Capri Wang offers a delightful glimpse into the often-unseen world of high fashion. From chilly sets requiring her dad’s impromptu “carrying service” to the secret lives of designer dresses, Wang shares surprising anecdotes and gives us a peek into the vibrant personality behind the glamorous campaigns.
Hi Capri – thanks for taking some time to chat with us! Let’s jump right in… When you’re modeling for huge brands like Dior or Balmain, what’s the most surprising or funny thing that happens behind the scenes that people wouldn’t usually see?
CW: Oh my goodness, modeling for big brands like Dior and Balmain is such a blast! Behind the scenes, there’s always something unexpected. For example, during one particularly chilly shoot, every time we finished a few shots, my dad would literally carry me to the car! And in between takes, I’d be wrapped head-to-toe in a blanket, clutching hand and body warmers. It gets really cold out there when you’re posing in tiny outfits!
If the clothes you model could talk, what kind of personalities do you think a super fancy Dior dress would have versus a cool Calvin Klein outfit?
CW: That’s such a fun question! I think a super fancy Dior dress would definitely be like a fancy lady, always saying, ‘Look at me, I’m so elegant!’ She’d be super graceful and maybe a little bit shy until the camera flashes, then BAM, total diva! But a cool Calvin Klein outfit? Oh, that would be like my bestie who’s super confident and always ready for an adventure! It would probably say, ‘Let’s go play tennis!’ or ‘Time to dance!’
You get to wear so many incredible creations! Do you ever give the designers or stylists your own ideas or tell them what you think would look extra cool?
CW: For modeling shoots, no, not really. We wear the looks we get fitted for. But believe me, whenever an outfit is super pretty, or cool, or fancy, or just really creative, I wish I could keep them all! Now, for my own social media content, that’s where I have a lot more freedom to play around with looks. And the best part? Those looks I actually get to keep! How cool is that?
When you see your pictures in magazines or big campaigns, what’s the first thought that pops into your head? Does it feel like looking at “Capri the model” or just you in fun clothes?
CW: When I see the final pictures, my first thought is always, ‘Wow, the photoshoot turned out so good!’ Then, I get a little ridiculous about it. I start questioning everything: ‘Hey! Is this even me?’ ‘I don’t remember being there…was it edited?’ ‘Isn’t that the hair I loved most?’ It’s super exciting to see the final images, though! It definitely feels like ‘Capri the model’ because I get to pose and be super confident, but it’s also just me in really cool clothes, playing dress-up! It’s like when I make my transformation videos; I get to ‘become someone else, even if it’s just for a little bit.
If you could design your own mini-collection for one of these famous brands, what would be the theme? Maybe something inspired by K-pop, art, or even tennis?
CW: Oh my gosh, it would immediately be silly Halloween costumes! I would absolutely love to design the most ridiculous but totally desirable things, like a giant Ratatouille costume, or a fluffy sheep! Just imagine someone walking around in a gigantic Duolingo owl costume, looking like a school mascot, wouldn’t that be hilarious and amazing?!
What’s the most comfortable (and uncomfortable!) outfit you’ve ever had to model? And did you have to keep a secret about it?
CW: You know, I don’t remember the brand, but I think the most comfortable outfit was this super cute bunny-themed set! The tops and skirts were so soft, I honestly felt like I could just stay in them all day and lay in bed. The most uncomfortable? Definitely when I had to wear a size small shoe for a shoot! I had to scrunch up my toes so much! But hey, it’s always worth it for the amazing pictures. It’s all part of the fun of being a model!
Do you have a favorite “power pose” or a special way you like to stand that makes you feel super confident on a photoshoot?
CW: My all-time favorite pose, ever since I was a kid, is actually super silly and probably surprising for a model! It’s just a simple peace sign, a wink, and my tongue sticking out! I think it’s just so fun and totally me. It definitely makes me feel super confident and happy on set!
Imagine you get to be the boss of a photoshoot for a day! What kind of theme would you pick, what music would be playing, and what snacks would be essential?
CW: The theme would immediately be FOOD! Haha! Imagine a runway show where suddenly tons of people dressed as giant delicious foods just come out! And of course, this is a no-brainer: K-POP MUSIC! Specifically, BLACKPINK and NewJeans. I’d be dancing like a true fan – which is silly, because I am a true fan! And for snacks, I absolutely need sour gummy worms, Nerds, Fruit Roll-Ups, Skittles, and best of all… TWIX! Seriously, without Twix, it’s nothing!
When you’re working with famous photographers, what’s something cool you’ve learned from them about how to take a great picture or tell a story with your eyes?
CW: I’ve learned so much! They always tell me to think about a feeling or a story in my head, and then let my eyes show it. Like, if I’m supposed to be super fierce, I think about being a superhero, and then my eyes get all strong. Or if it’s a happy picture, I think about laughing with my besties! It’s like acting, and “feel all kinds of emotions”.
Where can we follow you on social media?
