As I would like to see it, the rise of Asian models in the fashion world is a testament that fashion recognizes diversity and choice. It is a testament that fashion recognizes and values the Asian market, specifically China, Japan and Korea, which continues to grow and steadily rise above many any other western economy.
It is only until recently when Asians land on big chip fashion jobs. Before, Asians were only used in ad campaigns, fashion magazines and fashion shows (one or two out of forty models for one show) as token diversity chips. It was only Anna Bayle (the First Asian Supermodel, a Filipina, 1980's) who was able to really penetrate the fashion big names (YSL, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Thierry Mugler, etc.), and no one hardly came close in the next 30 years.
It am very happy to notice that lately, Asian models were given the spotlight. Just about time that the world appreciate the diverse beauty of Asians, and know that they, too, have what it takes to sell fashion.
I would like to share with you photos of my favorite Asian models at the moment.
The Chinese Superstars.
From L-R top: Ming Xi, Fei Fei Sun, Emma Pei, Du Juan, Liu Wen, Wang Xiao, Shu Pei, Bonnie Chen and Sui He.
Chinese models are H-U-G-E lately. Liu Wen is definitely the Next Asian Superstar. Having been the first Asian to land a big chip beauty contract (she is the new beauty ambassador of make-up powerhouse Estee Lauder, joining the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Elizabeth Hurley). She was also the first Asian to be a Victoria's Secret Angel. Aside from that, she constantly graces the covers and pages of different fashion magazines around the world, and also has done major campaigns for fashion big names. On the other hand, Fei Fei Sun has also booked numerous shows for big names in fashion and also landed campaigns for DSquared, H&M and Louis Vuitton. Sui He became the first Asian model to be the face of Ralph Lauren, while Ming Xi graces pages of i-D, V Magazine and Vogue Italia, China, Korea and Japan.
The Korean Dolls.
From L-R top: Hyoni Kang, Hye Park, So Young Kang and Hyun Yi Lee.
Hyoni Kang was the first ever Asian to win the highly coveted Ford Supermodel of the World contest.
The Filipina Beauties.
From L-R: Danica Magpantay, Charlene Almarvez and Charo Ronquillo.
Danica Magpantay was the first Filipina and second Asian to win the Ford Supermodel of the World contest. Charlene placed 1st runner-up the year prior to Danica's win. While Charo placed 3rd runner-up in 2005. All of them constantly grace the pages of international magazines and fashion runways.
The Indian Women.
Lakshmi Menon and Alyssah Ali.
Lakshmi constantly graces the pages of high-end fashion magazines and has landed on several ad campaigns for fashion big names. Alyssah Ali on the other hand is the new face for Chanel Beauty Line, and one of Karl Lagerfeld's muse for the Chanel Pre-Fall 2011 Collection.
The Japanese Flare.
Tao Okamoto
Tao Okamoto is at the top of her game. Being the top Japanese female supermodel in the industry, she has graced all of high fashion magazines and shows all over the world. She has also starred in various ad campaigns for different big fashion names such as D&G, Kenzo, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren, Gap, Uniqlo and a lot more.
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2011 has been a great year for Asian models. It might be premature to hope that 2012 will even be more hotter for these Asian superstars, but the rise of Asians in the fashion world is highly welcome for me.
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