While often described as a work of art, Lina Zhang is so much more–a modeling industry veteran, a partner, and a mom, all while crafting a magnetic presence on the cover of magazines and campaigns. Beloved by some of the world’s largest fashion houses, she has developed a powerful stature as a mainstay in a constantly changing industry. 

V: How do you think modeling will change moving forward?  

Lina Zhang: Modeling has always been about change. The industry is constantly looking for something new, something specific, something that reflects the identity of a brand or a moment in time. What people are drawn to keeps evolving, and I think that’s always going to be part of fashion. To be honest, the industry is becoming much faster and more driven by immediacy, partly because of social media. People seem to pay more attention to visibility and attention around a model, rather than depth. At the same time, I still think there’s space for people who have a real point of view and a genuine presence. 

V: What do you want people to know about modeling that you don’t think they do? 

LZ: People often underestimate how much uncertainty comes with this career long-term. From the outside, it can seem effortless or spontaneous, and of course, you can choose to take things as they come. But when you truly care about modeling as a profession, not just as an experience, there’s a different kind of pressure behind it. It’s often unpredictable and beyond your control. People don’t always see that emotional weight.

V: What does growth mean to you as a person and as a model? 

LZ: Growth is becoming more comfortable with who I am without constantly needing validation from the outside. Both as a person and as a model, I used to think growth meant achieving more, being seen more, or proving something. But now I think it’s more about self-awareness, emotional stability, and knowing how to protect your sense of self in an industry that changes constantly. Modeling taught me a lot about adaptation, but personal growth taught me not to lose myself while adapting.

This cover story appears in the pages of V161: now available for purchase!

Photography Luigi & Iango

Fashion B. Åkerlund

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Model Lina Zhang (The Society)

Casting Maxime Valentini (2b Management)

Makeup Georgi Sandev (Forward Artists) 

Hair Lauren Berrones (Home Agency) 

Manicure Leanne Woodley (See Management) using CND

Fashion Market Editor Copelyn Bengel

Styling Support Elanur Erdoğan (Forward Artists)

Producer Louis Guillemain (2b Management)

Cinematographer Santiago Montes

Photo Assistant Francisco Betancourt

Makeup Assistants Chloe Yang, Jack Titcomb

Fashion Assistant Evan James

Production Assistants Juliet Lloyd, Angelina Aliano, Maksim Doraev