Born on September 5, 1992, in Bucheon, this South Korean talent transformed the global runway landscape. Her journey began far from the fashion capitals she now commands.
Today, she holds a place on models.com’s prestigious ‘Industry Icons’ list. This ranking reflects years of consistent work and deep industry respect. It is earned through craft, not hype.
Her career is defined by concrete numbers. She has walked in 537 fashion shows and graced 17 Vogue covers. These statistics ground her success in verifiable achievement.
Choi stands as one of the most in-demand models of her generation. Her status is built on reliability, versatility, and a distinct presence. Casting directors return to her season after season.
This is a snapshot of who she is now. It sets the stage for the journey that follows. A story rooted in fact and forward motion.
Early Life and Breakthrough Moments
Bucheon, a city known more for industry than fashion, produced an unlikely runway star. The model’s humble beginnings grounded her in reality long before catwalks became her domain.
Formative Years in Bucheon and Education
Dongduk Women’s University provided formal training in modeling. This academic foundation combined natural talent with professional discipline.
Scouted by Chance: From High School to Korea’s Next Top Model
A high school trip to a casting agency changed everything. The scout noticed the companion instead of the intended candidate.
This twist of fate launched a career that began with college fashion shows. The third cycle of Korea’s Next Top Model became the turning point in 2012.
| Year | Milestone | Publication/Show |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Won Korea’s Next Top Model | Third Cycle |
| 2012 | First Editorial Feature | W Korea |
| 2012 | First Cover Appearance | W Korea |
Victory on the top model competition validated her potential. The W Korea editorial and cover appearances followed immediately.
This rapid succession of achievements marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in Korean fashion. The industry recognized talent that could not be ignored.
Sora Choi’s Global Fashion Journey
A single callback from a Parisian luxury house can redefine a career. The model learned this truth firsthand.
Her path to global recognition began in September 2013. She opened Christopher Raeburn’s Spring 2014 show. This was her first step onto an international runway.
She built a strong reputation in South Korea. Then the call from Louis Vuitton arrived. It changed everything.
Debut at Louis Vuitton’s Cruise Show in Monaco
Her official international debut came in May 2014. The setting was Louis Vuitton’s cruise show in Monaco.
This glamorous event introduced her to the world’s top fashion audiences. It set a new standard for her career.
The luxury brand’s show was a high-stakes platform. It signaled her arrival on the global stage.
Milestones: Winning Korea’s Next Top Model and Early Editorial Success
The spring 2015 season brought monumental achievements. Nicolas Ghesquière selected her as Louis Vuitton’s city exclusive for Paris Fashion Week.
She was the first South Korean model to receive this honor. It demonstrated immense trust from the designer.
That same season, her presence exploded. She walked for Alexander Wang, Fendi, and Versace.
She also became the first Asian model to walk for Calvin Klein. This milestone broke significant barriers in the industry.
In October 2014, Models.com named her a ‘Top Newcomer.’ This formal recognition cemented her status as a rising star.
Rising as an International Fashion Icon
Spring 2016 marked another barrier-breaking moment when Sora Choi became the first Asian face to walk for Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent show. This achievement underscored her ability to command attention from designers known for precise, uncompromising vision.
Landmark Runway Appearances and Editorial Features
Vogue recognized her as “one of the most popular faces on the runways” during fall 2016. She walked over 50 shows across four fashion capitals that season.
This grueling schedule proved her stamina and universal appeal. Her versatility shone through appearances for diverse brands.
She walked for Prada, Gucci, Chanel, and Alexander McQueen. Each show demonstrated her range across different aesthetics.
High-Profile Campaigns with Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and More
Starting in 2016, she maintained her role as Louis Vuitton’s city exclusive for two years. She starred in six of the brand’s advertising campaigns during this period.
This sustained partnership signaled mutual loyalty and commercial confidence. In 2017, Models.com listed her among their ‘Top 50 models’.
Her campaign work expanded significantly across luxury brands. She became a sought-after face for major advertising initiatives.
| Year | Brand | Campaign Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | Louis Vuitton | City Exclusive & Advertising |
| 2017 | Alexander McQueen | International Campaign |
| 2018 | Saint Laurent | Global Advertising |
| 2019 | Dolce & Gabbana | Seasonal Campaign |
By 2019, she had walked 89 shows, more than any other model that year. This record-setting season demonstrated relentless industry demand.
Sora Choi’s face has appeared in over 100 international advertising campaigns. Her commercial impact spans continents and major luxury brands.
Personal Insights and Impact on South Korean Fashion
A wedding in Bali, celebrated not in traditional white but in custom black Prada, perfectly captured her unique personal style. This August 2019 marriage to photographer Kove Lee reflected deep connections within creative circles. Her life off the runway is as intentional as her work on it.
Life Off the Runway: Relationships and Personal Style
The choice of a black dress, a gift from Miuccia Prada herself, signaled a refusal to follow convention. It highlighted a personal style built on confidence and strong industry relationships. This individual’s life choices consistently mirror her professional authenticity.
Cultural Influence in the Global Fashion Scene
Her editorial presence is vast, spanning the world’s most prestigious titles. She has adapted her aesthetic for diverse audiences in publications like:
- Vogue editions in America, Britain, Italy, China, Japan, Germany, and Korea
- V Magazine, Interview, i-D, and Dazed
- Elle and T Magazine
This versatility has made her a cover star for Vogue in Italy, Korea, Hong Kong, Spain, and Japan. She has also graced Harper’s Bazaar and W magazine covers.
Recognition extends beyond magazines. In December 2020, she won Models.com’s ‘Readers’ Choice Model of the Year’. This public vote confirmed her widespread popularity.
Her homeland honored her in October 2021 with a Ministerial Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards. This acknowledged her role in elevating South Korean fashion globally.
In 2022, The Business of Fashion included her in ‘The BoF 500’. This list names the individuals shaping the global fashion industry. It positions her as an influential figure whose impact fuels conversations about diversity and representation.
Reflecting on a Trailblazing Modeling Journey
The ‘Industry Icon’ status awarded by Models.com since 2021 confirms a career built on lasting impact rather than fleeting trends. Her second solo Vogue Italia cover in January 2023 reinforced this position.
Historic moments followed throughout 2023. She closed Louis Vuitton’s first Pre-Fall show on Seoul’s Jamsu Bridge. She then opened Gucci’s first Asian Cruise show at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Her advertising work spanned luxury and contemporary brands. Campaigns for Fendi, Valentino, and many others demonstrated universal appeal. Victoria’s Secret expanded her reach beyond traditional fashion circles.
After a year-long break, she returned with Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer campaign. She later closed Prada’s Fall/Winter show in Milan. Music videos from Psy to Doja Cat show her pop culture resonance.
From Bucheon student to global fashion force, this South Korean model’s journey redefines success. She maintains a distinct voice across 537 shows and 17 Vogue covers. Her trailblazing path continues to inspire.
