Though it’s been a month since New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012, with Los Angeles Fashion Week here we thought we’d share some shots of our beloved Asian models spotted on the runway of NYFW as well as off.
On the runway:
Liu Wen - Oscar de la Renta.
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Not cool.
I mean, seriously, thanks British Vogue for featuring the slew of Asian supermodels dominating the runway (but seriously, they’re so hot, how can you not feature them?) but mistaking model Liu Wen for Du Juan? What a fashion faux pas!
Estée Lauder's campaign for their new Idealist Illuminator with models Joan Smalls, Constance Jablonski and Liu Wen.
Earlier this month, Estée Lauder held a press event in New York City to their new philosophy of “Every Woman Can Be Beautiful.” The venerable 65-year-old cosmetics company also unveiled the launch of two new skincare products for all skintones, Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator and Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator (more on that in our next issue).
This season, don’t shy away from colors: wear them bright and bold! We can all use some color to brighten up our moods. I admit I’m guilty of doing the dark smoky eyes excessively and I don’t remember the last time my nails weren’t deep red, blue or purple. But since we’re seeing bright colors on models, on celebrities and on the streets, I think it’s time I give it a try, and you should too! Bright colored makeup can be used to contrast a monochromatic outfit or to complement a fun, flirty outfit with vivid hues.
Colorful eyeshadow on Gwen Lu. Glam Magazine (Malaysia), March 2011.
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.
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!
We told you fashion model Liu Wen landed an Estée Lauder contract back in April. Now we have a sneak peek of the behind the scenes photos from Liu Wen’s first major campaign with Estée Lauder, Wild Violet, available at Estée Lauder counters starting January 1, 2011.
What do you think of her look?
More photos after the jump.
Shu Pei Qin in 3.1 Phillip Lim, spring 2011.
Audrey contributor Tamae Ishii attended the 3.1 Phillip Lim show during New York Fashion Week earlier this month. Here, she gives us an inside look.
The 3.1 Phillip Lim show was held at the cavernous venue that is the Park Avenue Armory — a favorite of the young and fashionable, including notable attendee Kanye West dressed in a bright fuchsia blazer.
The theme was “Puzzles,” which was exemplified by the giant white puzzle pieces that were strategically placed along the wide runway.
The predominant colors in Lim’s Spring 2011 collection were his trademark neutrals — camel, black, taupe
and white — with a touch of azure blue as an accent.
There was plenty of layering and asymmetry going on, but ultimately Lim showed a lot of very wearable, city-chic looks that will be popular with the hip crowd come spring.
Phillip Lim takes a bow.
– Story and photos by Tamae Ishii
Model Liu Wen in Oscar De La Renta, Spring/Summer 2011 show.
It’s an exciting time for Asian Americans in the fashion industry. At the Council of Fashion Designers of America early this year, all three awards for the best new designers of the year were awarded to Asian American men; Richard Chai for men’s wear, Jason Wu for women’s wear and Alexander Wang for accessories. The New York Times wrote an article about Asian Americans climbing the fashion industry ladder. And it just warms our hearts to see the influx in fashionable Asians at New York’s Fashion Week.
Audrey contributor Tamae Ishii scoped out the scene in NY earlier this month and brought to us a bevy of beautiful and stylish people, even writing a piece on the Oscar De La Renta show (pictured above).
Below find more of some of fashion’s fashionable elites including Kelly Choi and Joe Zee of Elle. (Click on shots for closeups).
Even though fashion week is over, you can still get your fix for fashionable Asians at Audrey’s Night Out 2010. Only two more days until show time. Buy your tickets now!
Expo 2010 Shanghai Culture Centre.
With the World Expo going on, Shanghai is the place to be right now. (They’ve gotten 10 million visitors since May!) Audrey contributor Janice Jann was just there as part of the Miss LA Chinatown goodwill tour. Hip New York-based indie band PaperDoll, headed by Chinese-Taiwanese-Thai American vocalist Teresa Lee Chaisiri , is in Shanghai right now to perform at the World Expo (August 10 & 11), and they just performed at Shanghai’s oldest underground live music venue, Yuyintang, yesterday.
Iconic Chinese composer and conductor Tan Dun.
Everyone seems to be getting into the Expo act, including international fashion and accessories brand Bottega Veneta. The Italian brand is partnering with Academy Award-winning composer, conductor and cultural ambassador Tan Dun for a world premiere concert called “Martial Arts Trilogy.” The concert — which combines elements of Tan’s acclaimed scores from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Hero and The Banquet — is expected to be the top cultural event at the six month-long Expo and will take place this Saturday, August 7. Tan will be conducting the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, China Youth Symphony Orchestra and Shanghai Philharmonic Chorus at the new 18,000 seat Expo 2010 Shanghai Culture Center.
Chinese model Liu Wen in Bottega Veneta's fall 2010 show.
This concert, sponsored by Bottega Veneta, represents a shared commitment to foster young creative talent and nurture the next generation of musicians, designers and creators. “It is a pleasure and also a responsibility, I believe, to help young designers and artists share their work with the widest possible audience,” said Tomas Maier, creative director of Bottega Veneta, which also developed an artisan training program at the Scuola Della Pelletteria in Vicenza, and sponsored a student design competition at the University of Tokyo last spring.
In addition to the China Youth Symphony Orchestra, the concert will feature young soloists from around the world, including Italian cellist Amedeo Cicchese, Japanese violinist Ryu Goto, China’s guqin player Lu Xiaozi, and Chinese American pianist Sun Jiayi.
Bottega Veneta's limited edition Spring Bud bag. There are only 26 of them in the world!
To celebrate the concert and partnership, Bottega Veneta has created a limited edition bag (there are only 26 of them!) to benefit the Spring Buds Project. The limited edition bag which will be sold at all their China stores and one will be auctioned off online. All 26 purchasers of the bag will receive two VIP tickets to the concert.
All the proceeds of the bags will be donated to the Spring Buds Project of CCTF, a public fundraising fund committed to helping every child in China to develop their overall physical, mental and social potential, and to help them become self-reliant, contributing members to their communities. The Spring Bud Project, launched in 1989, aims to help girls in poverty stricken and education deprived regions get back to school. In the last 18 years, the Spring Bud Program has sponsored the education and practical skills training of more than 1.7 million girls in China. The Program’s latest efforts focus on vocational training and even entrepreneurship.
To find out more about the concert, go here.
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