Jade Vanhinsbergh on moving to Korea at 18, living between continents and her true self beyond the camera

In a world where modeling careers increasingly extend far beyond runways and photo shoots, Jade Vanhinsbergh represents a new generation of fashion girls — global, visually precise, yet deeply authentic. Half British and half Korean, she moved to Seoul alone at 18, and today works between London, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. As the new digital cover girl of ELLE.UA, Jade speaks about life between cultures, the loneliness and freedom that come with taking risks, and the point where the polished image ends and the real version of herself begins.

Jade, you are a highly in-demand model. If you had to choose between London, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles — which city feels the most comfortable for you and why?

London will always feel the most comfortable to me because it feels like home. I love how creative and international the city is, and I feel like I can fully be myself there. But New York inspires me the most creatively, the energy is so fast and motivating.

You moved alone to South Korea at 18. What moment back then became a real turning point in your maturity? Which shoot or project made you feel: “Yes, I truly belong here”?

Moving alone to South Korea at 18 definitely forced me to grow up quickly. I had to become independent, adapt to a completely new culture, and learn to trust myself. I think the real turning point was realizing I could build a life for myself so far from home. One of the first projects where I truly felt like I belonged was a model competition with W magazine where I became a finalist it helped me realize people believed in me creatively that gave me confidence in myself too.

How do your Korean and British roots influence your style, personality, and perception of beauty?

Being half Korean and British has shaped me a lot. I think the Korean side influenced my attention to detail, discipline, and beauty aesthetic, while the British side made me more open-minded and expressive. I feel like my style is a mix of both.

In the fashion world you often have to be “perfect.” Where does the image end and the real Jade begin?

Modeling can sometimes create this idea that you always have to look or act “perfect,” but the real me is much more grounded than the image people see online. I’m actually very emotional, introspective, and family oriented. I think the difference is that social media only captures small moments, while real life is much more human and imperfect. I still like to sit on the couch, watch tv and eat my snacks haha.

If you could leave people with only one thought about you — not as a model, but as a person — what would it be?

I’d want people to remember me as someone who was brave enough to take risks and stay true to herself. Not just as a model, but as someone who worked hard, stayed kind, and inspired other girls to believe they can create their own path too.

 

Model: @jadevanhinsbergh

Photographer: @josygraye

Stylist: @natalie_ayers

Wearing: @christopher_esber

PR: @say__media

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