child, reading fashion magazines, and watching fashion television shows such as Style with Elsa Klensch and Fashion TV at a very young age. Additionally, I pursued fashion studies in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during high school to learn how to create clothes, which undoubtedly shaped my artistic perspective on fashion modeling.
This background allows me to view fashion and modeling as more than just appearances, but as a collaboration between design and personal expression, as a model wearing the designer’s creations—becomes a continuation of that artistic tradition, where the body is a canvas and the clothes a form of storytelling.
Dress, Issey Miyake. Shoes, Paul Andrew.
HBZVN: What was your favorite Harper’s Bazaar shoot?
LING TAN: Shooting Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia and Singapore editions with my younger sister Ein Tan and my photographer friend Leslie Lee in NYC.
HBZVN: Favorite Runway show?
LING TAN: The Grand Final of Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture in Paris on January 22, 2002 was a highlight of my fashion experience. I was dressed in a 1962 ‘Smoking’ Tuxedo from his first collection, exuding sophistication and refinement.
Top & skirt, Junya Watanabe x Comme des Garcons. Shoes, Dear Frances.
HBZVN: Lipstick?
LING TAN: NARS Audacious lipstick – Shade “Carmen.”
HBZVN: Shoes?
LING TAN: My Manolo Blahnik black heels.
Top & pants, Jason Wu Collection. Shoes, Dear Frances.
HBZVN: Bag?
LING TAN: My Louis Vuitton tote bag. Goes everywhere with me.
HBZVN: What advice do you have for emerging models?
LING TAN: My advice for emerging models, it is essential to maintain a positive and curious mindset to seek knowledge and be adaptable and willing to embrace change as opportunities arise. Following your passion and prioritizing personal well-being are crucial for long-term success in the ever-evolving world of the fashion industry.
Trench & pants, Gabrielle Venguer from Showroom Seven.
Talent: Ling Tan @lingtan_.
Agency: The Model CoOp @themodelcoop.
Producer/Photographer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography.
Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Ray Brown @raybrownpro.
Lighting Director: Pierre Bonnet @pierrebonnet.
Director of Video: James Webber @james_weber.
Digital Tech: Olivia Wohlers @wohliviaa.
Digital Artist: Marilynn Hawkridge.
Photographer Assistants: Sarah Schneider @sarahbschneider, and Michele Swain @michelewilhelminaphotography.
Hair: Linh Nguyen @linhhair at SEE Management @seemanagement.
Makeup: Sandy Linter @sandylinter at Bryan Bantry Agency @bryanbantryagency.
Video Assistant: Andre Hemmit Jr @vndrethe.ii.
Fashion Team: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan | Maksim Mizgirev @lu3alo | Dazani @dazaniprice |
Charlotte Van Ingen @charvaningen | Kayla Guerrero @kaylabreanne_.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
