Meet the ‘Exotic’ Filipino Model Who’s Appearing on Runways All Over the World
By Carl Samson
Japanese model Rina Fukushi has become the latest Asian woman to conquer the fashion runway after being branded “exotic” for her mixed Asian ethnicity.
Rina has been modeling for big fashion brands across Europe and New York, including Chloe, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu.
For a 17-year-old, that’s clearly an achievement.
backstage😉😉😂at @chloe ❤️ #chloe #ss17 #backstage
A photo posted by Rina Fukushi /福士リナ (@rinao127) on
Rina was discovered at the young age of 14. She told the AFP:
“I always believed I could be a star from the moment I was scouted. But at the same time, I still can’t believe it’s real.”
According to the outlet, Rina was dubbed by the Japanese fashion press as “exotic.” She was born in Manila to a Spanish-Filipino mother and a Japanese-American father. The family moved to Japan when she was still young, so she grew up in Tokyo.
Nevertheless, she speaks both Tagalog and Japanese.
At 176 cm (5.7 feet), Rina falls short for a runway model by Western standards, but that didn’t stop her from conquering Milan, Paris and New York. She looks up to Kate Moss:
“When she wears clothes, they look fabulous. She has inner beauty and I think that is so important.”
A photo posted by Rina Fukushi /福士リナ (@rinao127) on
At present, Rina studies online despite her grueling schedule. She starts her day at 7 a.m., ends work at 10 p.m. and goes to bed at 1 a.m.
On top of being hardworking, Rina’s confidence truly sets her record straight:
“I like myself and I have confidence. What is wrong about being Asian or Japanese? I don’t feel ‘I am sorry for being Japanese.’ If I am confident that clothes look good on me, people don’t see anything wrong. So it doesn’t annoy me.”
The hamburger and J-Pop lover dreams of walking for Chanel and becoming an actress or a singer later.
Numero TOKYO 100th issue💖✨ #numero #100th #congratulations #おめでとうございます❤️
A photo posted by Rina Fukushi /福士リナ (@rinao127) on
You go, girl!
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