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FEATURED: An Interview with PurplePort Model Sin Yu Chan

Header photo: Images with model Sin Yu Chan

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community, sharing their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed Sin Yu Chan, a full-time PurplePort model with more than 2 years of experience based in London, United Kingdom.

Image by photographer Panikosphoto with model Sin Yu Chan

Image by photographer Paul.E with model Sin Yu Chan taken at Panikosphoto

About PurplePort model Sin Yu Chan

'Sin Yu' means 'Eternal Kindness' in Chinese. Originally from Hong Kong, Sin Yu is currently a professional fashion model and stylist based in London.

Sin Yu's exclusive and signature brand is Styled by Me Modelled by Me, a 2-in-1 professional modelling and fashion styling photoshoot service, which she strongly believes guarantees to showcase something different. She is confident her outfits never disappoint and cannot be replicated by any other model on the platform.

Known among photographers for her strong, unique and incomparable wardrobe collection, Sin Yu offers outfits from global brands and designers, studio collection items from local high-street fashion retailers, and self-designed pieces. All the outfits in Sin Yu's PurplePort portfolio are styled by herself.

Since joining our creative community on PurplePort, Sin Yu has received many glowing references from photoshoots, and her stunning work has been featured regularly in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection.

Image by photographer Happy Jack with model Sin Yu Chan

Image by photographer Grewy with model Sin Yu Chan

FEATURED Interview with PurplePort model Sin Yu Chan

How did you get into modelling?

As ridiculous as it sounds, I started modelling because I wanted to become more desirable as a person. I used modelling as a means of masking my insecurities, an
excuse to glow up and dress up, and a way to make myself look impressive.

Of course, with time and experience, I gradually pursued modelling as a serious profession.

Image by photographer MattB with model Sin Yu Chan taken at TBG Studio

What did you do before becoming a model?

I was studying Business Management and completing my bachelor's degree at the University of Surrey.

Image by photographer MattB with model Sin Yu Chan

Do you have a health or fitness regime?

I am not the best example when it comes to health and fitness. I am very much a treadmill girl.

I also religiously stretch every day. I need to maintain my perfect splits and oversplits.

Having said all this, I survive on soup noodles, particularly ramen.

Image by photographer Ravi (Ravindra Samant) - he/him with model Sin Yu Chan

How do you prepare for photoshoots?

I customise a fashion board for every photographer who books me according to the idea or mood board they present to me. This fashion board shows the outfits I plan on bringing to the shoot.

Outfits are always pre-discussed so photographers can provide feedback before the shoot and know the exact outfits they are shooting on the day. I always pack the night before the shoot.

On the day, I give myself at least 2 hours prior to leaving my house to do makeup, hair and grab some food.

Image by photographer Ofilaye_ with model Sin Yu Chan

What style of photoshoot do you enjoy working on the most?

I love a classic studio fashion editorial shoot. It is the most comfortable environment to shoot in.

I enjoy having full control of my surroundings and experimenting with different lighting setups.

Image by photographer Stuart_B with model Sin Yu Chan

What's the most interesting photoshoot you've ever worked on?

My glitter makeup photoshoot with LRM Photography and Sister Of Sinister (now Haus of Sinister).

Although not a 'Styled by Me Modelled by Me' shoot, it was a photoshoot I remembered being particularly excited for. I was incredibly looking forward to being transformed.

Sister of Sinister perfectly brought my vision to life through her incredible makeup skills. I was simply in awe throughout the process.

LRM Photography is an amazingly talented photographer. He is also extremely generous and gracious. I will forever be grateful to him for organising this opportunity for me.

Image by photographer LRM Photography with model Sin Yu Chan and make-up artist Sister Of Sinister

What do you most enjoy about being a model?

Dressing up, of course. I love exploring fashion through modelling.

Red Queen by photographer Zavod Studio UK with model Sin Yu Chan and make-up artist Alona Dmytrenko

My Floral Design by photographer SanVidPhotography with model Sin Yu Chan

Image by photographer Rick Mitra with model Sin Yu Chan

What would you describe as your main strengths as a model?

First and foremost, my fashion styling skills. I have built my entire brand around it, after all. I have never failed to stun photographers with the outfits I bring.

In addition, I have a signature upper-body-focused posing style, which some photographers call my 'Armmerism' style.

I am very adept at using my arms to create dramatic and elegant shapes while focusing my lower body on flattering my figure.

Image by photographer Zavod Studio UK with model Sin Yu Chan and make-up artist Alona Dmytrenko

What's your absolute favourite photo?

My Mugler catsuit with the diamante bunny ears. It is an image I truly consider perfect. Extremely flattering pose. Bold and strong, straight-on expression. I love the red and black pairing. I cannot fault it at all.

It blew up on my Instagram when I posted it. The funny thing is this image was not even taken during a proper photoshoot. It was a quick snap taken during a Halloween party at the photographer's new studio.

Image by photographer Ana Stanojevic Photography with model Sin Yu Chan

Image by photographer ParadoxPhoto with model Sin Yu Chan taken at Neon Dreams Studio

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

No. I tend to find inspiration everywhere there is no singular source.

Image by photographer Yogi C with model Sin Yu Chan

What advice would you give to a model just starting out?

Modelling is an art, but more importantly, it is a business. Remember that. You must manage and treat it as such.

Everything you do—the way you carry yourself, package yourself, and market yourself—represents your brand.

I Am Scorpio by photographer rob11 with model Sin Yu Chan

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

I grew up eating Hawaiian pizza in Hong Kong. I did not know pineapple on pizza was considered a sin until I came over to the UK.

I will say no pineapple on pizza for the sake of not being socially awkward. But secretly, yes :)

Image with model Sin Yu Chan and Photoshop Wizard Oxy Retoucher

Image by photographer Grewy with model Sin Yu Chan

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, Sin Yu Chan.

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more of Sin Yu Chan's beautiful work!

Here's where you can find more of Sin Yu Chan's work

PurplePort: Sin Yu Chan

Website: www.sinyuchan.com

Instagram: sin.yu.chan_model

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