True fans of MTV’s Teen Wolf would be well-acquainted with the series’ fan favourite, Kira Yukimura, portrayed by Arden Cho. The daughter of Ken and Noshiko Yukimura, Cho won hearts for her role as a fearless kitsune in 2014. When it aired, Cho was an integral part of primetime television, solidifying her visibility as one of the few Asian American actors on air at the time.
Fast forward eight years and the actress, singer, producer, and entrepreneur graced screens as the bold senior associate, Ingrid Yun, in Netflix’s legal drama, Partner Track. While the series, based on Helen Wan’s book of the same name, shed light on important topics such as racial inequity and misogyny, it wasn’t just Cho’s acting skills that impressed viewers. Many noted the character’s, and by extension Cho’s, impeccable style. It’s no surprise then that the 38-year-old Korean American actress has steadily built a portfolio outside of entertainment, particularly in the fashion universe.
To date, Cho, who describes her style as “classic and easy”, has collaborated with brands like Reebok and Nike and has become a front-row fixture at fashion weeks all over the world. Her latest appearance? Fronting Love, Bonito’s transformative rebrand alongside musician Yuna, author Chanel Miller, and content creators Gym Tan and Mya Rose Miller. Joining the four women in Love, Bonito’s Ready-to-live campaign, Cho’s affinity with the brand runs deep. Echoing their female-first approach, Cho notes her alignment with their mission of championing Asian women.
In an exclusive interview with Vogue Singapore at Love, Bonito’s shophouse takeover on Jiak Chuan Road, Cho delves into her resonance with the brand, the importance of representation, as well as her current fashion favourites.
Tell us about your earliest memories of fashion.
I feel like it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I began embracing my own style. I’ve always loved fashion and had an interest in it. However, I was one of those girls who would go shopping, find an item cool or fun, and then never wear it because I didn’t know how to style it. It’s interesting because I’ve discovered that many people struggle with this. I cannot tell you how many pieces sit in my wardrobe that never got to see the light of day, although I loved them when I purchased them. Now, I think I’m in a place where I’m not as scared to just try things. I feel like I don’t judge myself as much or feel the need to follow a trend. Instead, I focus on whether something fits my body or makes me feel good. I think my big thing now is I want to wear clothes that feel like me and that I feel comfortable in.
On that note, how did you first get acquainted with Love, Bonito?
I was first introduced to Love, Bonito a couple of years ago through a friend, Michelle Phan. I got to know Rachel, and I was just a really big fan of what she was doing and how she represented the brand. As I started trying some of the pieces, I was like, “Oh, it fits my body really well.” I’m an incredibly petite girl so I really loved that.
“When I look at Love, Bonito, it makes me feel like every woman can be a part of it.”
What about the messaging of Love, Bonito really spoke to you?
When I look at Love, Bonito, it makes me feel like every woman can be a part of it. It feels very inclusive. It’s very approachable as well. My girlfriends and I will look through pieces and say, “Hey, I’m going to get this sweater in red. You get this one in blue, and then we’ll swap.”
You’ve been vocal about your challenges as an Asian American woman in Hollywood. What have been some of the toughest moments to navigate?
The toughest part has always been making compromises. I’ve been very lucky to be able to say “no” quite often in my career, but I’ve also been told by many people, “You will never make it if you say no to this or that.” What does that even mean? Who measures success? My biggest obstacle has been naysayers in the business—people who think that women shouldn’t be leads, that Asian women shouldn’t play intellectual characters, that we should have accents or that we should just be sexy. And another challenge has been wanting to be the best representation, but also wanting to play. I’m an actor. I want to have fun, but I’m always conscious of what every word means for us because it’s a responsibility. The current struggle is always trying to choose wisely which project I pursue next. I don’t want to just take on something that solely fulfils me as an actor. Whether you like it or not, there’s a sense of responsibility, even on a smaller scale. It’s a very double-edged sword.
Which brings us to your collaboration with Love, Bonito. What does the brand’s tagline “Ready-to-Live” mean to you?
I am such a fan of it. It is a model for my life. I feel like Ready-to-live means just being ready for anything. You roll with the punches. And honestly, as an actor, as a creative, our lives are sort of bouncing all over the place. Things are thrown at us left and right. I remember, once I booked Partner Track, I picked up and moved my entire life to New York in less than a week. So, you know, as an actress, your life really is dependent on everybody else’s schedule. People think we’re at the top of the totem pole, but really, we’re waiting. You have to show up and be ready. So, I feel like being Ready-to-live is all about living in the moment.
And finally, what are some of your current fashion obsessions?
I love sneakers. I love a great clean white sneaker. I’m also obsessed with a crisp, white T-shirt. And then I just love a good blazer because I feel like I can wear it with skinny jeans and I can look professional, cool and smart. I am also obsessed with jewellery and with men’s cardigans. I shop men’s stuff all the time because I like the oversized look. When it comes to fashion, I always tell girls, “Try whatever you want on. Don’t be scared.”
