SORA CHOI

Sora Choi is a South Korean fashion model renowned for her distinctive style and significant impact on the global fashion industry.

🧬 Early Life and Education

Born on September 5, 1992, in Bucheon, South Korea, Sora Choi (Korean: 최소라) cultivated her interest in fashion from a young age. She pursued modeling studies at Dongduk Women's University, one of South Korea's premier institutions for fashion education. Her entry into the modeling world was serendipitous; she accompanied a friend to a casting call and was unexpectedly signed by the agency, marking the beginning of her modeling career. 

🌟 Career Milestones

2012–2015: National Recognition and International Debut

Choi gained national attention by winning the third cycle of Korea's Next Top Model in 2012. Her international breakthrough came in May 2014 when she debuted at Louis Vuitton's cruise show in Monaco. This appearance led to opportunities with prominent designers such as Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, Fendi, and Versace. 

2016–2023: Ascendancy in Global Fashion

In 2016, Choi became the first Asian model to walk for Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent fashion show. That year, she participated in over 50 shows across New York, Paris, London, and Milan, earning recognition from Vogue as one of the most sought-after faces on the runway. 

Choi has walked for an array of prestigious brands, including Prada, Gucci, Miu Miu, Chanel, Hermès, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Lanvin, Dior, Celine, Moschino, Valentino, Proenza Schouler, Loewe, Michael Kors, Paco Rabanne, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Balenciaga, and more. In 2019, she walked in 89 shows, the highest number for any model that year. 

Her advertising portfolio encompasses over 100 international campaigns for brands such as Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Coach, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Tom Ford, Gucci, Valentino, Burberry, NARS, Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo, Hugo Boss, Fendi, Max Mara, Moschino, Michael Kors, Mugler, and others. 

Choi has graced the covers of multiple international editions of Vogue, including Italian, Korean, Hong Kong, Spanish, and Japanese editions. She has also appeared on the covers of Harper's Bazaar (American, Korean, and Kazakhstan editions), W (American and Korean editions), i-D, Dust, Document Journal, Perfect Magazine, Numéro China, M Le Magazine du Monde, and more. 

In December 2020, Choi was honored with Models.com's 'Readers' Choice Model of the Year' award. Since 2021, she has been ranked as an 'Industry Icon' by the platform. 

In October 2021, Choi received the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards. The following year, she was included in The Business of Fashion's 'The BoF 500,' recognizing her influence in shaping the global fashion industry. 

In 2023, Choi continued to make significant strides, closing Louis Vuitton's first-ever Pre-Fall runway show in Seoul and opening Gucci's inaugural Cruise collection show in Asia at Gyeongbokgung Palace. She also featured in Victoria's Secret’s The Tour ’23 fashion show and advertising campaign. 

🎮 Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the runway, Choi is known for her passion for gaming, particularly role-playing games like League of Legends, Blade & Soul, and Warcraft. She is also an avid reader of manga, with "Nana" being a favorite that has influenced her personal style. 

In August 2019, Choi married Korean photographer Kove Lee in a ceremony held in Bali, Indonesia. Eschewing traditional attire, she wore a custom black Prada dress gifted by Miuccia Prada. 

Sora Choi's journey from a serendipitous discovery to becoming an international fashion icon exemplifies her versatility, dedication, and influence in the fashion industry.