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Interview with Androgynous Model Victoria Victor

“…I was cast as a female model mistakenly, and for some odd reasons, it took off, and the rest is history..”


Victoria Victor gracing the cover of 2016 June Vol III

Victor, how would you introduce yourself to our readers? What is your background and what got you started with modeling? What was your motivation to be a model? As a social advocate, I go by Victor Loo where I advocate for social justice issues that affect vulnerable communities to address health disparities and bring equity.  As an androgynous model, I go by Victoria Victor. Androgynous modeling was not something I intended to do, it happened with right timing and opportunity about 3 years ago, where I was cast as a female model mistakenly, and for some odd reasons, it took off, and the rest is history, and I am grateful for the opportunities to people who embrace me for who I am and not what I am to be on runway, multiple publications, etc. Whenever I can, I use this platform as an artiste/model to give back to the communities, as I truly believe in integrating arts/fashion with philanthropy.

Do you feel people treat you any differently because of what you do? Do people act any different around you since you have become androgynous model, artist, socialite, advocate…? I like to see myself as an authentic and genuine person with approachable and vibrant personality, and I think people can see and sense it, thus, I do not feel that people treat me differently because of what I do. People who do not know me were always a little surprised that I am not biologically female, and even without makeup, I am always mistaken as female, I got used to it, as I learn to accept it, and never see the need to explain that I am not female.

As a social advocate, it depends on the setting and context on what I am advocating for, it will be factor I consider on how I want to present myself to be most effective.

In your opinion, what traits helped you make it to where you are now? Is it purely based on looks, or has your intelligence played a large part? Looks definitely is an important factor, but without substance within, it will not work. I like to see myself as a model with wit, and there are many more beautiful models than I am, and I know to get endorsements/bookings, I have to stand out in a different way, and often times, my branding as an androgynous/genderless model, and the way I portray myself on or off camera is consistent, and I am cautious on how I should not be affiliated/perceived.

Who is someone you feel has really influenced you? I want to say that my parents have influenced me the most; I come from humble beginnings, where I lived in poverty at one point in my life. They have instilled me to be discipline, hardworking, and determine, and always be positive regardless of how bad a situation is. More importantly, I learn from them that kindness may not always beget kindness, but be kind anyway, and walk away from a bad situation, and some things in life do not have closures.

How has modeling experience changed you as a person/your personal life? It does not really change me as a person, close friends who know me know that whether I am in front of the camera or not, I am the same person they know since day one. With my personal life, it can get a little hectic at times, where I can find limited time to socialize, spend time with my loved ones, or time just for myself. Despite the hectic schedule, I do my best to find balance.

 

From your point of view, what is the biggest misconception about the modeling industry? Is there anything you would change about the industry if you could? The biggest misconception is it looks glamorous and easy, shallow and shiny. On the contrast, it is hard work, and it takes more than a pretty face to succeed.

I will to see more diversity and more gender neutral fashion in the industry.

What tips and advice do you have for body conscious person, something you wish someone would have told you? We can never meet the perfect beauty standards, the important part is be healthy, and love yourself, as beauty always radiates from the inside out.

You have worked on so many projects as a model. Which of the projects you have worked on are you most proud of and why? This is a tough question, I see every project as a last project, and being a perfectionist, I always put in efforts in everything I do. Every project requires teamwork, and I am always proud to see the outcome of a creative team regardless of how big or small the project is.

Victor, what’s going through your mind when you’re modeling in front of the camera? Before each assignment, I do my research, so I can have a good understanding of the concept, and I aspire to convey messages/stories when I am modeling in front of the camera.

What do you look for in photographers that you would do trade with? I look for photographers that I would do trade with that has great quality portfolio versus whether they have done many projects. It is always quality over quantity.

Can you tell us the most exciting moment in your career? And looking back, what was the hardest? Every moment has been a blessing, and the best is yet to come. The hardest was (still is) to be asked to hide my actual gender, and pretend to be female, which I never compromise, and at times, it can cause me to lose assignments, but I will rather be true to self.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career? Not yet, I try to always maintain a calm composure.

Tell us about your own personal style. Do you have your icons? What inspires you? My personal style is ungendered, I like simple and sleek looking designs, as simplicity can have the greatest capacity. Too many icons that inspire me, but they have these common traits: unique, chic, positive, and authentic.

Do you have any beauty secrets or products you swear by? Are there any beauty products you cannot live without? I do not think I have any beauty secrets; I am obsessed with exercising, and am vegetarian, so maybe that helps. No specific beauty products, but I live by moisturizers with SPF.

How would you define beauty? Beauty is seeing you as beautiful inside and out, and not what society should dictate.

What is something you haven’t achieved but hope to in the future? Someone you’d like to work with or something you would like to accomplish? One day, I will like to be on the cover of Vogue magazine. In dream and love, everything is possible, so I can dream big.

I also hope to co-produce and act in a film based on a script that I have been working on.

What else do you have planned in the future? Without giving details, I have a book and a film about me in progress, and I am so grateful for the opportunities.

What role does social media play in your career? Do you feel social media has helped your career? Social media plays a critical role in my career, and I realize that it is not about having thousands of followers, it is more about who notice my profile. I have been contacted for endorsements through social media, which is why I know it is important to be consistent in how I present myself, and be authentic.

Where can our readers see more of your works and get connected with you?

www.istyle4life.com/

www.facebook.com/victorloovictoriavictor/

#iStyle4Life

When you are not busy modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do? Spend time with my loved ones, and a close circle of friends, travel, and exercise. I love running, and yoga, there is something very therapeutic about the process that helps me to stay calm.

One thing that bugs you about humans is that…? Dishonesty.

What’s one thing that you’re obsessed with that people might be surprised to learn? I am obsessed with Asian soap operas, they are usually entertaining, and I do not want to take life too seriously, it helps me to unwind, and relax.

Thank you, Victor.


Published in 2016 June Volume III: BUY NOW

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