Ever since the 1960s with Naomi Sims, there has been a growth in diversities reaching the runway, appearing in front of fashion covers editorials internationally. Our latest series brings you mixes of all races around the world–the hottest new generation. Inspired by National Geographic’s Changing Faces article.
Photographed by Lauren Engel all posts of NEW GENERATION
Amanda Le-Paige, half American, half Chinese
Born in the sun-drenched island of Hawaii, we have our stunner girl of the moment, Amanda Li-Paige. Scouted at a young age, the world was her stage, modeling in multiple countries. She attended college at Northeastern University in Boston studying marketing and was successful modeling while she is there. Since then she has modelled in Miami and Los Angeles and we caught her just before she left for London for the next few months. This girl is making waves!
Photography by Lauren Engel Make up by Alegra Titus
Is there a modelling scene in Hawaii? There is a small modelling scene in Hawaii. There is so much talent and aspiring artists in the industry in Hawaii and yet it is very small, everyone knows everyone. Talk us through your modelling career-how you started and until where you are now. I was scouted when I was 7 in a restaurant in California. I used to shoot “girl power” themed birthday cards and would be photoshopped into a fairy for frames. My mother then consequently put me a modelling agency, she was never much of a soccer mom therefore never ever pushed me into doing it. But at 7, getting to skip class to go on set and eat catering while getting my make up done seemed like the princess life, more importantly I didn’t need to fully finish my homework the night before. As I began the years continued, I modelled on the side shooting for: target, Kodak, Disney, Hawaii based magazine covers, all before the age of 16. While in college at Northeastern University I worked part time as a model with Maggie inc, a Boston based agency. My schedule was so hectic between studying and going to class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while modelling Tuesdays, Thursdays, and sometimes half days on Fridays. During my second year of college NEXT models Miami scouted me and asked if I could move to Miami for season. Being the marketing major that I was, I finagled my university into letting my model full time as a co-op. A co-op was part of my universities curriculum which required students to work for 6 months full time in their Feild of study paid or unpaid. What better way to exercise and learn marketing then to market myself? Is that not the true essence of marketing? I was pitching myself, my identity, my brand, to my agency and clients that one day I might want to work for. Not only did this kill two birds with one stone it really did let me see the industry from the inside first and has led me to realize that creative directing is what I’d ideally like to find myself in. Next I moved to Los Angeles and signed with Wilhelmina. It has been an amazing blur but now I find myself sitting on a train from London to Manchester, England for a job answering these interview questions. 
“Growing up in Hawaii is something really special. Words don’t quite cover it… My friends and I grew up jumping in the ocean every day, hiking trails on the weekends, and partying under the moonlight on the beach. At the time growing up that was just the norm, now looking back we had it absolutely made.”
What has so far been the highlight of your career so far? I have two highlights in my career thus far. One was early on in the start of my modelling career and a job which took place just this year. My first hoorah was my job for Kodak because this was my first international campaign… I was about 10. This campaign also has The the most endearing story. I went in for the casting and my 3 year old sister was separately casted. The client, without knowing that we were sisters, booked us both separately for the job. My second was for Sunsilk hair products which shot in Argentina. You studied marketing–did you plan on a career in that? Or did you know you used that for modelling as you said you’re ‘marketing yourself’ Modelling had always been a side money maker for me. I never expected to do it as a full time career. I eventually would like to utilize my marketing degree from Northeastern but until then I’ll use my knowledge and put it towards marketing myself as a model :). How would you say growing up in Hawaii is different to just growing up in the states? Growing up in Hawaii is something really special. Words don’t quite cover it… My friends and I grew up jumping in the ocean every day, hiking trails on the weekends, and partying under the moonlight on the beach. At the time growing up that was just the norm, now looking back we had it absolutely made. The most amazing part is my friends and I don’t take it for granted one bit. We are fully aware of how lucky we were and are never afraid to say it. Which markets have you worked in and which has been the best for you to model in? I have worked in: Hawaii, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, and now London. In addition I have spent short amounts of time in New York. The best market for me believe it or not was Boston. I was a big fish in a small pond and was able to work frequently with clients that became friends. You have traveled so much–which countries have you fallen in love with and why? I love different countries for different reasons: I’m in love with Hong Kong’s food and liveliness, Bali’s ocean reef and pamper oriented culture, Australia’s wildlife and beaches, and Vancouver’s fresh salmon. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Possibly moving back to Hawaii? That is so hard to predict. I’m in London now and didn’t even expect to be here two months ago! 
