interview

Name:
David Yang

Agency:
HEROES Model Management (New York)
Models 1 (London)
Elite Paris ()
Why Not Model Management (Milan)
Longteng Model Management (Beijing)

Age:
24

Height:
6’1″

Instagram:
@d.avidyang

Place of Origin:
Glasgow, Scotland

Ethnic Origin:
Chinese

Birthsign:
Leo

How discovered:
I was first scouted while studying in Paris before moving back to London and signing with Models 1.

What was your first modeling job?
It was actually a charity fashion show for the ocean conservation organization Oceana. There was word that Leonardo Dicaprio was in the audience so naturally we were all too pre-occupied with searching for Leo rather than walking in a straight line on the runway.

Favorite things:
Travelling and reading. Modelling is great in that sense as it gifts you with the luxury of free time as well as the most incredible travel opportunities.

What are you listening to at the moment?
This week I’ve had the Smashing Pumpkins’ cover of Landslide on loop, with some Diana Ross to break up the self-induced autumnal melancholy.

Favorite movie, tv show:
I’m really into road movies that have beautiful cinematography – My Own Private Idaho, The Living End, and Paris, Texas etc. I have this crazy romanticized view of middle-of-nowhere America which I know will disappoint me someday. I don’t watch much TV but as a Brit I’m naturally obsessed with nice people being disproportionately stressed over uncooked pastries on the Great British Bake Off. It is national treasure for a reason.

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
I love what Shayne Oliver is doing with Helmut Lang. Also, Alessandro Michele’s future-retro Gucci is a dream. Right now I’m wearing Hermès’ Rhubarb Cologne as there’s something great about smelling like a festive pie.

What were you doing before modeling?
I started modelling just after graduating from a degree in French Literature with Film Studies at King’s College London.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
I’m currently working on some writing projects in my spare time. Also, I have this fantasy of doing a travelling food show where I travel the world and just eat.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
Realising that there’s really nothing cooler than family time.

Favorite modeling experience so far?
Working with living legends David Bailey, Nick Knight and Steven Klein has been unreal. I recently shot an H&M campaign and the whole experience – shooting during sunrise on a beach surrounded by the nicest team – was unforgettable.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
Scotland’s landscape is just so insanely magical. The same can be said for China, which has some mind blowing scenery. Also, Chinese food is everything. I come from Shanxi, which is the noodle capital of China.

Which brand would you really love to model for?
Ryan McGinley forever and always.

Place you would love to visit:
Every few months I escape to somewhere remote. Earlier this year I spent some time living in a tree house in the mountains of Bali. Next month I’m staying in a beach shack on a small island in Thailand. Before that I’m going to Hawaii which I’m super excited about. For some reason I’ve amassed all this Hawaiian memorabilia but I’ve never actually been.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
Tacos. It’s a whole new world of flavour for the deprived British palette.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Anything from a fortune cookie as long as it’s grammatically incorrect.