We’re loving this galactic editorial featuring model Ming Xi for Vogue China. Click on for more of her out of this world looks!
Ming Xi for J.Crew x Goldsign.
Liu Wen for J.Crew x Goldsign.
J.Crew and denim company Goldsign collaborate for the first time – and produce a must-have collection for denim lovers alike.
The collaboration features three fits: “Jeane” – a feminine, sexy, high-waist American jean; “Jenny” – a slim leg, classic, 5-pocket, high-waist jean with cuff; “Holly” – a timeless 1950’s high-waist pencil skirt; ranging in price from $198 to $288. The washes vary in authentic vintages, pure indigos, and soft pastels and the fabrics and trims were designed with the modern woman’s lifestyle in mind. Focusing on feminine fits, the washes vary in authentic vintages, pure indigos, and soft pastels.
From Goldsign:
“This collection was inspired by a flight from New York to Los Angeles as Goldschmied read the Marilyn by Andre de Dienes book. He became mesmerized by an image of Norma Jeane Baker – young and fresh – a natural beauty. She was honest, sincere, full of energy, and motivated to succeed…dressed in red, white, and blue (jeans); she was the epitome of the “American Dream” of the 1950s.”
You can check out the collection now at their site.
Wrapping up New York Fashion Week a couple weeks ago, we thought we’d do a round-up of the Asian models that made the most appearance on the runway this season. According to a news report, Asian models walked in more big shows this season than ever before. “It’s just in their DNA. They’re beautiful, so elegant. Beautiful on the runway, beautiful walkers, beautiful body types — it’s a dream to see them in our clothes,” states Mark Badgley of Badgley Mischka. Among the models that have walked the most shows, we have both familiar and new faces. Familiar faces include Liu Wen, Ming Xi, Shu Pei and So Young Kang. For new and upcoming models, we have Lina Zhang, Sung Hee, Sui He, Tian Yi and Xiao Wen.
Established
LIU WEN
Liu Wen in Alexander Wang FW12.
Once again, Liu Wen is the Asian model to walk the most shows at NYFW – most of them for big names too, such as Alexander Wang, Anna Sui, Diane Von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta, Victoria Beckham, and the list goes on.
Continue Reading »
Liu Wen
Liu Wen in xoJane.
Liu Wen in Dazed and Confused (UK).
Liu Wen in Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2011.
Liu Wen’s modeling career really skyrocketed last year when she signed with Estee Lauder and became the first East Asian model to ever walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, but her success doesn’t stop there. With the most booked shows for the recent New York Fashion Week, you know we had to include Liu Wen in our Best of 2011 models. Appearing in magazines everywhere from West East Magazine (Hong Kong), Vogue (US, Spain, Italia), Elle (China), The Room (Hungary) and Telegraph Magazine (UK), she truly is one of the top supermodels of the world. Continue Reading »
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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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.
With the year winding down, Audrey Magazine has narrowed down some greats of 2010.
It’s been a big year in fashion. Not only did the supremacy of Asians and Asian Americans in fashion get the official CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund stamp of approval (Richard Chai, Alexander Wang and Jason Wu all won this year; Prabal Gurung was a runner up for the Fashion Fund), but Wu, Gurung, Thai American designer Thakoon, and Indian designer Naeem Khan were all First Lady picks for important events.
Jason Wu, Richard Chai, and Alexander Wang, winners of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund 2010. Photo courtesy of The New York Times.
MIchelle Obama in Thakoon at the White House, May 2010.
Relative newcomer Joseph Altuzarra may have been beat by Jason Wu for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear, but the French designer (his mother is Asian American, his father is French) is getting major buzz, especially with his recent appearance in Vogue‘s November issue. (Hello cutie!)
Joseph Altuzarra and model Joan Small in Vogue's November 2010 issue.
As for the women, Anna Sui had a big anniversary (the big 3-0), releasing her first ever retrospective coffee table book. Vera Wang celebrated her 20th anniversary with the release of a special fragrance, Vera Wang Anniversary. Designer milliner Eugenia Kim hit the big time with her hat collection collaboration with Target. And Chinese-Brit Alexa Chung became fashion’s It girl, launching her own collection for Madewell and single-handedly bringing prep back into the fashion lexicon.
Anna Sui, the retrospective book.
Internationally, Jakarta Fashion Week joined the slew of Asian cities showing off their sartorial talent, including Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, Bangkok, New Delhi, Mumbai and Shanghai. Korean designers are particularly catching the industry’s attention, with Concept Korea showing at New York Fashion Week for Spring 2011, and Korean designer Lee Jean Youn winning international label Mango’s second annual Fashion Awards.
A look from Jakarta Fashion Week, courtesy of Image.net.
Designer Lee Jean Youn and his winning collection for Mango in Barcelona.
And it doesn’t look like the Asian fashion invasion is gonna slow down any time soon. A whole slew of Asian and Asian American designers are being tapped for collaborations and to head major fashion houses, including:
* Filipino American handbag and shoe designer Rafe Totengco, known for his line Rafe New York, has been appointed creative director of handbags at Jones Apparel Group, Inc., a mega-company whose brands include Nine West, Stuart Weitzman, Anne Klein, Jones New York, among others. (He just received the Presidential Award from Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III last week.)
Rafe Totengco, far right, receiving the Presidential Award from His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III. (PRNewsFoto/The Jones Group Inc.)
Ming Xi models some Peter Som prints in his spring 2011 show.
* Luxury linens company SFERRA is collaborating with Peter Som to create a luxury home collection. Inspired by his signature prints from his runway collections, Som’s collection will encompass everything from bedding to tabletop. The collection will debut in January.
* Richard Chai has been tapped to create an exclusive, limited-edition menswear collection for Original Penguin, to debut in February. The full Richard Chai for Original Penguin line will debut for fall 2011.
* Target’s Go International Designer Collective, which will launch March 13, features designs by Richard Chai and Thakoon, among other past Target collaborators.
The fashion forecast for Asian representation in 2011? So on trend.
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
Now that New York Fashion Week is done, London Fashion Week kicks off. And it’s great to see all the Asian faces strutting down the catwalk. Here, some familiar names, like Shu Pei Qin, and some new ones, too.
Shu Pei Qin in Burberry.
Editor’s note: the oversized utility coat gets a winter makeover for fall and continues to be huge into the new season. Get a spring one now to get a jump on the trend. I also love how olive green looks with a bronzey, burnished gold.
