He Cong Is a Model on a Mission
The 50th Anniversary Issue of W is an all-out supermodel celebration featuring 17 cover stars ranging from the world’s most famous names to women who are well on their way to total fashion domination. See every cover model here and read Jenny Comita’s essay about the evolution of the beauty standards that define the industry here.
What is most exciting to you about working as a model right now?
It’s really about working with a great team to bring an idea to life. To be part of that creative process and to deliver an amazing photo or video that can inspire people with its beauty. You also make new friends along the way. We are always traveling together and watching all these incredible creative minds, which is so inspiring and rewarding.
Marni dress; Chanel necklace and shoes; Miu Miu socks (embellished with Chanel earrings); stylist’s own gloves.
Chanel jacket, bag, and shoes; Miu Miu socks (embellished with Chanel earrings); stylist’s own headscarf.
Richard Quinn dress; Amato New York gloves.
Do you have certain goals in mind when it comes to your modeling career?
There are so many! Every new season, it feels like it is my first booking. I want to do as many runway shows as possible, and I hope to get big campaigns and covers. The goals are endless. I just want to keep working hard.
Bottega Veneta dress; Boucheron earrings and bracelet; stylist’s own gloves.
Marc Jacobs dress, jeans, and gloves; Chanel bag, necklace (worn as bracelet), and shoes; stylist’s own bra and headscarf.
Do you think the fashion world’s definition of beauty has changed in recent years?
Right now, the fashion world is becoming a more inclusive space where different types of beauty can coexist. It’s an amazing thing, to celebrate so many diverse body types, ethnicities, and gender identities. The industry has evolved so much, and I think the future of modeling will be more exciting and more interesting. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are on the right path.
He Cong wears a Miu Miu dress and bra; Marc Jacobs jeans; Charvet scarf; Chanel necklace, chain belt (both worn as bracelets), and ring; stylist’s own gloves.
London-based photographer Angelo Pennetta is known for his unique ability to capture the warmth and personality of each of his subjects. As Couture Week wound down last July, he shot the stunning He Cong on the streets of Paris.
Hair by Christian Eberhard for Bumble and Bumble at MA+Talent; makeup by Lucia Pica for Byredo at Art Partner; manicure by Cam Tran at Artlist. Model: He Cong at IMG. Casting by Michelle Lee at Michelle Lee Casting.
Choreographer: Eric Christison at Parent; produced by JNProduction; photo assistants: George Eyres, Alessandro Tranchini; retouching: Output London; fashion assistant: Emilie Carlach; hair assistant: Alexandra Adams; makeup assistant: Kate O’Reilly
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