This cover story appears in V139, Supermodel, Superhero issue, now available for purchase. 

Draped in a translucent tulle gown and overcoat festooned with red-tone rosettes, He Cong marked the beginning of her spectacular career–opening and closing Valentino’s 2013 runway showcase in Shanghai. Can you imagine a more perfect way to make an entrance? It’s been over a decade since He Cong first burst onto the modeling scene, and while she has posed for the most coveted brands and walked at the most sought-after runways, it seems like no time has passed at all. These days, He Cong brings the same mindset of “hard work is everything,” which her father imbued in her from the start of her career, to every shoot, runway, and project. And as she rounds out her year with the Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2023 runway, earlier that day, she shares how she’s looking forward to an even brighter 2023, characterized by exciting partnerships and greater calls for diversity.

V MAGAZINE: Hi, He Cong. How are you doing?

HE CONG: I’m good, I’m in London right now.

V: You’re coming off from the Alexander McQueen show, right?

HC: Yes! It was so special.

V: How many hours of sleep would you say you get the day before a show?

HC: Eight hours, at least. Sleep is the most important for me.

V: Oh yeah, I saw pictures of it on your Instagram, so beautiful. How has the rest of fashion month been? I’m sure the last couple of weeks have been crazy.

HC: It was crazy–I think this is my…