Cover Story: Supermodels Estelle and Haowen shine in Chanel for March 2023 issue

How does it feel to be featured on the cover of L’Officiel Malaysia, wearing everything Chanel?

Estelle Chen (EC): I feel very happy to be on the cover of L’Officiel Malaysia. I have never been to Malaysia and I hope to visit the country very soon. I heard that the Chinese culture there is quite similar to China, which I really love.

It’s a dream come true to wear head-to-toe Chanel in this shoot. I remember how I used to go through my mum’s Chanel bags when I was a teenage girl and I’d always borrow the vintage ones to use.

Pan Haowen (PH): I feel like a princess!

Do you have a favourite photographer?

EC: My favourite photographer is Juergen Teller. I’ve only worked with him once for the Louis Vuitton “Ladies at the Bath” lookbook. It was when I just started modelling. It was just me, no makeup, wet hair with a toothbrush.

It felt very raw and pure. It was just one shot and we were done; it was fast and yet the picture turned out perfect. He is just one of those iconic photographers that everyone wants to work with.

PH: Oliverjune, of course. He’s so talented and lively, and he knows how to make me relax and have fun during the shoot.

Has your perception of the modelling industry changed over time?

EC: Yes, it has. When I started modelling, we were young... around 16 to 17 years old. I started when I was 17 and I’d feel intimidated working with people older than me. I used to be very shy, but over the years, modelling has made me a more confident person. You see many different people of different profiles, backgrounds and personalities, so I feel like everyone has a place in the industry now. It’s a good change.

PH: It’s always changing. Sometimes I feel that the modelling industry is dull and competitive, sometimes I feel that it’s fun and full of opportunities. It’s a love-hate relationship.

What do you like to do on your day off?

EC: It has to start the night before. I need to have a good night’s sleep to have a good day — at least 8 hours. I’d take my time making my own breakfast – with a cup of coffee. Or I’d go meet my friends for breakfast. In the afternoon, I’d visit the museums or go shopping. Basically, just have a very chill day with good people around me.

PH: I make myself a bowl of yogurt and a cup of mild coffee for breakfast in the morning; go for a walk at the park with my older sister; read a good book; dance; have a delicious meal; go star and moongazing at night...

What is your must-have item when you travel?

EC: A fashion item I always have with me is a pair of Chelsea boots, or more specifically Church’s boots. I’ve been wearing sneakers so often these days, so when I have my Chelsea boots on I feel a lot more put together.

PH: Chanel bags, a loose powder and a pair of sunglasses.

What does your beauty routine look like?

EC: I have been using a cleansing oil to remove makeup, and at night, I’d use a foam cleanser. Then I’d use a hydrating serum and a face cream, and if I’m heading out, some sunscreen of course. I’d go for facials when I’m not too lazy.

PH: I cleanse my face, and apply skincare products as well as sun protection, followed by loose powder and lipstick that I also use as a blusher by tapping a bit of it on my cheeks...

What do you do to stay in shape?

EC: I try to walk around six thousand steps a day and eat healthy. Whenever I know I have been eating out too often, I will start cooking at home with fresh ingredients – the less processed they are, the better.

PH: I skip a lot to stay fit.

Name three things on your to-do list.

EC: There are a lot of things on my list. But this year, I want to visit Asian countries I have never been to before like Malaysia and Thailand; move into my own apartment in Paris which I’m really excited about because this is the first time I get to choose all my own furniture pieces; and career-wise, do something new like acting on top of modelling.

PH: I want to have long, seaweed-like wavy hair, get married at least once and drive on the highway by myself.

What is the place you like to visit the most?

EC: In Paris, it’d be the 6th district. I feel that it’s a bit nostalgic there, which I like. I really like Beijing for its culture and Shanghai for its energy.

PH: Tibet is a sacred and magical place.

Do you collect anything?

EC: I don’t personally collect anything other than sneakers — I have a lot of them which is a bit embarrassing. My granddad used to collect stamps, pins and coins. He has given them to me and they feel special to me.

PH: No, nothing in particular.

What is your favourite season of the year?

EC: My favourite season is summer, although I hate being under the sun getting roasted. I just find myself so much happier when it’s summer when I get to spend time outside.

PH: The warm, cheerful feeling of springtime.

If you could go back to the past, is there anything you would change?

EC: I don’t think I would change anything in terms of career, but I would change my perception of the world and my mindset. I used to be so insecure, and I always find myself caring about what other people think of me. I’d tell myself, “Estelle, you should take it easy.”

PH: I won’t want to change a single thing.

Our March 2023 "Girl Power" issue featuring Estelle Chen and Pan Haowen in Chanel will be available in selected major bookstores and newsstands in Malaysia.

Cover Credits:

Photography Oliverjune
Creative Direction Colin Sim
Styling Irene Wang
Makeup Nana Jiang
Hair Nate Peng

All Clothing & Accessories Chanel Spring/Summer 2023 collection