Hot Lister Diane Chiu On Her Breakout Year

In 2022, Canadian model Diane Chiu embarked on a significant comeback, marked by her appearance on the runway at J.W. Anderson’s S/S 23 show. Since that pivotal catwalk moment, the Hot Lister has come full circle, closing for J.W. Anderson’s Resort 24 show this summer, and has added eight campaigns to her portfolio like Prada, Valentino, and Versace. But that’s not all; Chiu has also been captured through the lenses of top photographers like Steven Meisel, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, and Nadia Lee Cohen. Reflecting on her achievements, Chiu said, “It’s somewhat surreal to comprehend all that I’ve achieved. I’m immensely grateful for these opportunities, and I’m definitely cherishing every aspect of my current journey.” We caught up with Chiu on the cusp of the eagerly anticipated New York Fashion Week about her most memorable moments, her passion for cooking, and how she prepares for fashion month.

You experienced a resurgence in 2022 and were selected as Top Breakout for S/S 23. How did it feel to receive this recognition after starting your career in 2016?
It’s been quite the journey, to be honest. Every now and then, I have to pinch myself because it all still feels surreal. I’m incredibly grateful. It’s like all those years of hard work have finally paid off, and it felt like a well-deserved pat on the back.

​​Congratulations on starting 2023 with a bang by landing a Valentino Spring/Summer 2023 Campaign with Steven Meisel. How was the experience of working with such a renowned fashion house photographed by such a legendary photographer?
I was so nervous that day, but the Valentino team has always been so welcoming and kind. I love that Pierpaolo was always on set, making things fun and always putting in his little creative ideas. As for Steven, he always has a vision and knows exactly what he wants, and makes us all feel at ease. It was a quick yet enjoyable and fun shoot that was very memorable.

Before starting your workday, what is one thing you consider a must-do and why?
For me, the essential routine actually starts the night before the workday. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential. It greatly benefits me, and I believe many models would agree that sleep is crucial for us.

For the S/S 24 men’s season, you walked for brands like Kenzo, AMI Paris, and closed for J.W. Anderson. How did it feel to close that show? Do you have any top highlights from that and working with JW Anderson as well?
I actually didn’t know I’d be closing the show until the day of, so I was pretty shocked and so excited. JW Anderson holds a special place in my heart because it’s the show that marked the beginning of this journey. I started with J.W. last September for their S/S 23 show, and then to close the show for S/S 24 really meant a lot to me.

Reflecting on your career so far, what would you say has been the most memorable moment you’ve had on set?
I would say the most memorable moment on set would be being on set with supermodels Liu Wen, Gigi Hadid, and Irina Shayk, all in one place for the Versace F/W 23 Campaign. That was a really pinch me moment right there. Also, working with Mert and Marcus was so much fun. It felt like we were transported back to the 2000s with the music and their energy.

You made it to Hot List this past April. What drives you to continue pushing for success in your career?
I think it’s the unknown and the infinite possibilities that every model has. Every model starts out in a different place in the world, and we all have different paths. I feel like I’m just on this journey and trying to figure out my path in the fashion industry.

In 2023 alone, you’ve secured seven campaigns with top photographers like Steven Meisel, Carlijn Jacobs, & Mert and Marcus for clients like Versace, Valentino, and Prada, and more. How does it feel to have accomplished so much in your career in just a year?
It’s pretty crazy. I didn’t even realize the extent of my accomplishments until I had a moment to pause and reflect. Even now, it’s somewhat surreal to comprehend all that I’ve achieved. I’m immensely grateful for these opportunities, and I’m definitely cherishing every aspect of my current journey.

With the upcoming show season approaching, what are you looking forward to the most? Do you have any specific routines that help you stay focused and prepared for the show season?
I’m looking forward to reconnecting with fellow models. This is usually the only time when we can all meet up from different corners of the world in one place, it’s always so nice to catch up. Regarding routines that keep me on track, I don’t have many. I’d say that prioritizing sleep is key, and then trying to keep sane by spending time with friends, enjoying dinners, and just relaxing.

Are there any specific cities out of the four that you really love going to?
I have to say I love New York because I’ve spent quite a lot of time there and I have multiple friends there. Also, the energy in New York is truly unparalleled; it’s unlike any other place in the world.

What would you say has been one of the biggest challenges you faced in your career so far, and how have you been able to move past it?
I’d say that living out of a suitcase remains an ongoing challenge for me. Spending months on end, sometimes three months at a stretch, with all my belongings in a suitcase can be quite challenging. However, I’ve learned to pack less and realized that I can always purchase anything I need along the way.

Beyond modeling, what else are you passionate about?
I am really passionate about cooking and food. My parents owned a Chinese restaurant while I was growing up, so my siblings and I practically grew up in the restaurant. We’ve been surrounded by food our whole life, so naturally, we love food, and we love cooking. Also, I would say I’m passionate about the earth. I’m constantly on the lookout for sustainable products, and I make a conscious effort to buy second-hand items whenever possible.

What type of qualities would you say are needed to be a model in this industry looking to make a mark?
You need to have a thick skin and it’s crucial not to take things too personally. Being kind, both to yourself and to others, is vital. Also, being patient.