Eclectic, intelligent and curious, we discovered on-set of the Atomic Ranger campaign that there is much more to Soo Joo Park than any “model-of-the-moment” title might suggest.

“Ever since I was a kid I was obsessed with fashion. I loved dressing up” says Soo Joo Park. This may seem like a perfectly standard response from a top model, but Park’s journey to the top has been anything but ordinary. After wrapping up three days of shooting in a restored 1890’s residence in Melbourne, Soo Joo sits casually cross-legged in her chair as we chat. Not afraid to speak up, Soo Joo discusses the changes happening in the modelling industry, her personal style and women who inspire her.

Soo Joo behind the Scenes for MIMCO

In a relatively short period of time Soo Joo, who has an architecture degree from Berkley University, has become one of the most sought after models in the industry, booked not only for her striking beauty but for her refreshingly grounded personality and positive attitude. Speaking of how she takes on modelling, and life in general, she’s says “It’s all about how dedicated you are and how much work you want to put into it.”

While the transition from the study halls to catwalk may have been sudden, it wasn’t completely unexpected, and Park reflects on the fact that although her parents were amused at first, they were nothing but encouraging. “It wasn’t a surprise to them that I wanted to try it” she says of her foray into modelling, “but I don’t think they expected me to pursue it for so long, or for it to pan out this way – nobody expected it” she smiles.

Soo Joo behind the Scenes for MIMCO

Scouted in the Bay area of San Francisco a year after graduating from university, Park was discovered later than most models, not working in the industry until the age of 23, which is something she admits was a positive thing. “When I was growing up I was quite self conscience and I wasn’t confident about my body” Park says, “(when I started) I was a little more aware of myself, and once I got into the industry I learned that there was beauty in it.”

Soo Joo behind the Scenes for MIMCO

Growing up in Korea before relocating to California with her family at the age of 12, Soo Joo’s approach to style draws many similarities to that of the MIMCO woman, just one of the things that drew us to her. “My style is eclectic, fun and experimental in a way” something she considers to go hand-in-hand with the MIMCO collection she shot with on set.

Soo Joo’s Pick for the season: The Raid Platform

Soo Joo in Paris by Giacomo Cabrini

Whether you’re referencing her role as a L’Oreal Paris ambassador, her domination on international catwalks, or her latest campaign with MIMCO, there’s no doubt that Soo Joo has got the entire industry talking. As our conversation turns to her role as the first Asian-American global spokeswoman for L’Oreal Paris, it’s clear that Soo Joo relishes her opportunity to challenge the beauty ideals that have been associated with the industry for so long. “I’m absolutely honoured, but I also think it’s about time. There are a lot of us and I hope that in the future more boys and girls from different ethnicities can highlight the different visions of beauty.”

A video posted by L'Oréal Paris Official (@lorealparisofficial) on Mar 26, 2015 at 7:14am PDT

MIMCO’s vision for empowering and inspiring a female spirit was something that we immediately discovered Soo Joo shared with us. “I love all women”, she says proudly, and when asked about three influential women in her own life, she names Frida Kahlo, Carine Roitfield (a woman many consider to have launched her career, and who she herself considers a close mentor) and her mother.

Soo Joo and MIMCO Managing & Creative Director, Cathryn Wills (CW)

Carine Roitfield with Soo Joo. Image via L’Oreal Paris Official.

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