Model Citizen: Profile of top Turkish model Taner Sığırtmaç

Taner Sığırtmaç, the Turkish supermodel, exudes a magnetic blend of charisma, versatility, and raw talent that has cemented his status as a global fashion icon. Based in Hong Kong, Taner’s striking physique and chiseled features make him a standout in high-profile editorials, with his work gracing the pages of FACTORY Fanzine and campaigns for luxury brands like Versace, Calvin Klein, and Emporio Armani. His ability to embody diverse aesthetics—from retro 90s cool to sophisticated business chic—showcases a dynamic range that captivates photographers like Baldovino Barani, with whom he frequently collaborates.

Beyond his modeling prowess, Taner is a multifaceted entrepreneur, DJ, and personal trainer whose passion for music and fitness infuses his work with vibrant energy. His Instagram (@tanersc ) offers a glimpse into his world, blending sultry black-and-white shoots with glimpses of his Hong Kong lifestyle, from beachside workouts to electrifying DJ sets spinning house and afro house beats. His disciplined approach to fitness, evident in his sculpted physique, inspires fans and clients alike, making him a sought-after trainer.

Taner’s Turkish heritage adds depth to his global appeal, effortlessly bridging cultures through his art. Whether he’s channeling a poetic American vibe or embodying Versace’s bold nostalgia, his presence is commanding yet approachable. With a growing social media following and a portfolio that speaks volumes, Taner Sığırtmaç is not just a model, represented by Model One, one of Hong Kong's top agencies, but a cultural force redefining modern masculinity.

NOTE:

For a shoot had to pitch model Taner S, write a blurb and send pics for client approval. You can really slap something together when in a pinch... 

Going for a Song: Shoot with Korean supermodel Duhwan Song 송두환 #宋斗煥

Duhwan Song! Korean supermodel based in Hong Kong: Well, when he was BC. Before Covid...

Song has been on a cover with me/my company every year for three or four years in a row. Nicest guy in the world. Fame becomes him... 

@gordonlund @chrislammakeup @sharpayfung 

Style Folio: Eliza Sam, Hong Kong Actress

Eliza Sam, the Hong Kong actress with a million social media followers, talks to us about everything from style to stilettoes, on-screen and off.

The entire feature and shoot is up at PrestigeOnline.com here.

Special shout out to the dream team that did this incredible shoot: 

PHOTOGRAPHY RUBY LAW

ART DIRECTION AND STYLING TASHA LING

HAIR KOLEN BUT

MAKEUP DEEP CHOI

ASSISTANTS VENUS CHU AND PHEOBE

LOCATION THE LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL

Top 11 Modeling Agencies in Hong Kong: Male, Female, Other!

On account of the 107 shoots done over the past 21 years, I get this inquiry a lot. My son/daughter/nephew/niece/friend next door/kid/cat wants to get into the modeling industry. What do I do?

Find an agent, find an agency. Get a trainer. Eat healthy. The second half is more of a note to self... 

For all the ink spilled with good intentions and 'woke' affirmations on body positivity, the way the city works is; you fit into sample size, you get the job. Or you'll get a lot of polite 'Thank you for your time' nods (if even that). Casting in the city is pretty curt, if not ruthless. 

The modeling revolution is imminent but it's not here in the 852. How models of colour, plus size, minority groups are treated, if ever booked and/or paid is shocking. More on that later...  

There are a lot of quasi modeling agencies - some of wildly questionable repute. Especially on social media as they tap into the vast resources of Instagram-fueled narcissism. If they've ever asked YOU for money to "build your portfolio" or "book a photographer" red flags should be raised immediately. 

Top Ten Models in Hong Kong - earlier feature. 

Two friends - Lena and Emma - got messages on Instagram from Insert Generic Name who posed himself/herself as a stylist/photographer/and/or agent who wanted images of them in lingerie no less (again 🚩) so they could get them jobs with international photographers and "shoots at Vogue". BTW if anyone random says We can get you into Vogue is another major red 🚩!).  Vogue, Vogue Hong Kong uses professional agencies and rarely does ad hoc shoots and castings.  

Cara G portfolio

Earlier I had written a feature on Hong Kong supermodel Cara G - and her experiences in the industry - mostly good, two bad. Read up here. 

Thankfully the ladies had the good sense to look at 'mutual friends' and ask around. Do your homework. As the cliché goes; if it sounds too good to be true... 

At the magazine/the paper we only worked with the following legit agencies. Legit = they have been in the industry for long, have contacts with magazines, brands and events and, perhaps most importantly, have registered business licenses so if they screw you over, they would be liable. Small Claims Court is littered with affidavits of questionable legitimacy. 

So herewith; Top Eleven agencies (two maybes, as I'm not sure they survived the pandemic) in Hong Kong, in alphabetical order: 

Top 11 Hong Kong Modeling Agencies

1. Cal Carries 
2. Elegance 
3. Elite 
4. Genesis 
5. Liberté 
6. Model Factory
7. Model One 
8. Primo 
9. Quest 
10. Sun Esee 
11. Synergy 

Others....  

1. Model International  * Hong Kong office has closed I think. The GZ office continues. 
2. Starz  * not sure if its still around... but it in its heyday, was 'the' agency in Hong Kong. 

There are of course other modeling agencies in Hong Kong; I just haven't worked with all of them;

Top 13 Official Instagram accounts of verified modeling agencies in Hong Kong. 

1. Primo Model Agency HK here. 15k
2. Quest Artists models HK here. 12.7k
3. Starz People HK here. 11.7k
4. CalCarries International HK here. 8981
5. Model One HK here. 8208
6. Sun Esee Model Management HK here 4922 
7. Synergy Model Management here. 4537
8. Liberte Model HK here. 3627
9. Elegance Model agency in HK here 3551
10. Divine Model agency in HK here. 3493
11. Model International Gz here. 1955
12. East West Modeling agency here. 1696
13. Elite Model Asia here. 458

* Stats as per the day we published this list! 

TBT: Behind the scenes of a shoot with photographer Alex Aalto Producer | Photographer | Film maker

 

Working with Alex Aalto has always been so brilliant. Short clip from when we were doing casting and trials for a shoot... that got delayed - pandemic pause - and then further extended as all studios closed. 

Well, hopefully later in the year can pick up again... 

Thirst Post: On set with actor and model (and personal trainer) James Wong: Hong Kong Celeb

On set with James Wong for First Person feature/column. 

The interview and shoot is on the magazine's official site.  

Hong Kong KOL: Kayla

 

One of my fav gals in the Kong, gorgeous (and FIT!) Kayla Lau striking a pose for me for a project. 

Follow this hot Hong Kong gal at https://www.instagram.com/kayla.lau/?hl=en

Fitness influence-r and all-around cutie pie. 

Working with David and Ruby

Shot by Ruby Law - fav female photographer in Hong Kong. 

With model David Oshry aka David O at Model International GZ.  

 

Healthy and Fitness: Ageing Well: David Chokachi at 52 is in the best shape of his life

Ageing well: at 52 Baywatch star David Chokachi is in the best shape of his life. He shares tips on keeping fit and talks about redefining the ‘dad bod’

How to get abs? Intermittent fasting is the secret for TV series’ lifeguard, keen to maintain his six-pack 25 years after baring his chest for a global audience

Chokachi shares tips on how to age well, and says he hopes to redefine how a ‘dad bod’ should look – trimmer and healthier

Read the entire feature at SCMP.com here.

Feature is out in all the papers this morning.

Happy Birthday James Wong!

Actor James Wong has been so great to work with over the years - it gives me great joy to wish him the very best on his birthday today.

Working with KOLs and their demanding ways (well, their demanding agents) is usually a nightmare but James is the easiest and most clear-cut person to work with. No muss, no fuss. And always on time - praise the lord.

Rant unrelated to James; other KOLs who've never worked a day in their over-privileged, under served lives often turn up late and don't understand the domino effect it has on others working on a shoot. There was one nightmare in particular, where this fella turned up on set four hours late and kept the entire crew twiddling their thumbs. I felt particularly bad for the makeup lady as she had a young child at home who wasn't having his dinner or going to bed waiting for his mother! We were in the middle of nowheresville in a studio in Chai Wan and when we finally wrapped up, the guy didn't even offer any of the ladies a chauffeured ride home or apology.

Meanwhile, Jimbo and I've worked on several projects together and he's chill throughout. And is a great laugh between long sessions on shoot day to keep everyone's spirits up.

Now as celebrity personal trainer, model, KOL (55,000+ followers on Instagram) and actor - quadruple hyphenate no less - he'st best (comedic) actor I've worked with in years.

Happy days funny man.

You can follow his gym routine and diet tips and workout routines at home and other healthy tips at https://www.instagram.com/jameswnc/?hl=en

Chinese model and actor Greg Hsu joins the Calvin Klein fam

Last week, Calvin Klein announced that Chinese actor and model Greh Hsu will be the face (and bod!) of their latest Calvin Klein jeans campaign for SS2020.

The collection is now available in https://www.calvinklein.com/hk

Graff diamonds

Was at the Graff store when I saw the perfectly divine looking Amanda G there. Pure elegance. And the blingage - whoaaa.

Model Citizen: Interview with Iconic Hong Kong Model Eunis Chan in Prestige magazine

My chat with Hong Kong's very own Eunis Chan in the April issue of Prestige magazine. The popular model talks about her brand, her collaboration and... sweaty men. lols. Seriously. 

Read the entire feature. in the magazine - out on newsstands and all good stockists next week. 

Prestige Hong Kong's gorgeous, glamorous Runway cover shoot with Russian supermodel Yana

 

The awesome behind the scenes video of Runway by Prestige Hong Kong. See the entire shoot up at PrestigeOnline.com

Aaaaaand its a wrap...

After the longest, hottest day of the year, where we shot Fall/Winter 2018 in the streets, studio and stations [you'll see!] of balmy Hong Kong, this incredible crew did the most amazing cover shoot for Runway, by Prestige Hong Kong.

That's relief and exhaustion and joy of a job well done. Photographer Dino Busch, stylist Bhisan Rai, model Yana Vilkina....  joyful to work with.

Back in 2008, after a particularly horrific shoot working with one of the b****iest stylist known to mankind, had a self-imposed rule of only working with fun, kind, generous and talented people.

This lot are not only gifted, but the loveliest to work with.

Until next time/shoot/on set lols...


Rama

Play List: Jeremy Wong

What I’m listening to: my recent favourite tracks are all guitar songs, anything that makes me grab my guitar and play and sing in my room. A Step You Can’t Take Back from the film Begin Again is my top jam right now, and I’ve always loved Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton, Fast Car by Tracy Chapman, Wonderwall by Oasis and Wherever You Will Go by The Calling. My favourite Hong Kong singer is Eason Chan and my favourite band would be either Coldplay or Green Day, depending on my mood. I hate K-pop – I don’t know why it’s so popular in Hong Kong.

What I’m reading: The Rules of Life by Richard Templar, which is very inspiring. As a model, I need to know what’s happening in Hong Kong fashion, so I read Prestige HK, Men’s Uno and Esquire. Fashion magazines are littered all over my room. I don’t really have a favourite writer; it just depends on what I’m interested in at the time, whether it’s psychology, philosophy or history.

What I’m watching: my favourite TV show is Family Guy. I love cartoons. I’m also a big fan of The Avengers. My favourite movie of all time is the 1971 Oscar winner, Love Story, starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw.

What artists I’m following: can I say Eminem is my favourite artist? He is so talented and his lyrics are amazing. His wordplay is just too cool. I used to be obsessed with Michael Jackson and everything he did in the early days before it all got tragic. And the general, weird coolness of LMFAO. Not just their party songs and catchy tracks, but what they get up to themselves.

Where I’m surfing: Instagram is important to me. I’m amazed at the number of followers I have and the number is constantly growing. I update it daily. It was great when I was promoting my book G.Y.M. Get Yourself Moving (a fitness book). I shop online a lot, so Hypebeast, Mr Porter, Asos, End Clothing and Ssense are on top of my history list.

As told to P. Ramakrishnan
Portraits by Lim Tse Wei - 林子伟

A Beautiful Journey: Gaile Lok

A quick chat with Hong Kong model Gaile Lok while she was in Galaxy Macau. Sweet gal.

Angie Ng in Louis Vuitton

For a throwback shot, here's a flashback to... four.. five?.. years ago.

Angie Ng in Louis Vuitton. One of Hong Kong's top models Angie Ng (http://angiencl.blogspot.hk/) shot by Sabrina Sikora (http://sabrinasikoraphotography.com/blog/), with hair and makeup by Rennie Fensham at Hollywood Hair (http://www.hollywoodhair.com.hk/en/home/).


 

Play List: Mia Kang: Quick chat with Asian supermodel in Hong Kong: 2015

Jewelry: Kasane
Photography: Boris Burgess

What I’m listening to: I’m still obsessed with All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor. Positive vibes, a soulful voice, and a healthy, supportive message. Being half Korean, I also love K-pop – 2NE1are my favourites. I have classical music on my iPod – it engages the mind.

What I’m reading: I’m interested in North Korea and have read some fantastic books based on first-hand experiences and stories from defectors. Dear Leader by Jang Jin-sung and Escape From Camp 13 by Blaine Harden are both mind-blowing.

What I’m watching: I love Game of Thrones, Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, 30 Rock and QI, but my go-to TV show at any time of the day is, of course, Friends. The humour never gets old. I also love trashy reality TV: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Don’t judge me.

What artists I’m following: I’d love to work with photographer Wing Shya. I worked with make-up artist Wendy Rowe – she’s inspirational and breathtaking. I love makeup and how it can transform someone into almost anything. Olivier Yoan also inspires me – he is a Hong Kong/China-based French photographer.

Where I’m surfing: 9gag.com is great for laughs, Boredpanda.com has hilarious videos of cats doing funny cat things, but Telegraph.co.uk is my homepage – having a master’s in finance and financial law, I like being up to date with economic news and current affairs. There’s more to life than cats and Kardashians.

(As told to P. Ramakrishnan)
Published in South China Morning Post

Q&A with my fav Hong Kong model of all-time; Mia Kang. Gorgeous much?!

Model Citizen: Ana R

A quick chat with one of my fav ladies in Hong Kong, the ever-gorgeous Ana R.