When Wang Xiaotu was a four-year-old girl, she was often late for kindergarten because she insisted on picking her daily outfit herself. At the age of 24 with a master's degree in television broadcasting, Wang is not late as often but her pursuit for beauty remains. Wang's interest and ambition in fashion not only make her a part-time model but also a project director with VANCL Beijing, an online clothing shopping mall which is among the top four in China's business-to-consumer industry. Wang, whose modeling photos and clothes promotion projects have caught the attention of many e-shoppers, shared her experience inside the booming online fashion industry with METRO.

Q & A

Q: When did you start modeling?

A: About two years ago, which was the first year of my postgraduate studies. I only did it to help a friend who worked at a fashion magazine at the time.

That one project soon turned into more. I've participated in shootings for hairstyle, clothing and make up. When I stand in front of a camera, I feel I'm the center of attention. Plus the job offers good money and records the different stages of my life.

Q: What makes a great model?

A: There are no tricks to the job. If you are confident enough to express yourself in front of a camera, you can be a model.

I meet a lot of girls who always stand still and don't know what to do once a camera is on them.

I have to say it's not about your looks, your figure or even your age. You simply need to be brave and "show off". I believe inside every girl is a model, you just need to dig her out.

Q: Why don't you do modeling as a full-time job?

A: As much as I love being shot, I still think it's a superficial job. Models' careers are short. Once you get older, your skin, you body will all change. Plus, I'm only 167cm, not tall enough to be a professional supermodel. And I'm not interested in what's behind all the clothes: fashion.

Q: Why did you choose to join VANCL?

A: It was a difficult choice for me. Joining VANCL, which mainly sells clothes and fashion, because it meant I had to drop almost everything I learned in college.

All of my previous work experience was in mainstream media. But my friend told me that the best job in the world is one that combines your interest with decent pay. So I accepted the job after hesitating for a month.

Q: What is your job at VANCL?

A: My main job is to promote our latest designs. In short, I need to pick out models, decide the style of shooting and choose proper clothes and accessories for a shoot.

I have the final say on which photos go on our website and which do not. When we are short of models, I will do some shoots. It's a lot fun. I've benefited a lot from my previous modeling experience.

Q: Do you have any further plans in the fashion industry?

A: I think fashion may be a life-long profession for me. I have a lot to learn in this industry.

I need to read a lot of fashion magazines and watch many shows to make myself more knowledgeable about the industry. Because fashion changes all the time, if you don't pay attention, you will be quickly outdated. I hope one day I can go to Paris, the capital of the fashion world, to get some further education. -China Daily/ANN