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IN CONVERSATION WITH CORRIE YEE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Corrie Yee is part of a new wave of multi-hyphenate creatives redefining what it means to be a modern model. She has built an international presence across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, with editorial features in publications such as Glamour, Maxim, and Playboy. Known for her striking visual aesthetic and high-fashion sensibility, Corrie pairs her work in front of the camera with a strong commitment to fitness and wellness, as well as an entrepreneurial mindset. With a background in fine arts, including ceramics and painting, her approach to imagery and storytelling is both intentional and personal. As her digital audience continues to grow, Corrie is shaping a career that blends creativity, business, and authenticity.

You’ve built a strong presence across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. How would you describe your personal brand today?

I’ve built it by blending elevated visuals with real, day-to-day moments. I like to bring the fashion world into reality, making it feel both aspirational and accessible. My content sits at the intersection of high fashion, wellness, and lifestyle, but what really defines it is the mindset behind it. Everything I create is intentional and curated to reflect a lifestyle that feels both refined and grounded.

Your background in fine arts is unique in the modeling world. How has that influenced your approach to visual storytelling?

Fine arts has had a huge influence on how I approach modeling. To me, modeling isn’t just about appearance, it’s about expression. It’s an art form. I pay attention to every detail—the wardrobe, the jewelry, the hair, the makeup, the lighting, and the setting. Every element matters. When I’m on set, I’m not just posing. I’m telling a story. That storytelling aspect is really the foundation of how I create and what makes my work feel intentional.

How do you maintain a distinctive aesthetic in such a fast-moving, image-driven industry?

For me, it comes down to clarity. I’m very clear on what aligns with my aesthetic and what doesn’t. Trends evolve constantly, but a strong point of view doesn’t. I stay inspired, but I don’t chase everything. I refine what already feels authentic to me.

Social media plays a huge role in your career. How do you balance authenticity with the curated nature of digital platforms?

I stay grounded by creating from a place that’s genuinely aligned with who I am, my interests, my passions, and the lifestyle I’m building. Not everything needs to be shared, but what I do share is real. At the same time, I fully embrace the production side of it, like the glam, the visuals, and the storytelling. That’s part of the artistry. I think the balance comes from showing both, the elevated, curated moments, and just enough of the personal to give it depth. It’s not about oversharing. It’s about being intentional.

Fitness and wellness are a big part of your lifestyle. How do those practices impact your work and daily routine?

They’re foundational for me. They directly impact my energy, discipline, and confidence. Staying consistent with workouts, nutrition and recovery keeps me sharp and camera-ready. It’s less about appearance and more about performance and longevity.

There’s often pressure in the industry around appearance and performance. How do you maintain a healthy mindset?

For me, my happiness isn’t rooted in appearance. It comes from within. It’s about self-respect and genuinely loving who I am beyond the surface. I’ve built a brand that reflects that, and I take pride in it. But I don’t let it define my worth. What really keeps me grounded is the life I’ve built outside of work with the people around me, my relationships, and the support system that reminds me who I am at my core. That balance is what allows me to stay centered, no matter the pressure.

You’ve collaborated with various fashion and beauty brands. What do you look for when deciding which partnerships to take on?

I choose collaborations based on alignment with my personal brand. It has to be something I genuinely connect with, something I’m passionate about and excited to represent.

The line between content creator and traditional model continues to blur. How do you navigate that shift?

I embrace it. Being both gives me more control and more leverage. I’m not just the face. I’m also the creative direction, the distribution, and the brand strategy. That shift allows me to build something that’s not dependent on any one platform or role.

What does success look like for you at this stage of your career?

Right now, success looks like expansion with intention. Growing my brand globally, securing high-level partnerships, and building multiple income streams while maintaining creative control. It’s about scaling without losing identity.

Are there any creative directions or industries you’re interested in exploring next?

I’m very interested in expanding into AI-driven content, creative direction, and eventually developing my own brands in fashion, beauty, and wellness. I want to move beyond being in front of the camera and continue building behind the scenes as well.

How important is creative control to you when working on shoots or campaigns?

It’s extremely important to me. I’ve developed a strong visual identity, and maintaining that consistency is key. I collaborate, but I’m very intentional about ensuring the final result aligns with my brand and vision.

As your career continues to grow, how do you stay grounded and connected to your original passions?

I stay grounded through discipline. My routines, fitness, wellness, Pilates, yoga, and creative work keep me connected to the foundation of why I started. Those practices bring me back to myself. They’re not just habits, they’re anchors. They allow me to stay present, focused, and aligned, no matter how much things evolve.

What can audiences and followers expect from you next?

More elevated content, more global experiences, and more expansion into business. I’m focused on building something bigger than just content, something that lives across multiple industries while staying true to my core aesthetic and vision. Stay tuned.

TEAM CREDITS

talent CORRIE YEE
photography Reinhardt Kenneth
interview and editorial director JANA LETONJA