In just a blink of an eye, New York Fashion Week fall/winter 2022 is slowly coming to a close—capping off a modest, yet successful comeback in the age of a pandemic. Albeit the void of a few celebrated American labels like Ralph Lauren and Thom Browne, this season saw a resurgence of physical shows, replete with guests, celebrities in attendance and models strutting down the runways. Just like old times, indeed. It’s a joyous sentiment that isn’t just present in designers and front-row attendees; but models too. For 27 year-old Kaigin Yong from Singapore, her return to the runway at fashion week bears more significance than ever.
Many would be familiar with her success and humble beginnings as a Singaporean model—easily distinguished by her enigmatic gaze and delicate elfin features. Going against the odds as a model from a small Southeast Asian city in a competitive and saturated industry, Yong has walked for brands like Lemaire, Viktor & Roff, Yohji Yamamoto and Erdem. And it’s fairly certain the list will only continue to grow, with her most recent appearance at Coach’s fall/winter 2022 show.
Post-show, she tells Vogue Singapore: “The energy of physical shows brings about much-needed relief, motivation and hope for everyone especially under the current challenging circumstances. After the hiatus due to the pandemic, every opportunity to walk for a show becomes even more precious, and I am greatly moved by the power of storytelling behind these collections. This drives me to always walk my best without regrets.”
Below, Yong journals her days in the Big Apple, for her first ever New York Fashion Week.
1 / 13
9am: Breakfast for champs
I prepared a healthy breakfast to kickstart the day—cooked apple and cinnamon oats, topped with blueberries, orange slices and nuts. An apple too for a boost of immunity!
2 / 13
11am: Prep for casting
First, an agency visit at Ford Models, to meet my agents for the first time, given that it’s my first season in NYC. The agenda for the day: to snap some digitals and collect my composite cards to get ready for casting.
3 / 13
New digitals for my composite card
4 / 13
1pm: Lunch at Nube cafe
Nube cafe is a lovely find near my casting venue. I couldn’t resist a homemade buttery biscuit with omelette, chorizo and oozing pepperjack cheese—as well as a green smoothie for health!
5 / 13
3pm: A quick fit check
Right before I head out for more castings…
6 / 13
5pm: Went out for a stroll
Chased down the most amazing sunset at Battery Park with Statue of Liberty in the horizon.
7 / 13
6pm: Dinner from Russ & Daughters
Just had to end a perfect day with a classic NY bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese—from a famed spot of course!
8 / 13
12pm: Indulged in my guilty pleasure
I have this thing where I have to have ice cream in every city I visit. Here’s the much raved about cereal milk soft serve from Milk Bar—it’s got my stamp of approval.
9 / 13
3pm: Conquered Times Square
Can’t leave New York City without a mandatory selfie at the crowded yet iconic Times Square.
10 / 13
5pm: Back to work
At my final casting for the day. Many people don’t know that models need to be mentally and physically resilient to navigate the uncertainties during fashion week. We have to be on standby in case there are last minute castings or fittings, and confirmations are usually known less than a day before the show itself. It is the best feeling to thrive on the excitement and energy during fashion season, but not forgetting to find time for self and look after personal well-being to prepare for the long run ahead.
11 / 13
2pm: Coach fall/winter 2022 show
Had such a blast walking for Coach’s latest fall/winter collection!
12 / 13
All about the details
My make-up was kept natural with just a touch of eyeliner, eyeshadow and highlights, while the hair was kept natural.
