You may have heard of famous street photographer/bloggers Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist), Asian American Tommy Ton of Jak & Jil, but here’s a name to keep an eye out for in 2011: Bonae L’amour. The Vietnamese American photographer, originally from New Orleans and now based in New York City, says he photographs “souls and spirits, not simply people.” He is an advocate for diversity in fashion and the media.
Here, some of Bonae’s shots of Asian models off duty.
One of the season’s more popular models, Ming Xi — she of the famous ears — made her debut at New York Fashion Week spring 2011, after a successful run in Europe. “She was enthusiastic,” says Bonae. He shot her here after Jason Wu’s spring 2011 show.
Ming Xi, after Jason Wu SS 2011, shows off a look that's gonna be hot for spring -- pale hues, long strap bags, and touches of black trim.
One of the few Asian Americans on the catwalk, Bonnie Chen walked for Vivenne Tam as well as Erin Fetherston, Marchesa and Thuy. The Chinese American (she splits her time between New York, Hong Kong and Beijing) graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in psychology. The former rhythmic gymnastic national champion kicked off her modeling career as a finalist in the Elite Model Look competition when she was 16.
Model Bonnie Chen, here before the Vivienne Tam spring 2011 show, captures the eclectic, high-low model chic look with a structured striped blazer, louche cut-offs and a preppy handbag.
“Liu Wen said she was very honored and thanked me when I congratulated her on Estee Lauder,” says Bonae. Both Liu and fellow Marilyn NY Agency model Constance Jablonski landed contracts with Estee Lauder last year. The good friends worked together previously on a ck Calvin Klein SS 2010 campaign. Here, they pose before Fashion’s Night Out: The Show.
Constance Jablonski and Liu Wen offer two ways to wear the must-have denim hue -- on top or slouchy on bottom. Cognac and tan accessories are a must.
Chinese model Ping Hue Cheung made her debut last year and walked Matthew Williamson, Ports 1961 and Halston, among others, for spring. She most recently appeared in a fashion editorial for Teen Vogue.
Ping Hue after the Monique Lhullier SS 2011 show.
Korean model Hyoni Kang is still going strong since winning the Ford Supermodel of the World contest in 2008. She most recently appeared in a Marie Claire editorial. Here, she shows us how to do military modern.
Hyoni Kang before the Adam SS 2011 show.
“It was the Korean newcomer’s first NY fashion week,” says Bonae of Korean model So Young Kang. “She was very excited!” Kang made her debut at the Chanel fall couture show in Paris last year.
So Young Kang, known for her steely gaze, after Jen Kao SS 2011.
First runner-up in the Ford Supermodel of the World contest in 2010, Filipina model Charlene Almarvez shows off her fun-loving personality during Spring 2011 Fashion Week, where she walked for Nanette Lepore and Diane von Furstenberg.
No catwalk glare for Filipina model Charlene Almarvez -- she's all fun on the street.
Selina Khan is from French Guyana and is of Indian, Vietnamese, Arabic and Creole descent. She’s walked and modeled for Ralph Lauren and Gap.
Selina Khan before the Betsey Johnson SS 2011 show.
Hot Asian model of the moment Liu Wen, looking quite pleased after Vera Wang’s SS 2011 show, her 20th anniversary show.
Liu Wen.
Japanese model Tao Okamoto and Ming Xi after the Academy of Art University SS 2011 show.
Tao Okamoto and Ming Xi.
And last but definitely not least, the stunning Shu Pei Qin in a getup that has everyone gawking.
Shu Pei Qin in a daring web-like getup after a Jason Wu show.
It was a big year for models of Asian descent. Here are some of our favorites.
Charlene Almarvez
Charlene Almarvez is one of the youngest successful Asian models of the year. This 16-year-old Filipino model was the 1st runner-up in Ford Supermodel of the World. This year, she had editorials for Vogue China, V Magazine and NY Times T Magazine. Her runway appearances include Diane Von Furstenberg, Ports 1961 (Resort 2011 Collection) and Lacoste.
Charlene Almarvez walks the runway for Diana Von Furstenberg, Spring/Summer 2011, left, and Ports 1961, Resort 2011, right.
Hyoni Kang
In 2008, Hyoni Kang was the first Asian to win Ford Supermodel of the World. She has been around for a while now, but she continues to shine throughout the year of 2010, modeling for Tory Burch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson and DKNY. She can be found in editorials for renowned magazines, like Elle and Marie Claire. She also worked on ad campaigns for DKNY, Hilfiger Denim, American Eagle and Urban Outfitters Beauty.
Hyoni Kang in an editorial for Cosmopolitan Korea, October 2010
Ad Campaign for American Eagle Outfitters, Spring/Summer 2010
Liu Wen
If I had to pick the most successful Asian model this year, it would have to be Liu Wen. She is ranked top 10 model in models.com. We know she signed a contract with Estée Lauder, but she was also in ads for Vivienne Tam, Calvin Klein and Alexander Wang. She has been featured in magazines and catalogs worldwide: the cover of Elle Singapore and China, Vogue China, Harper’s Bazaar Korea and WWD Beauty Biz; editorials in V Magazine, Vogue Germany, i-D UK, Elle China, Vogue China; and commercial work for the J. Crew catalog. She has walked for some of the fashion industry’s biggest names like Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Alexander Wang, Christian Dior and Derek Lam.
Liu Wen in an editorial for Vogue China, January 2010
Ad Campaign for ck Calvin Klein, Spring/Summer 2010
Ming Xi
Ming Xi is a Chinese model whose career launched since being the 1st runner-up in the 2009 Elite Look Competition. She is listed as one of Style.com’s favorite new faces of the season. In Spring/Summer 2011 New York Fashion Week, she walked for designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg and Alexander Wang. She also appeared in Givenchy’s Haute Couture show. She has many editorials on Vogue China, and is featured in an ad for Givenchy.
Ming Xi in an ad campaign for Givenchy, Fall 2010/Winter 2011
Left: Editorial for Numéro China #3, November 2010. Right: Editorial for Vogue China, December 2010.
Shu Pei Qin
Shu Pei is a 19-year-old Chinese model whose biggest success this year was signing a cosmetics contract with Maybelline. Additionally, she can be seen numerous times on the runways for shows such as Oscar de la Renta, Alexander Wang, Tory Burch, Christian Siriano and Carolina Herrera. Additionally, she had an editorial with US Glamour.
Shu Pei Qin on the cover of Vogue China (Supplement), August 2010
Both: Editorial for Vogue China. Left: May 2010. Right: February 2010.
Sun Fei Fei
This Chinese model is also one of the Style.com’s favorite new faces of the season, alongside Ming Xi. Sun Fei Fei started modeling locally in Asia until she won third place in Elite Model’s Look World competition. She was one of the Asian models to walk in the most shows during Fall 2010/Winter 2011 New York fashion week, an estimated number of 23. These include Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Max Azria, Jill Stuart and Alexander Wang, to name a few. She is featured in ad campaigns for H&M and Shanghai Tang.
Sun Fei Fei in an editorial for Vogue Korea, July 2010
Editorial for Grazia China, January 2010
Tao Okamoto
Tao Okamoto is a Japanese model who may be best known for her black bowl-cut hair. She started modeling in 2006 and her career is at its peak. In the December 2009/January 2010 issue of Teen Vogue, she was listed as the Girl of the Moment. In this year alone, she has been in ad campaigns for Uniqlo, Gap, Kenneth Cole and Zac Posen. She also appeared on the cover of Vogue China and in the Nordstrom catalog. During New York Fashion Week, she was seen in more than 15 shows for Spring/Summer 2011 and more than 20 for Fall/Winter 2010, walking the runways for Isaac Mizrahi, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Z Spoke by Zac Posen and Tommy Hilfiger.
Tao Okamoto in an editorial for V Magazine #53, Spring 2010
Ad Campaign for Zac Posen, Spring/Summer 2010
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!
When the blackboard started looking more grey than clear white chalk on black when I was in junior high, I knew it was time for glasses. But I refused. Glasses equaled uncool. And in junior high, nothing was worse than uncool.
That sentiment remained with me through college, when I would climb Bruin Walk daily, my eyes to the ground in case I passed someone I knew but didn’t say hi because, well, I couldn’t see them.
Fast forward to today. Today, glasses are my best friend. Though ironically, I don’t wear them today because I need to. (I wear contacts.) Check out model Hyoni Kang in hers for Harper’s Bazaar Korea.
Hyoni Kang in Harper's Bazaar Korea, January 2010 issue.
Bib necklaces? Sigh. Chandelier earrings? So 2003. Statement bag? You and everyone’s mother.
There’s just something I like about being able to hide behind a pair of chunky, nerdy tortoiseshell glasses. It’s another way to accessorize and it adds just enough geek appeal to any outfit. (I won’t even talk about the beauty-slash-self-esteem benefits. Suffice it to say, glasses are to skin issues what a fedora used to be to a bad hair day — they forgive a multitude of epidermal sins.)
Zilzie Wear "Johnny" glasses. Two pairs up for grabs!
Another thing about glasses? You could be wearing the sexiest outfit, but you don a pair of glasses and instantly you’ve got geek cred.
Zilzie Wear "Valedictorian" glasses -- we've got two pairs of these to give away!
Wanna try out your own pair of faux glasses? We’ve got four pairs to give away from Zilzie Wear — they’ve got the cutest glasses around and so wallet-friendly too — so tell me why you wanna try out your own pair of faux glasses. An anti-aging secret? For some hipster cred? Or just wanna look smarter? Talk to me!
You’ve got till September 15, 11:59 pm. You must have a U.S. address to win. Good luck!
Shu Pei Qin in Richard Chai Love.
From “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Eccentric Ladylike” themes littering the fall runways, the new looks for fall combine classic cuts with a bit of fun. Think a mix of summer with dash of fall and that’s the route that a lot of fall trends seem to be taking.
And it’s easier than ever to achieve — just add a few key fall items that are already staples in most women’s closets with your current summer wardrobe. What’s more is that summer clothes are on sale everywhere right now, from the mall to online boutiques. Essentially, you can buy what’s “in” at sale prices, and then work them into your fall wardrobe.
To start off, let’s review some summer trends that’ll work for fall:
Summer Prints
Stores from J. Crew to Urban Outfitters showed an explosion of floral prints this summer.
Lightweight, Feminine Blouses
Light, sheer blouses with details like ruffles, ruching, embroidery and lace are hot on the racks everywhere, as well as etailers like ShopBop.com.
Utility Shirt and Jackets
Utility shirts and jackets come in different lengths and colors, and they were key ways to get your military vibe on in your spring and summer looks. Stock up at Gap.
To transition these key summer pieces this fall, wear them with those fall essentials that everyone has: long cardigans, blazers, sleek jackets or coats, and leather boots.
A crisply tailored jacket, a printed scarf and boots, like these at Ralph Lauren, are staples in most closets.
A chunky cardigan, a long blazer or even a fur vest worn over a summer blouse or floral print is an easy fall ensemble.
Chanel Iman pairs a long cardigan with a vibrant print in Tommy Hilfiger.
A faux fur vest and knee high boots add heft to a lightweight summer blouse, as worn by Liu Wen in Anna Sui.
Wooly textures and faux fur pairs nicely with a floral print. Eugenia Mandzhieva in Mulberry.
Have a summer dress you love? Instantly update with a faux fur vest and opaque ribbed tights, as modeled by Hyoni Kang at Karen Walker.
Additionally, utility shirts accompanied by scarves or leather boots can be a great fall look as well. Whether you’re going for a casual look or something more chic, a utility shirt or jacket can make any outfit look presentable and pulled together.
Liu Wen in Salvatore Ferragamo.
Shu Pei Qin in Etro.
Tao Okamoto in Jonathan Saunders.
So get a jump start on fall by checking out your favorite stores for summer sales on the best summer trends.
Enjoy!
I am in love with the moody, brooding, textured nails created by Sally Hansen for Tracy Reese’s fall 2010 show. It so epitomizes the look for fall 2010. Check it out:
Sally Hansen's nail creations for Tracy Reese.
Sean Chin-Sue knew he had found his calling when he did his sister’s hair for her wedding. “I realized that I enjoyed it so much I wanted to make a career out of it,” says the hairstylist who grew up in Jamaica West Indies.
So Sean, who is of Jamaican, Indian, Chinese and Scottish descent, did his training at Pipino Buccheri (the artistic directors for Vidal Sassoon), before joining Stephen Knoll, Peter Coppola, and now at Pierre Michel in Manhattan.
With style icons ranging from Brad Pitt to Lenny Kravitz, from Jennifer Lopez to Lady GaGa, Sean says he loves working on women’s hair “because they are always interesting and always evolving with the way they look and feel.”
His favorite look on women right now? “Layered looks that are feathery and light with a non-serious look to them,” he says. “Just a free, easy to style look.”
Here, Sean answers some reader questions.
Q. My hair is very fine and straight and sometimes when I try to curl my hair, the curls fall out after an hour. What products or techniques should I use to maintain the bounce? — Michelle
Sean Chin-Sue answers: Use Phyto Volume Actif and a styling agent such as Phyto Look. Style as usual, but apply hot air from dryer a little longer to the places you need volume. Use a curling iron or hot rollers to add even more volume and then give a cold shot of air from a blowdryer after you remove rollers.
Hyoni Kang in Osman, Spring 2010.
Q. What’s an easy holiday hairdo I can do at home but that will also make me look young and fresh (no stuffy updo’s please)? — C.P.
Sean Chin-Sue answers: Take a small section of the front of hair (e.g., the bangs or where bangs would be), and leave that section loose. Then take the rest of your hair and make a really high ponytail close to the crown — almost high enough so it looks as though the ponytail is popping out of the top of your head. After the ponytail is secured, take that front section of hair and brush it back to side (whichever side you like, or try to go for the side that your natural part falls on). Bring that section up and around the ponytail base, securing it with a bobby pin. A simple and stylish hairstyle in seconds!
Sean’s last bit of advice for Asian American girls:
“Challenge yourself to try a style that you would not think would be possible for you.”
To make an appointment with Sean, call 212-755-9500 or go to www.PierreMichelSalon.com.
