Walking on a runway is glamorous but walking for injustice is empowering. Meet Kaprice Imperial! The Filipina-American model is admirable in challenging the world to do better and to dream of a future that is more inclusive and united. In our interview, Kaprice gets candid with Jejune on what happens before hitting the runway, the effects of her Asian background, and protesting hate crimes. Check out our interview below!

Where are you based?
Currently, I’m based in New York City.

You’re a beautiful model that has many experiences on runways with brands like Dolce & Gabbana and in big publications like L’Officiel. Can you talk to us about your journey to become a model?
Thank you! It’s been quite a journey, and it’s taken a lot of dedication and sacrifice. I’ve been modeling since I was 14 years old. I’m so grateful for every opportunity I’ve had so far, and I still feel like I’m just getting started. Modeling has led me to my closest friends, to new cities, and so many experiences that I would have never had access to before.

What drew you to modeling?
I didn’t ever think of modeling until my mom randomly took me to an open call when I was 14. I remember I was wearing flip-flops and yoga pants and didn’t even have braces yet. I was extremely shy and had no idea what I was getting into. Despite all of that, somehow my agents saw something in me and signed me on the spot! They’re still my mother agency today.

Modeling can be quite a hard job with many preparations beforehand. Is there any training involved in terms of preparing for a catwalk or getting your body into shape? Can you explain your training schedule? Do you keep to a strict diet?
There’s already a lot of pressure on models to maintain a certain image, and I used to view it through that lens too. When you approach it negatively, like “I HAVE to push myself to look this way,” then you end up resenting your job. I’ve finally found peace and balance in focusing on fueling my body and working out in ways that are enjoyable to me — I love kickboxing and hiking. I’ve stopped putting pressure on myself to maintain an unrealistic size. When you push your body to its limits in unhealthy ways, it shows in a photoshoot or on a runway. If a client would rather me be underweight, why is that a client I want to work for in the first place? I’d rather let myself be my natural size and feel healthy and confident. That kind of energy shows and the right clients for me will follow. No job is worth your peace of mind.

You’re an Asian American with a Filipina background. Representation for the Asian community is just starting to improve in the US. Can you tell us a little bit about your thoughts on this?
We still have a long way to go, but I’m grateful that more conversations are being had around this subject. I grew up in a predominantly white community, and I was the only Filipina girl at my elementary school. The very few Asian people in the media would always be the sidekick, the punchline of a joke, or hypersexualized. When this is all we’re shown, other people start to put you in those boxes as well.

Can you tell us your thoughts on being an Asian American model in this world? Do you feel you are treated differently?
I am really grateful to be an Asian American model because I hope I can play a part in helping more people who look like me to feel some sense of belonging, and show that there’s not just one way to be Asian. There are not many Filipina models in America, so when one of us wins, all of us are winning!

I have been fetishized and hypersexualized at work and online many times; however, those experiences have only emphasized why we need more diverse representation. It’s also tricky because, on the other hand, a lot of tokenism takes place that makes you question — are you booking me for my talent, or are you only booking me for my race, to check off a diversity box? It’s a very complex subject…at the end of the day I’m so proud of my roots, and I’m grateful for every client that books me for me.

Of course, just as representation is starting to improve, Covid hits, which has resulted in a lot of very terrible hate crimes towards Asian Americans. How does it feel to be Asian in America right now? Do you feel safe?
Last summer a stranger chased me down the street and threw a drink at me. Just recently I’ve started to feel a lot more settled, but for a while, I had a lot of anxiety about leaving the house alone. I completely stopped taking the subway for a couple of months and started walking almost everywhere. I would wear big sunglasses, a mask, and a hat. It was very emotionally and physically exhausting, and I realized that I couldn’t keep living like that. Recently I’ve started taking more kickboxing classes, which has been very empowering and has helped me feel a lot more peace of mind.

The Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino reported that hate crimes against Asians have increased by 150% in 2020, and Stop AAPI Hate has received 3,795 hate crime incidents since the beginning of the pandemic. What are your thoughts on this? Do you have any thoughts on how we can change this?
It’s devastating. I don’t believe that hate is something that we naturally are born with, it’s something that is taught, and a lot of times it’s out of ignorance. When people in some small towns, for example, aren’t exposed to other Asian people, they don’t get the opportunity to be in relationship with us. They don’t personally see our experiences or spaces and get to know us. When all they see are the stereotypes that are portrayed in the media, then that’s all we become to them. And that cycle of thinking gets passed on through generations. A lot of the portrayal is dehumanizing, which makes it easier for people to point fingers and lash out towards our communities.

We know you have been out protesting the hate crimes. Can you tell us a bit about this experience?
It’s been a very emotional experience. On one hand, it’s very painful to think of how we’ve gotten to this point, but it’s also comforting to see so many strangers who are supportive and willing to take time out of their day to show that.

You were holding a sign that said: “I’m Not Your Fetish”. Can you tell us a little bit about your thoughts on this?
A lot of people don’t understand how dehumanizing the fetishization of Asian women is. It isn’t flattering, it’s dangerous. We saw the horrifying impact of it with the Atlanta spa shooting. We should’ve never had to let it get that far for people to start listening.

Covid has been a tricky time for many people, but especially artists. How were you impacted by the lockdown? Were you in NYC the whole time? What was your experience?
I randomly happened to be back in my hometown in Chicago the week of lockdown! So I stayed in Chicago for the first four months then I returned to my place in NYC last summer. Lockdown gave me a lot of time for self-reflection, and to discover who I am outside of my career. And luckily I had amazing roommates in NYC who are my closest friends, we bonded on a whole other level being in lockdown together. We tried learning to juggle, had an inflatable swimming pool on the roof, a slip and slide in the rain…we also bought wigs. There were a lot of highs and lows during lockdown, but we made the most of it.

How have you been staying positive during the lockdown?
I’ve found a new love for the outdoors! I think being inside my apartment in NYC for so long gave me a new appreciation for nature. I’ve been obsessed with hiking. Earlier this year, I was living in California for a few months and I got to visit national parks like Sequoia and Yosemite which was just incredible. After being inside for so long, I just want to see everything now!

What is your motto in life?
Haha currently it’s “bring the action,” but you have to say it in Will.I.Am’s voice.

To keep up with Kaprice Imperial, follow her on the platform listed below:
Instagram - @kapriceimperial
Tiktok - @kapriceimperial

Team Credits:
Photography: Kira Bucca
Stylist: Dash Armstrong
Hair and Makeup: Asha Smith
Photo Assistant: Samantha Colon

COVER - Rising From The Ashes