This past Monday, the Asia Society threw their fifth annual gala at The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, honoring fashion designer Jason Wu. Of the Asian fashion elite, guests included Jenny Shimizu, Shu Pei, and Anna Su, along with NY Projects owner Yung Hee Kim and publisher Chiu-Ti Jansen. THe event included a live auction, which took place in the hotel’s grand ballroom (covered in fuchsia!).
When he took his award, Wu stated: “When I grew up in Taiwan, it was very clear to me that I wasn’t going to be your average doctor, lawyer or accountant. In fact, I’d highly discourage myself from doing any of your taxes. But my parents encouraged me to do what I wanted to do. I wanted to acknowledge them because they couldn’t be here; they are in Taiwan. Because they think New York is too dirty. And it is a bit dirty, but I love it.”
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.
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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 »
We told you a while back that Shu Pei Qin is now signed with Maybelline. We figured you’d be interested in seeing what happens behind-the-scenes when she shoots for their campaign.
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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.
We listed Shu Pei as one of the best Asian models of 2010 with reason: she’s the new face of Maybelline and her debut ad has just recently been launched, featuring Maybelline’s Color Sensational Lipcolor. She is now a spokesmodel for this global cosmetics brand, alongside Christy Turlington, Julia Stegner, Erin Wasson, Charlotte Kemp Muhl and Emily DiDonato. It seems like Maybelline New York Global CEO Demien Bertrand is confident with his decision to sign Shu Pei, and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be. As he noted, she is stunningly beautiful and has an inner fire; she projects the perfect personality to represent their brand.
Shu Pei in her debut ad for Maybelline.
She’s even in the Maybelline 2011 Calendar!
Shu Pei in Maybelline 2011 Calendar.
