Layla Ong Shares The Lessons She's Learned As A Model So Far
One of singapore’s most prominent models who emerged in the Instagram era (her first cover was with none other than FEMALE in 2017 – the year she signed to her mother agency Basic Models Management), the 28-year-old Layla Ong now lives in and works out of Europe. Here, she shares the lessons she has learnt so far as a model and advice to others who aspire to be one.
What would you say have been your career highlights so far?
“My highlights are mostly jobs that have allowed me to travel. For example, I’ve been to the Bahamas for Gucci, Venice for Dolce & Gabbana, Zurich to shoot with Roger Federer, and the Maldives for a commercial assignment – imagine waking up every day in front of crystal-clear waters!”
Seven years is a long time in modelling these days. What’s your opinion on how the scene has changed across this period both in Singapore and globally?
“Modelling as a career has become more recognised, I think. Models are also way more diverse now in terms of height, age, body size, race and ethnicity. I’d say modelling has become more than just about being a pretty face and tall. It’s personality-driven right now.”'
A shot from Layla Ong's cover story in the Art Book edition of FEMALE, captured by Paris photographer Corentin Leroux.
Some might say having a big social media following is necessary to make it as a model. What are your thoughts on this?
“When I started, I was lucky to have gained followers through appearing on the reality television series Asia’s Next Top Model (she was a contestant in its fifth edition). That said, I feel that having a big social media following is not absolutely necessary to succeed in real modelling jobs such as walking the runways, and clinching editorial and commercial jobs. It’s a good thing to have to help gain an income on the side because modelling can be unpredictable. However, it’s crucial to know that fashion clients rarely book a model because of their Instagram clout … One’s following on social media only matters if you’re an influencer, not a fashion model.”
If you were new to the industry now, would you still want to take up this career?
“Sadly, no. Being a model is something not sustainable in the long term. It has always been like this and always will be. Unless you’re a Liu Wen or Bella Hadid, it’s hard to truly make it, in my opinion. If I could choose my career again, I’d like to focus on widening my skill sets and developing myself in other ways.”
That answer might surprise some, as many consider you one of Singapore's top models of this era. What's your own definition of “making it”?
“I’d humbly decline the title of being one of Singapore’s top models, as I have plenty of room for improvement. I set myself certain modelling goals at the start of each year and, so far, none of them have been fulfilled. I do also have high expectations of myself; one practical way in which I define 'making it' is being able to own a house of my own, for example. And no, I’ve yet to attain that.”
What are some of these modelling goals that you’ve set yourself?
“For instance, I was hoping to do a campaign for a luxury brand and at least three e-commerce jobs last year, but I didn’t manage to, as I was moving around a lot (she relocated to Basel, Switzerland, in 2022 to be with her then-boyfriend, now-husband, who's a Swiss national) and I need more time for clients in Europe to be familiarised with me.”
Home for Singapore model Layla Ong now is Basel, Switzerland, where she lives with her husband Martin, a Swiss national (pictured here with her).
How is modelling full-time in Europe different from doing so in Singapore?
“Contrary to popular belief, it’s pretty much the same. There’s a good supply of models in both Singapore and Europe, and I find that the working styles and procedures are also similar.”
You were working in Singapore a lot before you moved to Europe. What would you like to see more or less of in the local modelling scene?
“I think inclusivity is something that needs to be more authentic and better sustained. More constructive feedback would be great too. As models, we’re often dismissed during castings without any feedback on how to improve. I do wish this aspect can change so that we models can improve ourselves.”
Layla Ong's move to Switzerland (above) has meant having to re-establish herself in a bigger, more developed market, but what she has learnt working in Singapore still applies, she says.
What are some things you would tell your younger self?
“Nothing. When I first started modelling, I was like a headless bull diving into whatever I was told to do. As such, I didn’t really have much control over my thoughts and actions. However, I wouldn’t change anything about what happened in the past at all because everything in the past provided lessons that have helped make me who I am now.”
What should aspiring models know before joining this industry?
“That you get to say no and doing so doesn’t cost you your job. On the contrary, it increases your self-worth. Modelling isn’t everything. Always have something on the side that you can channel your time and energy towards."
This article first appeared in the April 2024 Art Book edition of FEMALE