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Models Off Duty
Post by Anna • February 09, 2011 • Post a comment

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.


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