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 »
I never thought I’d see the day. But prep is back. And big.
Chinese British model-turned-TV host-turned-designer Alexa Chung showcased her fall 2010 line for Madewell last month, and it was prepster-mania.
Alexa Chung, in white, with looks from her fall collection for Madewell. Photo courtesy of Style.com.
Marc Jacobs Spring 2010.
Now, that doesn’t mean you should run out and buy The Preppy Handbook. This is a modified prep. It’s prep with a twist. Or, more accurately, it’s you with a twist of prep.
Whatever your style — classic, rocker, sophisticate, geek chic, trendy party girl — you can incorporate prep as easily as you incorporated punk stud details last season. All it takes is a few well-placed accessories.
The Polo
Oh, the polo. I have such memories of the polo. The inability to afford the coveted polo player and horse, or even the alligator. Nay, I had to walk into my junior high — shame-faced — with a unicorn or some other random logo on my pastel pink polo. Oh, the shame of it.
Lakshmi Menon in Lacoste.
Of course, such shallow tendencies and earnest desire to “fit in” are no longer with me, thank goodness. Indeed, if I wear a polo today, I’ll make sure it’s buttoned to the top, nerd-style, in a bright key lime pie hue, and with a crab emblazoned proudly thereon. I’ll just make sure to wear it with cut-off men’s denim, a Burberry utility belt, and six-inch platform Louboutins. (Hey, it’s all in the balance.)
Coast Winyah polo.
Coast Winyah polo, $72.50.
The Shoe
Perhaps the easiest way to do it is with the shoes. I mean, who can’t pull off a good shoe?
To add the prep touch to your ensemble, try a brown loafer, a boat shoe from the 30-year-old brand famous for their “Docksiders,” Sebago, or some wingtip oxfords.
Sebago "Bala" boat shoe.
Sebago “Bala” shoe, $70.
Miz Mooz "Histeric" shoe.
I like the two-toned oxfords from Miz Mooz. Chunky enough to mimic a man’s shoe, but with pretty details to dress up any flirty dress, skin tight mini or slouchy shorts. Add a jaunty fedora from Eugenia Kim for Target and you’ve got a look that’ll take you to fall.
Miz Mooz “Histeric” shoe, $89.99.
The Glasses
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a glasses addict. And yes, while my eyes do require some form of contacts or bottle-thick lenses in order to see my hand in front of my face, these days I’m donning my eyewear for more aesthetic purposes than anything.
Whatever you’re wearing, be it jeggings, a minidress, slouchy track pants, or your everyday denim, tortoiseshell framed glasses gives you just enough oomph to warrant a double take. (Not to mention, it hides wrinkles and dark undereye circles really well.)
Eyebobs "Do the Limbo" glasses.
Eyebobs “Do the Limbo” glasses, $75.
The Bag
Parazul scarf bag.
Ultimately, nothing says prep more than that iconic pink-kelly green combo. Parazul makes a great classic tote in pink with a touch of kelly green in the silk printed scarf. Don one and you’ve automatically entered into prepster-dom.
What do you think? Think you can handle prep?
Emma Pei in Luca Luca.
It’s a new season and I, for one, can’t wait to try out spring’s pretty, colorful looks. Inspired by all the sorbet colors on the runway, I’m gonna go for a more naturally pretty, naturally undone look.
M*A*C's Too Fabulous Mineralize Blush in Two Virtues, right.
But that doesn’t mean I’m going to put away my makeup kit. From flushed cheeks, yummy nails, bold brows and fluttery lashes, spring’s makeup arsenal has plenty of styles to experiment with.
And keep reading for a special beauty giveaway by LashFood — their newest conditioning liquid eyeliner gives you a precise line while encouraging the health and growth of your natural lashes! Five lucky readers get to try one for free!
