In a previous post, we showed you sneak peeks of model Liu Wen’s next major ad campaign for Estée Lauder. But she’s not the only Asian model who is gracing the pages of top fashion magazines and appearing in major ads lately. It’s exciting to see Asian faces representing huge international brands such as H&M and BCBGeneration, and in magazines like Elle and Vogue. Here is a roundup of some of the latest print work with Asian models, photos courtesy of Asian Models Blog. Let’s celebrate their successes!
Du Juan, Tao Okamoto, Hyun Yi Lee, Hyoni Kang, Liu Wen, Bonnie Chen, So Young Kang and Lily Zhi in editorial for Vogue US, December 2010
Vogue, December 2010.
Photographer: Steven Meisel
Stylist: Grace Coddington
A two-page spread of the top East Asian models today, in a re-imagined punk version of Cecil Beaton’s classic 1948 portrait.
Nanda Hampe for in an ad campaign Banana Republic, Holiday 2010
Photographer: Peggy Sirota
Make-up: Susan Houser
Nanda Hampe is a German-Thai model who is signed to Next models. Some of the other brands she has worked for brands include Alexander McQueen, French Connection, Kenneth Cole, and L’Oreal.
Hyoni Kang on the cover of Nordstrom catalog, November 2010
Hyoni Kang is a Korean fashion model, currently with Ford Models. She is the first East Asian to win the Ford models Supermodel of the World contest in 2008.
Li Ming & Jing Ma in Harper’s Bazaar US story, November 2010
Story: Suno or Later
Photographer: Sean Cunningham
Li Ming was formerly known as Carolyn Geh and was only recently renamed. She is signed with Women Direct. Jing Ma is currently with Muse.
Lakshmi Menon in editorial for Elle US, December 2010
Photographer: Horst Diekgerdes
Stylist: Brian Mollog
Hair: Teddy Charles
Make-up: Romy Soleimani
Manicurist: Cheryl Bailey
This Indian beauty is with Supreme Management. She has appeared in ad campaigns for Hermes, Max Mara, Givenchy and H&M.
Sun Fei Fei & Du Juan in ad campaign for H&M, Holiday 2010
Sun Fei Fei is both an actress and a model. Her agency is Women Management and she was all over the spring 2011 runways. Du Juan is one of the major Asian models in the industry. She’s walked for prominent designers such as Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Roberto Cavalli and Chanel. She is currently with IMG Models.
Charlotte Carey in ad campaign for BCBGeneration, Fall/Winter 2010
Photographer: David Roemer
Stylist: Sally Lyndley
Make-up: Robin Black
Hair: John Ruggiero
Charlotte Carey is Indonesian and English and she is signed to IMG Models.
Asian models may not be as prominent in editorials (yet) but it’s good to see them flaunt those silky black tresses across some of the beautiful holiday ads this season. ‘Tis something to be jolly about, indeed!
Like with a fair number of brand new trends, I cocked a wary eyebrow when I first saw the platform clogs — yes, straight out of the ’70s, bona fide clogs, with the domed nail heads and everything — at the Chanel spring 2010 show.
Chanel clogs, spring 2010.
But, I have to say, fast forward several months and now i think there’s something appealing about the clog and other “ugly” shoes. After all, after seasons and seasons of giant, chunky, sculpturally impossible to wear platform heels, we all did a double take when we saw Marc Jacobs sending his models down the runway in — gasp! — kitten heels!
Lakshmi Menon in Banana Republic spring 2010.
Tao Okamoto in Banana Republic spring 2010.
But as everything in fashion, our eyes adjusted and now not only kitten heels, but maxi skirts, slides and mules are suddenly looking mighty appealing once again.
Take the simple clog-like slide. It works as office wear quite nicely, as seen on Indian model Lakshmi Menon and Japanese model Tao Okamoto at Banana Republic‘s spring show. Zara showed a dark brown woven version and a pointed toe mule in its spring collection, which works just as well with a simple linen shirt dress as cut-off shorts.
But the beauty of the clog, the wedge and the slide is that while you still get the height when wearing a short, flirty romper or mini, the clunkiness and heft “grounds” an otherwise flitty, flowy look, preventing it from looking too done up. A look from Zara’s summer look book shows a perfect example:
A look from Zara's summer collection.
Chanel Iman in Banana Republic, spring 2010.
Zara tasseled clogs.
Indeed, spring’s clog works with so many different looks and styles, virtually anyone can pull it off. The tasseled clogs Zara included in its spring/summer collection — with the oversized pleated panel, perfectly preppy tassels, cognac leather and chunky wood platform heel — is the perfect blend of the preppy shoe and a clog.
And I love the orthopedic-inspired clog wedge, with it’s Dr. Scholls-esque straps and chunky platform.
Zara wedge clogs.
Undoubtedly, I can go on and on about my theoretical love for the clog and its ilk, but it wasn’t until I actually tried on a pair that I discovered Karl Lagerfeld’s genius for myself.
Chanel clogs, spring 2010.
No, I wasn’t able to get my hands on the wait-listed, coveted Chanel clog. But I did get a pretty good second best.
Alice + Olivia for Payless clog.
Not only is the Alice + Olivia for Payless “Hampton” studded clog super comfortable and so wearable, but for $40, I don’t think it gets any better. This is the shoe I’m living in all summer.
That is, until fall comes rollin’ around. I’m gonna have to dig up those ’90s kitten heels …
More clogs, wedges and slides after the jump. Continue Reading »
You know how much I love designer collaborations. Designer inspiration at fast fashion prices — it doesn’t get better for me. Now Banana Republic is finally getting in on the game. The retail giant has teamed up with jewelry designer Chan Luu to create a 17-piece collection of limited-edition bracelets. The collection showcases Luu’s signature wrap style, incorporating custom-dyed thread or leather with unique semi-precious stones, gold or sterling silver.
We’ve featured Vietnamese American designer Chan Luu many times in Audrey Magazine and have always loved her organic, global-luxe aesthetic. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, she opened her own boutique in 1982 and began designing accessories in 1996. She more recently expanded her line to include women’s ready-to-wear, available on her online boutique.
Chan Luu for Banana Republic limited edition bracelets.
In a press release, Luu stated: “It is such a pleasure for me to collaborate with Banana Republic, a classic brand whose timeless collections provide the perfect canvas for my own. What makes our partnership even more extraordinary is our shared belief in celebrating the power of personal expression.”
The 17-piece collection consists of four different styles in a range of colors, and will sell for $95 to $225. Luu’s collection will launch exclusively tomorrow, May 20, at Banana Republic’s San Francisco accessories-only test concept store, Edition by Banana Republic. A wider roll out will begin August 10 to other select Banana Republic stores in the U.S., Canada and Japan, and online.
