In conversation with Quintana Hoyne
“…it also can be very challenging – each rejection and each success has showed me who I wanted to be, who not to be, and how I wanted to show up.”
- Quintana Hoyne
Image: Quintana Hoyne @santgazi
Quintana Hoyne is a Siberian-Chinese fashion model, actress, and author, based in Paris. She was named one of the rising stars to watch in the industry in 2022-2023.
Hoyne debuted with a starring role in the music video “Dream Like Me” for musicians Crowd Lu and The Black Skirts in 2022 and the fashion film “Fireflies” with award-winning director Waley Wang in 2023. Hoyne is actively working on fashion-adjacent projects with Parley for The Ocean and PKP Centre in Bali as an ambassador.
How did you begin your journey into modelling?
New York. An Italian designer told me I must model or act, and he introduced me to agents in the city. I was in high school, boarding school, on summer break.
Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to become a model?
Before knowing modelling is my calling, I wanted to be a ballerina. The two both allow me to express much without words. When I model, it’s like dancing. I am learning every day bit by bit, by watching and working with the greats.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you since you became a model?
On a shoot with photographer Takahiro Ogawa in upstate New York, he told me to get closer to a colourful watersnake – of course, to get a good shot. I did – I moved closer as I looked into the snake’s diamond eyes. I wasn’t afraid.
What obstacles have you faced throughout your career, and how have you overcome them?
Oh, modelling shows me a mirror. I love that, and it also can be very challenging – each rejection and each success has showed me who I wanted to be, who not to be, and how I wanted to show up. So I became stronger.
What’s been the biggest lesson – about yourself, your abilities or just general life lessons – you’ve learnt since you started modelling?
That I love being surrounded by powerful women — my mentors, my agents, and my girlfriends. Amazing badass women.
Image: the blue and blonde hair looking downwards - “Quintana starring in the music video “Dream Like Me” 2022
What does your daily routine look like?
6am wake up. 10pm sleep. On events and working days, anything goes. Next day, I get back to the routine.
Do any past or present models inspire you?
Naomi Campbell. Powerhouse. Karlie Kloss. Powerhouse. Audrey Hepburn, who had modelled before her acting. Inès de La Fressange.
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of working in the modelling industry?
Advantages are the access to beauty, the environment of such creativity, and the oddball and wonderful people. Disadvantage, I have not experienced that yet. Ask me in a few years.
What are some of the things you wish you knew before you became a professional model?
Flexibility serves you in all situations. I cultivate my flexibility now. Flexibility allows for me to create with others, so that we can make great things together.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Pray about it. Easy does it.
Image: Quintana Paris Fashion Week backstage with COOL TM
What do you love about London?
I love the ethics of people working in London and I admire the Londoners’ sense of drive and responsibility.
What advice would you give to any upcoming models?
I, myself am upcoming, hahaha. To myself and other upcoming models, I advise to be our true selves. Also, women together are super powerful.
Can you tell us a bit about any upcoming projects?
As an ambassador, I am working with Parley for The Ocean, an ocean activism organisation founded by the talented Cyrill Gustch, to bring forth a series of in-person all-women conversations, gathering women in cinema, fashion, art, and ecology. This Parley project is intimate, collaborative with a great fashion design house, and I will host it. Stay tuned.
Instagram: @quintanahoyne
Agency: The 11:14 Agency
Inquiries: vanessa@1114agency.com & fern@1114agency.com
