A catwalk queen wants to act, but is clear about her own dos and don’ts.

The 24-year-old graduate from Van Lang University’s Environment Department is now very sure she is where she belongs – on the catwalk. She was among the top 10 contestants at last year’s Supermodel and Miss Universe Vietnam pageants, but it took winning this year’s Supermodel crown in June for Bich to decide she can focus on modeling as her main career.

Many critics had said that Bich was not qualified enough for the top prize, but she remained unruffled. She spells out her approach clearly.

“I have been part of the Ho Chi Minh City catwalk circle for two years, but because I was studying, I could not pursue it wholeheartedly. At first, I just wanted to challenge myself and check my ability, but the more I participate, the more I love the catwalk; and now I consider it my priority.

“I have graduated now, so I can devote all my time to develop my career.”

Bich asserts that she has worked hard for her victory this year.

“It‘s not only luck that made my glory, it was a combination of effort and talent that received approval. Luck is just the last factor. I think trying one’s utmost always comes along with the sweetest and most worthy results.”

Bich says the award has opened the door to a different world where she can dream further. She has many plans and desires, but they are for the future. Her current aspiration is to step on to the silver screen.

“I like films and would love to try acting in movies. To become a professional actress is also my dream. I have some offers now and am considering them. I think it’s the right time for making my dream come true. I am also confident of my acting aptitude. The matter here is choosing a suitable role.”

If modeling and acting was her heart’s desire, why become a student of environmental science?

Because she also has an aptitude for doing research, Bich responds.

“Before coincidently coming to art, I just wanted to become an environment expert. The more I studied it, the more I found it interesting and meaningful. Maybe this work requires a sound mind while art needs a romantic soul. Both could complete each other and I could get the balance right.”

Bich says for the next two years, she will devote herself completely to art. Then she will pursue her environmental dream by doing an MA in business administration that is linked to environmental technology.

Drawing the line

After winning the national contest, Bich says she will focus on an “alternative style” to continuously refresh her image. She can be a sexy woman or be arch and elegant, depending. The image will have to be fresh and attractive always.

But there are limits.

“I will never pose in the nude or in underwear. I am a traditional girl with family ties. Being attractive is based on suitable clothes, not wearing topless or low-necked costumes. I think the (self-imposed) limitations are good for my reputation and that of my family’s. It is not scandal that makes your value.

“If I have offers from movies that ask me to take off my clothes or play love-making scenes, I will refuse, because to me, those cross the limits. I do not think that (doing these things) will make the audience accept me. Art can be expressed in many ways.”

The model and aspiring actress also believes in some limits when it comes to affairs of the heart.

“You can love with all your heart and soul. However, you must have your own limits. Although now the concept of love is liberal, I still have some limits because I live for my family. And they (the limits) are not harmful anyway.”

For Bich, the man that catches her attention need not be handsome. How he talks and his “soul inside” are most important.

“I like a mature man with life experiences, wide knowledge and having ideals. The rest is whether a man like that is suitable for me or not. I am 24 and have a boyfriend and that’s all I want to say, nothing more,” says Bich, smiling.

Reported by Thu Thuy