Model Rosemary Vandenbroucke
Rosemary Vandenbroucke is one of Hong Kong’s best-known models, and has recently been trying to break into the music scene. She talks about Hong Kong fashion, abandoned dogs and moms as managers.
I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I’m half-French, half-Chinese.
I started modeling when I was 14. It’s a little unfair that people think I’m 30, because I’ve been around so long. But I’m only 26!
When I first started, Hong Kong had never had such a young model. I was scouted when I was buying a chocolate bar in the YMCA, right before my swim team practice.
I joined a modeling contest and had intensive training for two weeks. After that, everything changed. I was completely different.
My mom was my manager for ten years. She guided my career path, and I love her so much. But a year and a half ago, I decided to break out of the castle.
I enjoy going to movie premieres and events. But in the past, my mom would tell me, “Just stand there and smile, let me do the talking.” I wasn’t really socializing with people, and I ended up not knowing anyone.
I needed to learn the logistics of the industry. She wasn’t going to handle everything for the rest of my career. And for the longest time, I’d been listening to what my mom said. I didn’t have time to enjoy life for myself.
I don’t want to use the word “overprotected,” but that’s what I’ve been told by many other people.
It felt great to start to know people on a more personal basis. I’ve always been curious about what other people’s lives are like. Maybe that’s because I don’t really have a normal life.
Breaking up with my last boyfriend was heartbreaking. We were together for two years, and it was the longest serious relationship I’ve ever had. It wasn’t easy, but we had a mutual understanding.
It’s hard to have a clean breakup. But it’s what yowu have to do. You don’t want to end up being friends with benefits.
I love extreme sports. If you’re going to do it, you have to do it all the way, the same as in life. You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow.
A minute being sad is a minute of happiness lost.
The guitar is like the missing link through which I can purge my emotions.
I don’t understand why the government has to demolish all those beautiful Hong Kong landmarks. My heart ached when they demolished the Star Ferry Pier.
I’m an ambassador for the Hong Kong Dog Rescue. The charity is now looking for a place to relocate, because the area is being redeveloped to build new high-rise residential buildings.
Why are there so many dogs left abandoned, and why do people abuse animals? The mentality of people who own a pet must change. It’s a lifelong commitment, not a purchase.
It’d help a lot if the government was willing to set up more dog-friendly areas. The dog park in Wan Chai is nice, but what about Victoria Park, as long as the owners are responsible and willing to clean up after their pets?
I want to focus on things that make me happy. I want to inspire people to achieve their dreams and not bring themselves down. Hong Kong can be very draining in that sense.
Hong Kong should become a fashion destination, but funnily enough, we have a fashion week without Hong Kong designers. It’s ridiculous for the government not to sponsor established local designers for the show.
Life’s a gamble. You can’t really predict whether it’s going to work out for you. So try to succeed on your own terms. Who’s to say you can’t be a model?
