A Different Kind of Design

Model: Nuri Son. Photographer: Tom Marvel. Dress: Anna Kiki. Hat: WMN. Coat: Santa Brands. Earrings: Keren Wolf.

Before she stepped in front of the camera, Nuri Son worked on a different side of visual communication. Having studied industrial design, she joined a design company, creating packaging and logos. “I’ve always been interested in creativity and visual communication, so industrial design felt like a natural fit,” she says. “I enjoyed thinking about how design could shape the way people interact with products and brands.”

Today, that experience informs how she approaches a fashion photograph. Her understanding of composition, color and shape helps her interpret the creative direction of a shoot and contribute to its visual story. The medium has changed, but her interest in how images communicate remains.

Jacket, skirt, jewelry and shoes: Chanel. Ring: Mam. Hat: Heather Huey.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam (HBZVN): When did modeling first become a possibility for you?

NURI SON: Modeling wasn’t something I had originally imagined for myself, but friends around me encouraged me to explore it.

HBZVN: What made you decide to take that encouragement seriously?

NURI SON: I became curious about the industry and wanted to see whether modeling could become a meaningful career for me. I decided to give it a chance rather than wonder what might have happened.

HBZVN: How did you begin working professionally?

NURI SON: I eventually joined a modeling academy in Korea, which gave me the opportunity to begin working professionally after completing the program.

HBZVN: What was your first year as a freelance model like?

NURI SON: My first year was a period of learning and exploration. I was gaining experience, meeting people in the industry and figuring out what kind of career I wanted to build.

Cape and earrings: Carolina Herrera. Top: Zimmermann. Gloves: Touché.

HBZVN: What made you realize you wanted to pursue modeling internationally?

NURI SON: After about a year as a freelance model, I realized I wanted to see how far I could take my career. I dreamed of becoming an international model, so I signed with an overseas agency and took a leap of faith by moving to Milan.

HBZVN: Why did you choose Milan as your first international destination?

NURI SON: Milan felt like an exciting place to begin building an international career. It offered new opportunities and challenged me to grow both professionally and personally.

Model: Nuri Son

HBZVN: What was it like moving to Milan?

NURI SON: Moving to Milan was a major leap of faith. I had to adapt to a new country, culture and way of working, but it was also an important step toward the career I wanted.

Jacket: Anna Kiki. Shirt: Louis Vuitton. Skirt and boots: Altuzurra. Tie: Atelier 7474. Earrings: Saule. Bracelet: Alexis Bittar. Bracelet and rings: Pianegonda.

HBZVN: How did you prepare yourself for working in different international markets?

NURI SON: I focused on staying open-minded, adaptable and willing to learn. Every market had its own pace and expectations, so working in different countries taught me how to adjust while remaining true to myself.

Jacket: Anna Kiki. Shirt: Louis Vuitton. Skirt and boots: Altuzurra. Tie: Atelier 7474. Earrings: Saule. Bracelet: Alexis Bittar. Bracelet and rings: Pianegonda.

HBZVN: Which cities and markets have you worked in?

NURI SON: I spent several years working throughout Milan, Paris, London, Germany and other international markets.

HBZVN: What did working across those different markets teach you?

NURI SON: It taught me how diverse the fashion industry can be. Each city offered a different perspective and helped me become more confident, independent and adaptable.

Suit: SRG. Shirt: Calvin Klein. Earrings: Alexis Bittar. Rings: Cristina Sabatini. Boots: Sara Wong.

HBZVN: Why was New York always such an important goal for you?

NURI SON: New York had always been the ultimate destination for me. Even when I was working as a designer, I dreamed of building a life there, so naturally it became my goal as a model as well.

HBZVN: Why did you feel you needed to establish your career before moving to New York?

NURI SON: I knew I needed to establish a strong career before making that move. I wanted to arrive in New York with experience, confidence and a solid foundation rather than rushing into it before I was ready.

Suit: SRG. Shirt: Calvin Klein. Earrings: Alexis Bittar. Rings: Cristina Sabatini. Boots: Sara Wong.

HBZVN: What did it feel like when your dream of living in New York finally became a reality?

NURI SON: It felt incredibly rewarding. After years of moving from city to city and building my career along the way, I now have the privilege of calling New York home.

Suit: SRG. Shirt: Calvin Klein. Earrings: Alexis Bittar. Rings: Cristina Sabatini. Boots: Sara Wong.

A LITTLE MORE PERSONAL HBZVN: What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of modeling? NURI SON: Whenever I have time off, I love to travel, whether it’s a quick escape somewhere nearby or a trip to another country. HBZVN: What do you enjoy most about traveling? NURI SON: I love the opportunity to experience new places, cultures and ways of life. Even a short trip can give me a fresh perspective and help me recharge. HBZVN: Why do you enjoy visiting museums? NURI SON: I especially enjoy visiting museums when I’m exploring a new city. It’s one of my favorite ways to experience a place, discover new perspectives and find inspiration. HBZVN: How does visiting museums influence your creative work? NURI SON: Museums expose me to different forms of art, design and storytelling. I often find inspiration in the details, from the way an exhibition is arranged to the colors, textures and ideas behind the work. HBZVN: Who are some of your favorite musical artists? NURI SON: I’m a huge fan of The Weeknd. Seeing him live in concert made me fall in love with his music even more. HBZVN: What was it like seeing The Weeknd perform live? NURI SON: The energy of the concert was incredible. Hearing the songs live gave me a completely different appreciation for his music and made the experience especially memorable. HBZVN: Are there any other artists you’re a big fan of? NURI SON: I’m also a massive BLACKPINK fan. HBZVN: What is your most memorable BLACKPINK concert experience? NURI SON: I actually got a little too excited at one of their concerts, fell down and still have the scar to prove it! It definitely makes for a memorable concert story. HBZVN: Would you go see BLACKPINK again despite that experience? NURI SON: Absolutely. The fall was unexpected, but it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the concert. It’s still one of those stories I laugh about and remember fondly. Dress: Anna Kiki. Hat: WMN. Coat: Santa Brands. Earrings: Keren Wolf.

Photographer/Producer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography.
Talent: Nuri Son @sonnurinuri.
Stylist/Creative Director: Lisa Smith Craig @lscstyling.
Lighting Director: Pierre Bonnet @jpierrebonnet.
Makeup: Brian Duprey @brianduprey.
Hair: Louis Angelo @louisangelo.
Nails: Casey Herman @caseynails.
Digital Tech: David Gannon @davidgannonphotography.
Casting: Bobby Gutierrez @nycbobbyg.
Lighting Assistant: Sarah Schneider @sarahbschneider.
Photo Assistant: George Santos @gspepe.
Photo Assistant: Michele Swain @michelewilhelminaphotography.
Photo Assistant: Helen Chi @misshelenchic.
Styling Assistant: Essence Carson @essencecarson.
Styling Assistant: Tiwa Lee @_tiwa.
Studio: Untitled NYC, New York, NY @un_nyc.
Retoucher: Anna G. @retoucher.anna_g.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam