Lara’s Craft - Musings of a Young Model
Photography by Josh Welch
When chatting with Lara Park, you quickly realize behind her husky voice is someone wise beyond her 20 years. Her stratospheric career began with a summer spent modeling in Tokyo when she was just 16, traveling across Asia for two years for a makeup campaign and then settling in New York City. But of all the places she’s been, she finds her bliss in Oklahoma City.
“I love going to Scissortail Park, walking around Belle Isle neighborhood, sitting outside at my grandparents’ house, taking a yin yoga class and just recharging,” she says. “There’s something to be said for knowing what you need and tuning it; it is calm and freeing.”
Born in Scottsdale, Park spent her middle school and most of her high school years in Edmond. At 15, she was signed by an agency and at 16, spent the summer in Tokyo as a brand ambassador for a makeup campaign. “I love the Asian culture, and it gave me a feeling of home when I was there,” she adds. “There were moments of struggle — so many new experiences and lots of things I had to figure out by myself — but it gave me independence, projected me into a professional setting and broadened my perspective. It was so fast-paced, but it shaped me into who I am.”
Park continued to fly back and forth to Tokyo every other month while still in high school. She graduated with a 4.0 and the very next day moved to New York City, then two months later, back to Asia. “I worked nonstop in Tokyo, South Korea and Thailand and I didn’t go home for two years. I enjoyed the independence, the fast-paced environment and learning new cultures, but when COVID hit, I knew it was time for me to get back to the United States,” says Park.
Back in New York City, Park signed with Elite Models, and the opportunities haven’t stopped — including jobs in France and London. She did Anna Sui’s Fall 2021 lookbook and walked in Sui’s first live runway show after the pandemic. “It was incredible, and Anna is such an intelligent, fun and witty woman who gave me such insight into the creative process and how collections are created,” she says. This past fall, Park walked the runway for another Asian American designer, Claudia Li. And it’s not lost on her all she’s gaining from the opportunity to work with strong women. “It is so inspiring to have these amazing, creative females as role models who happen to be Asian American like me — I think we gravitate toward each other.”
And while Park is fully embracing where she is now, she realizes there are opportunities beyond modeling, which is why she’s pursuing her bachelor’s degree via online courses at Arizona State University. “This industry has given me such a strong mentality and strong sense of self, but I see this industry for what it is, which is why I will get my degree. Modeling is temporary, beauty is temporary, but beauty inside is forever.”
Life With Lara
I don’t leave home without: ChapStick, lipstick and headphones. Now that I think about it, I’ve never left the door without a pair of headphones. Music is so therapeutic.
Five favorite beauty products:
Laniege Sleeping Mask — I use this nightly.
Biore Sunscreen — Can’t leave the house without a solid application.
Sulwhasoo Serum Activator — I apply this before using serum.
Tatcha Dewy Skin Serum — This uses Japanese superfoods and that necessary hyaluronic acid that keeps the moisture in my skin.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion — This has prevented many breakouts, especially when pimples start to show up before a job.
Favorite movie: Blade Runner (Yes, the original from the ‘80s!) I have such a knack for neo-noir cyberpunk and this one was ahead of its time.
Favorite TV show: Succession. I just finished the last season, and I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this witty satire.
Favorite meal: Anything involved with seafood, but my most comforting meal is Korean food.
Currently listening to: I feel like my music goes through phases. Right now, I’m listening to more R&B, and Jorja Smith is all over my playlist.
Favorite place I’ve traveled: The city that struck me the most was Tokyo. Which is probably why I was so drawn to it. You have the bustling, brightly lit hub which is Tokyo, and the outskirts of the city filled with temples, bamboo forests and mind-blowing shrines. The history that is deeply rooted through this country is shown so prominently with its preservation of culture.
Favorite quote: “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” I believe life offers us opportunities to turn past or current experiences into self-growth. The ability to change is perpetual and has surprised me in beautiful ways.
Best piece of advice I’ve been given: Slow down. It’s easy to get caught up with the workings of life. I’ve learned to take more time for myself which, in return, is allowing me to share more time with the people I care about.
Favorite casual outfit: I’m a sneakerhead, so anything cozy and comfortable paired with some cool kicks.
Favorite day in NYC: I’d head to Central Park with my headphones in, grab a matcha tea and then maybe stop and journal, then take a walk through The Met.