SINGAPORE — Asia’s Next Top Model returns for its second season, and judge and “model mentor” Joey Mead King is back at her post to make sure the contestants have humility and gratitude. “I always tell the girls, ‘Just be the best model citizen you can’,” Mead King said. Pun intended, we’re sure.

The show, hosted by Nadya Hutagalung and featuring guest judges including Jimmy Choo and Coco Lee, has 16 models from 12 Asian countries including Singapore striving to out-pose, out-strut and out-smize one another.

According to Mead King, the right attitude helps. “Just the right amount of attitude opens the door for you; but too much attitude will get it slammed on you,” she said. “I love the sass of a lot of the women I’ve worked with ... it works well, but at the same time, it’s not cool to be overly abrasive.

“Especially in the modelling industry, it is all based on physique. You hope, in the long run, that (being humble) outweighs your physique.”

Wise words — just as we would expect from a “model mentor”.

Q: How would you describe your sense of style?

A: I have a fashion blog and I’ve called it RocknBoho because these are the two styles I always gravitate to. The bohemian lifestyle — I love patterns, I love length and flow, and freedom. I love the girth and I love the “edge” of rock because I love boots, buckles, studs and leather. I like sharp edges; at the same time, I like the innocence and freedom of boheme pieces.

Q: What is your biggest shopping weakness?

A: I’m such an H&M ho. Yeah, I’m a budgetnista. I love fashion, but at the same time, I’m not about major labels. The Chanels you see me rocking are second-hand. I always strive for quality, but I always put pieces that are very affordable together. People always say: “It looks so good on you” — but I found it on a sale rack. That’s from years of being in the industry and having friends who are stylists and watching them work their magic. There are pieces that are actually uncomfortable and don’t make me feel my best. That would be cheap silk! (Laughs) It crinkles and doesn’t streamline your body well. Stretch fabrics are fantastic and you can never fail with cotton. Comfort is key — and a good pair of boots.

Q: What is the one thing that people always ask you for fashion advice on?

A: I think they try to cajole me into saying that it looks good. My friends send me photos and ask me: “Which one, Jo?”. First, I ask them: “Which one do you feel more attracted to?”. That way I don’t get in trouble. Second, I go: “What is it you want to exude?” The first is personal, the second is how you would like others to feel. Third, I’ll (provide a) critique: “You can’t match those boots with those”; or “that skirt is not age appropriate for you — go down two inches more”; or “if you’re going to a club, wear the shorter skirt because you’re single”.

Q: We’ll be celebrating Chinese New Year soon. What suggestions do you have for dressing appropriately and with a sense of occasion?

A: I think Singaporeans have a lot of fun. They like having a story. So I’d find something that represented them last year and mix it with culture.

Q: What are your expert modelling tips for how to improve one’s posture?

A: Stand with your back to a wall. The tip of your butt and your shoulder blades should touch the wall. After a while, you get a little tired, so I make (my students) do core exercises. Because I think life in itself is all about your core. If your core is strong, everything else blends in. MAY SEAH

What: Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2

When: Wednesdays at 9.40pm

Where: Star World (SingTel mio TV Ch 301 and StarHub TV Ch 501)