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
For skin as clear as Shu Pei Qin's, read on.
I love what Brits call pimples: Spots. It makes it sound so benign, almost cute.
“Oh, you’ve got a spot.”
“Really? Let me brush it off.”
If only it were that easy.
We Americans have slightly more aggressive terms for those little suckers: Zit, Acne, Eruption, Blemish, Bacteria-clogged Pustules. Ew.
From 21 to 41, we all suffer from those miserable little “spots.” And now that it’s back-to-school, back-to-work, or just plain back-to-life, you’ll want to put your best face forward. Thankfully, the editors, staff and interns at Audrey have tried our share of acne treatments. So here are some that actually work.
For sensitive skin:
Boscia Willow Bark Breakout Treatment.
Camelia says she’s allergic to everything. “I’m lucky enough to have both sensitive skin and a million allergies to basically everything under the sun,” she says, “so when I find beauty products that won’t irritate my skin or give me hives, I can’t help but jump for joy.” Camelia tried out Boscia’s Willow Bark Breakout Treatment and has declared it her “new best friend.”
“It comes out of the bottle as a light, clear gel so I don’t have to worry about my pores being clogged; definitely a plus when I’m out and about in the warm weather,” says Camelia, who is based in the high humidity city of Chicago.
The Willow Bark Treatment is preservative-free and contains Vitamins E and C that fight free radicals and prevent future breakouts. The willow herb also helps to calm inflammation and the soapberry peel (rich in saponin) purifies and heals the skin.
Get it at Sephora or at Boscia’s website.
For stubborn spots:
Han has generally clear skin. But occasionally she’ll get that one stubborn spot. Here’s what she had to say about Murad Acne Spot Treatment.
Murad Acne Spot Treatment.
“I had just gotten back from Chicago and New York for some vacay time, and thanks to all the yummy but heart-clogging food my friends had treated me, I was breaking out. Not like gross junior-high-I-just-hit-puberty breaking out, but my skin wasn’t as nice as it usually was.
“There was one particular blemish, though tiny, that was bugging me. It was the only blemish as my skin had only turned a little irregular in color, so I focused all my attention on getting rid of it. Soap, astringents, and easing off the junk food did nothing.
“I put a tiny dot of Murad Acne Spot Treatment Step 2: Treat/Repair on my finger and gingerly applied it after washing up. Crawling into bed, I hoped that something would happen.
“The next morning, it was gone! What had been a bump had disappeared. Pleased, I treated myself to a sundae.
“Sometimes, there are such things as miracles.”
Get it here.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI intensive acne spot treatment.
For hormonal pimples:
It’s simply not fair to have to deal with wrinkles, discoloration and pimples. Not fair at all. (Fifty percent of adult women deal with acne.) And while I’m still shaking my fist at the complexion gods, at least they sent a salve called La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI Intensive Acne Spot Treatment. With 5 percent benzoyl peroxide (twice as much as most over-the-counter treatments) to zap zits, Effaclar AI also contains lipo-hydroxy acid, a pro-exfoliating molecule designed to micro-exfoliate the skin and stimulate cell renewal. What does that mean? Less residual dark spots and more even skin tone. What it means to me is my spot diminishes twice as fast and with less pain and torture.
It’s now available online at their official website.
Glytone Acne Treatment Gel.
For heavy duty zit whacking:
One of the benefits (or downsides — you decide) of being married to an editor is you get to be the guinea pig for all manner of beauty products. The husband of a certain editor (who shall remain nameless, but really, it’s not hard to figure out) still gets that occasional angry pimple. (He sleeps on his face, uses all sorts of waxes and sprays on his long-ish hair — no big surprise.) So we pulled out the big guns for him: Glytone Acne Treatment Gel with 10% benzoyl peroxide. Ten percent! Needless to say, it does the job, but to prevent overdrying, use it for your occasional, super-angry spot.
The whole shebang:
If you need or want more than just an occasional spot treatment, go with what one editor swears by. The packaging may not be oh-so pretty, but Clearogen does the job. A three-step acne treatment and prevention system addresses both the causes and symptoms of hormonal and stress-induced acne. Created by board certified dermatologist Dr. Alex Khadavi, Clearogen attacks DHT (dihydro-testosterone) which causes oil glands to become overactive. Clinical studies show a 95 percent success rates, with results seen in as little as 30 days. Our editor swears it’s the first system that’s ever prevented a PMS pimple. Now that’s progress.
Clearogen 3-step acne system.
Get the three-piece set (foaming cleanswer, clarifying toner and acne lotion) for $69 at Clearogen.com.
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
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!
Summertime is one time when I do not feel like fussing and preening. When the weather’s this nice, I don’t even feel like shopping! Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m just going to let myself go. Thank goodness for these quick fixes that’ll make the hottest season just a little bit cooler.
Goody Pro Volumizing Comb and Simple Styles Spin Pin
Be forewarned: I’m not a hair person. That is to say, I’m a lazy hair person. I can’t straighten, pin curl, or do anything requiring bobby pins. I’ve never been a very good French braider. That’s why I love the messy ponytail seen on spring runways — I know no other kind.
Shu Pei Qin in Vera Wang, spring 2010. Photo courtesy of Style.com.
Liu Wen in Alexander Wang, spring 2010. Photo courtesy of Style.com.
On the other hand, a messy updo is a bit trickier and generally far too complicated for my unskilled paws. To get it just unkempt enough, but still chic, one needs a whole lotta bobby pins, more than a pair of hands and apparently eyes on the back of one’s head. To wit, Filipina-Irish-Native American Vanessa Hudgen’s wonderfully undone updo:
Vanessa Hudgens at the Night of Fashion & Technology with LG Phones event held at Soho House on May 24, 2010. Vanessa is wearing an M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza big pave blooming flower pyramid ring. Photo courtesy of D'Orazio & Associates.
Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin.
But I have to admit. Goody makes it pretty easy. Their Pro Get Volume comb features several rows of tines of variegated length, so all it takes is a couple of backcombing swipes for instant volume.
Then use their Spin Pin, which is fairly easy, even for me. Just twist your hair into a bun, then spin the pins in. The twisting action magically keeps your hair in place, but not so much so. Instant undone! It gives you that perfectly undone chignon we all covet on actresses on the red carpet. And best of all, no bobby pins.
Goody Pro volumizing comb.
Available in blonde and brunette shades. Get it at Walmart or Target, starting at $2.50, or at Goody.
We Love Colors shoelaces
Versace, spring 2010.
One of my favorite things to do is tweaking my existing wardrobe with little DIY projects that instantly update for the new season.
Case in point: last year’s booties. The easiest update for last year’s lace-up booties is with bright neon laces. Whether in black, cognac or grey, a pop of neon color instantly gives your shoes a modern twist.
I like We Love Colors splash color laces in every color from pastels to neon. It’s a little bit surfer chic a la Proenza Schouler and Versace, a little futuristic a la Balenciaga.
We Love Colors laces, starting at $2.
We Love Colors splash color laces.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI
I never believe those testimonials in beauty magazines anymore — “dab it on your blemish and it’s gone tomorrow!” Sure, that may work for the occasional teeny tiny red spot that models swear they get. But for those nasty, hormonal, once-a-month, deep-down painful, rock-hard bulbs, there is little one can do. You just have to wait for the angry mass to run its course. And use plenty of cover-up.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI intensive acne spot treatment.
Now, I’m a big fan of La Roche-Posay. Nothing beats their sunscreens. But when I came across the brand’s Effaclar AI — an “intensive acne spot treatment” — I was skeptical. Like I said, I’ve tried quite a few products as an Audrey editor. But this one not only had a higher percentage of benzoyl peroxide (5.5%) than I’ve ever seen, it also claimed to treat the residual reddish brown spot that lingers long after the blemish itself has actually healed.
So I gave it a shot. The minute I felt that painful lump, I dabbed Effaclar AI on it. No, the lump did not magically disappear the next morning. But the pain was gone, a miracle in and of itself. And the lump did magically disappear in three days.
The ultimate proof? I dabbed it on my husband’s angry little blemish for a couple days, and then forgot about it. A week later, I asked him about it. He couldn’t remember where it was.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI intensive acne spot treatment, $29.
What’s your favorite quick fix style secret this summer?
In our Summer issue, out now, we highlighted the cut-out, slasher trend hot in fashion right now. The peek-a-boo look was all over the spring runways, and even continued for fall.
Chanel Iman in Gucci spring/summer 2010.
Chanel Iman in Gucci fall/winter 2010.
Here, some extras on-trend pieces available now.
Thai designer Disaya Sorakraikitikul’s cult line Disaya offers plenty of slits and slices in its spring/summer collection. I love the pleated panel skirt on this dress, its repetitious geometry echoed in the sheer panel by the neckline.
Disaya pleat dress.
May Kosaka models her pieces for her line Mothe after the sensuous lines of flora and nocturnal creatures. This one criss-crosses the shoulders and neckline, like fingers gently resting on shoulders. I love the splash of neon yellow in the belt.
Shu Pei Qin in Herve Leger by Max Azria fall/winter 2010.
Mothe dress.
The Tart slashed strap top gives you a similar effect but with a sharper, more graphic take, like the shard-like panels on Shu Pei at Herve Leger’s fall/winter show.
Tart slash strap top.
Smitten shredded sleeve sweater.
For a more distressed, deconstructed look, try something that looks like Edward Scissorhands had his way with you, whether in Cynthia Rowley’s snipped up dress or a shredded sleeve sweater designed by Smitten‘s Jerry Chen.
Emma Pei in Cynthia Rowley spring/summer 2010.
Even if you’re not feeling the slash and burn look, you can get the look with optic stripes like on this knit tunic by Qi.
Qi "Cry Wolf" tunic stripe dress.
Givenchy spring/summer 2010.
I love fast fashion — I’m too much of a chameleon and suffer from fashion-ADD, so I need my fast fashion fix as often as I need coffee. But one spring trend featured in Audrey Magazine’s Spring issue – bold florals — I can’t get enough of.
In both bright prints (Liberty of London’s collection for Target exemplifies the trend) as well as flower-shaped accessories, florals are the easiest way to update your spring wardrobe. And with the weather slowly warming up, flowers feel so right right now.
So of course, you take fast fashion, mix it with florals, and I’m hooked. I love Vera Wang’s ultra-affordable line for Kohl’s, Simply Vera. She’s got the flower accessory trend down, and the bright pink hue is so addictive!
Simply Vera by Vera Wang jet-tone floral necklaces, bracelet and earrings.
I also love the fact that model Shu Pei Qin is modeling this season’s campaign. She’s one model that’s really growing on me.
Shu Pei Qin in Simply Vera Vera Wang gold-tone earrings and necklace.
And there are plenty of florals to pick from that you can wear now, whether a billowy dress paired with tights or a smile-inducing tee with a chiffon trimmed cardigan and boyfriend jeans.
