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SINGAPORE: Project Runway is all about the aspiring designers, but you might say that the models are the unsung heroes, too. Just talk to Singaporean model Celine Chua after a day of being glued into an outfit on the set of the hit reality competition show.
Celine is currently one of the models parading the designers' outfits down the Project Runway catwalk, nearly nine years after she started her modelling career.
In her last year of university, she took part in the prestigious modelling competition Elite Model Look International held here, and after graduating, lived and worked in Hong Kong.
While visiting New York, she hooked up with an agency and managed to pay for her visa, "so here I am on a super-extended vacation!" said the 29-year-old, who has done work for Chanel, Fendi and Gucci.
After being sent by the agency to a general casting and then doing a filmed interview, she found herself cast in Project Runway. "The toughest and best part is to live with 15 girls when you can barely remember their names!" she told TODAY.
Yes, but what's supermodel host Heidi Klum really like? "Heidi is a wonderful, sweet and funny character."
Okay, so we couldn't get any dirt on Heidi out of Celine, but one thing's for sure: The fashion industry is definitely not all sequins and feathers and glamour.
"It's way harder and more challenging for the designers, but models have a difficult job, especially when you get pinned or sewn in and have to stand for hours, or don't get to eat or even go to the bathroom," Celine said.
"Sometimes when we get sewn or glued in, our outfits get messed up before filming the runway walk. Nothing crazy goes on like people killing one another, but of course with a little tension and stress, people tend to not necessarily get along with each other!"
Sounds fierce - literally - but this fashionista, who describes her personal style as "boyish and grungy", isn't limiting herself to modelling.
"I did dabble in a little creative design before this even started," she said. "I designed own jewellery and sold it at a little store in New York; now, I'm starting a line of self-embellished T-shirts and canvas bags."
You go, girl! Singapore is proud that you're making it work.
Catch Project Runway on Thursdays at 10pm on MediaCorp TV Channel 5.
- TODAY/yb
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