Asian Models at the Forefront of Fashion

Asian Fashions Altering Vogue—For the reason that late oughts, style has put the highlight on East Asian fashions as nations like China start to steer the worldwide market. Range in modeling has lengthy been a difficulty, and seeing completely different concepts of magnificence is a welcomed sight. And as Chinese language mannequin Liu Wen mentioned in an interview with Nightline in 2011, “I really feel the world is smaller, and the style world is getting greater for any lady.”

Asian Fashions

Right here, we’ve got an inventory of twenty-one high Asian fashions from China, Japan, South Korea, and extra nations who helped to alter the face of style with their groundbreaking campaigns and journal covers.

These ladies have actually made an impression from the runways of Victoria’s Secret to main manufacturers like Chanel and Vogue covers. See the whole checklist of lovely fashions under.

Liu Wen

Nationality: Chinese language 
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: Liu Wen has had a prolific profession and first rose to fame after being named the primary Asian spokesmodel for Estee Lauder (pictured above). The radiant picture featured minimal make-up, so her hanging options have been on full show.

Liu additionally appeared in campaigns for notable manufacturers equivalent to Tiffany & Co., H&M, Giorgio Armani, and La Perla. Liu Wen made historical past as the primary Chinese language mannequin to stroll on the Victoria’s Secret Vogue Present in 2012.

In 2013, OK! China dubbed Liu as the primary Asian supermodel. In 2017, she grew to become a Chanel ambassador. With over 6.1 million Instagram followers as of 2023, she’s one of many world’s most well-known Asian fashions. Just lately, she continued to land main campaigns with commercials for Gucci and Bulgari.

Fei Fei Solar

Nationality: Chinese language 
Top: 5’10.5″ 
Recognized for: Fei Fei Sun appeared in main campaigns all through her profession by posing for manufacturers like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel Magnificence, and Armani Magnificence. Fei Fei additionally graced the duvet of high magazines equivalent to Vogue China, Vogue US, and Vogue Italia.

Her cowl of Vogue Italia marked the primary time {that a} mannequin of East Asian descent appeared on a solo cowl for the publication. Estee Lauder named her a spokesmodel in 2017.

Fei Fei shouldn’t be solely attractive however in a position to play on a number of appears to be like relating to her many photoshoots and runway appearances. One take a look at her socials, and you may see that she is all about having enjoyable and switching up her look. At all times meticulously groomed, even on her off days, you’ll be able to virtually scent the Christian Dior perfume topping off her look of perfection.

Fernanda Ly

Nationality: Australian (Chinese language descent) 
Top: 5’8″ 
Recognized for: Recognized for her signature bubble gum pink hair, Fernanda Ly shortly rose to prominence within the modeling world. The Australian great thing about Chinese language descent appeared in campaigns for manufacturers like Louis Vuitton (pictured above), Kate Spade, Tiffany & Co., and Dior.

For Louis Vuitton, she confirmed off her pink tresses whereas sporting an all-black ensemble, wanting like a style warrior. Fernanda additionally graced the covers of style glossies equivalent to Teen Vogue, Vogue Japan and Vogue Australia.

Fernanda Ly’s hair isn’t the one factor she is thought for within the style world. This Asian-Australian magnificence is thought for maintaining these fashionable and playful with a little bit of an edgy for her personal private type.

And whereas she now not rocks the bubble gum pink hair, we’ve seen her go from hanging platinum white to a enjoyable auburn tint recently, and he or she’ll even don some orange contacts to coordinate the look.

Tao Okamoto

Nationality: Japanese 
Top: 5’9.5″
Recognized for: Modeling because the age of 14, Tao Okamoto appeared in campaigns for manufacturers equivalent to Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, and Tommy Hilfiger. In 2013, she made her first main appearing debut in The Wolverine the place she appeared alongside Hugh Jackman.

She additionally performed Mercy Graves in 2015’s Batman v Superman: Daybreak of Justice. In 2009, Tao landed on the duvet of Vogue Japan, the place she had a complete problem devoted to herself, making her the primary Japanese mannequin with this distinction.

Du Juan

Nationality: Chinese language
Top: 5’11”
Recognized for: Now identified for her appearing, Du Juan grew to become referred to as the high Asian mannequin to work throughout the mid-2000s. She appeared in commercials for firms like David Yurman, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

In 2005, she graced a Vogue Paris cowl alongside Gemma Ward. This marked the primary Chinese language mannequin to look on the duvet of the style bible. Du additionally lined the Chinese language editions of Vogue, ELLE, and Harper’s Bazaar. In 2019, she starred in Miu Miu’s spring-summer marketing campaign. She would later seem within the Italian label’s resort 2021 commercials.

Chiharu Okunugi

Nationality: Japanese 
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: Since being signed in 2011, Chiharu Okunugi has starred in worldwide commercials for labels together with Stella McCartney (pictured above in trendy plaid, wanting statuesque), Karl Lagerfeld, Dior, Zara, and Chanel. The Japanese mannequin graced the covers of magazines equivalent to Vogue Japan, Narcisse, L’Officiel Singapore, and Glass Journal.

Ming Xi

Nationality: Chinese language 
Top: 5’10” 
Recognized for: Ming Xi has had an illustrious profession modeling since she hit the scene in 2009. The Asian mannequin walked the Victoria’s Secret Vogue Present from 2013 to 2018. Ming additionally starred in commercials for labels equivalent to Kate Spade, La Perla, and H&M. The leggy magnificence graced the covers of style magazines like Vogue China, ELLE China, and Grazia China.

Sui He

Nationality: Chinese language 
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: Sui He shortly launched into the highlight by fronting campaigns for fashionable labels and retailers equivalent to Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, Neiman Marcus (pictured above in attractive Hawaii wanting like a goddess), H&M, and Ralph Lauren. She additionally graced the duvet of W Journal, Vogue China, Harper’s Bazaar China, and i-D. Sui walked the Victoria’s Secret Vogue Present from 2011 to 2018, making her one of many solely Asian fashions with that distinction.

Soo Joo Park

Nationality: Korean 
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: Soo Joo Park has landed advert campaigns for well-known manufacturers, together with Chanel, MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford, and DKNY. Her signature platinum blonde tresses helped propel her profession to even increased heights.

In 2014, Soo Joo grew to become L’Oreal Paris’ first Asian-American spokesmodel. Her covers embody glossies like Vogue Korea, FASHION Canada, Vs. Journal (pictured above), and ELLE Korea. In 2022, she grew to become an envoy for Chanel, posing in watch advertisements.

Hoyeon Jung

Nationality: Korean
Top: 5’9.5″
Recognized for: A mannequin and actress, HoYeon Jung shot to fame after showing in Netflix’s hit present Squid Recreation. Her efficiency as Kang Sae-byeokeven earned her nominations for the Primetime Emmys and Display screen Actors Guild Awards. The star is probably the most well-known Asian mannequin, touchdown style model offers with main firms equivalent to Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Calvin Klein, and adidas.

Nevertheless, even earlier than changing into an actress, she beforehand walked the runway for luxurious manufacturers and appeared in blue-chip commercials. For journal covers, HoYeon Jung graced publications equivalent to Vogue US, Vogue Korea, W Korea, and i-D. So whether or not it’s the modeling {industry} or appearing, she impresses.

Xiao Wen Ju

Nationality: Chinese language
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: Xiao Wen Ju is thought for protecting many style magazines, together with Vogue China, Harper’s Bazaar China, and ELLE China. With regards to campaigns with high style homes, she fronted campaigns for manufacturers equivalent to Bulgari, Chanel, Dior, and extra luxurious manufacturers.

She has additionally dominated the runway, strolling for labels equivalent to Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Mika Schneider

Nationality: Japanese-French
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: A latest addition to our checklist of high Asian fashions, Mika Schneider has been making a splash within the modeling world since her debut on the Prada spring-summer 2022 runway present. She has since walked for manufacturers like Tom Ford and Anna Sui throughout New York Vogue Week.

Moreover, Mika appeared in campaigns for high style homes equivalent to Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Moschino. Her covers embody style magazines equivalent to Vogue Japan, Vogue Paris, and Vogue Hong Kong.

Sora Choi

Nationality: South Korea
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: Sora Choi, a South Korean mannequin, has considerably impacted the style {industry} along with her distinctive type and presence. Launching her profession in 2012 after profitable Kora’s Subsequent Prime Mannequin, Choi shortly ascended to worldwide acclaim, gracing runways for prestigious manufacturers like Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs.

Her versatility has made her a favourite in each high-street and luxurious style circles. Choi’s affect extends past the catwalk, as she attended the Met Gala in 2023 sporting Thom Browne.

Devon Aoki

Nationality: American (Japanese, German & English heritage)
Top: 5’5″
Recognized for: Devon Aoki’s distinctive look, mixing her Japanese and German-English heritage, made her a runway favourite in Paris and New York. Her profession in style and movie is marked by notable variety and impression.

Beginning as a mannequin at simply 13, she swiftly rose to fame, changing into the face of Versace at 16. As a short model standing at 5’5″, she additionally serves as an inspiration for petite ladies.

Her transition to appearing added to her acclaim, with memorable roles in movies like “2 Quick 2 Livid” and “Sin Metropolis,” showcasing her versatility in different arenas. In 2023, she grew to become the star of Moschino’s Toy 2 Pearl fragrance.

Kimora Lee Simmons

Nationality: American (Korean, Japanese & African American heritage)
Top: 6’0″
Recognized for: An early begin and speedy ascent distinguishes Kimora Lee Simmons’ modeling profession. Her distinct mix of African-American, Korean, and Japanese heritage contributed to her enchantment on worldwide runways.

Found at 13, she shortly made a reputation for herself within the style world, notably beneath the mentorship of Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld. She went on to discovered the 90s clothes model Child Phat, showcasing her enterprise acumen.

Simmons grew to become a logo of variety in a predominantly homogeneous {industry}, paving the way in which for future fashions with blended heritage and redefining magnificence requirements within the style {industry}.

Chrissy Teigen

Nationality: American (Thai & Norwegian heritage)
Top: 5’9″
Recognized for: Together with her Thai-Norwegian heritage, mannequin Chrissy Teigen gained prominence via the Sports activities Illustrated Swimsuit Problem, resulting in a strong modeling profession. Teigen’s approachable persona and social media savvy contributed to her fame.

As a co-host of “Lip Sync Battle” and writer of fashionable cookbooks, her transition into tv showcased her multi-faceted abilities. Vogue collaborations with manufacturers like REVOLVE and QUAY showcase much more of her abilities.

Mia Kang

Nationality: British-Swiss (Korean & British heritage)
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: Mia Kang’s journey in modeling is a story of transformation and advocacy. Of Korean-British heritage, she was found at 13, and he or she grappled with industry-imposed physique picture requirements. Kang’s profession took a flip as she embraced physique positivity and well being, reshaping her path.

She’s appeared in promoting campaigns for manufacturers like Victoria’s Secret and Guess. Diversifying her profession, Kang ventured into skilled Muay Thai preventing, difficult standard modeling norms.

Ai Tominaga

Nationality: Japanese
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: Japanese mannequin Ai Tominaga’s profession is adorned with particular, groundbreaking accomplishments within the style {industry}. She made a big mark as one of many first Asian fashions to stroll for Prada, a milestone in her profession, and for Asian illustration in excessive style.

Tominaga additionally graced the covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, additional cementing her standing. Her runway appearances for luxurious manufacturers equivalent to Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs showcased her versatility and enchantment.

Moreover, she was the primary Asian mannequin to signal a contract with cosmetics large Maybelline, broadening her affect past the runway.

Jenny Shimizu

Nationality: Japanese-American
Top: 5’7″
Recognized for: Jenny Shimizu notably challenged conventional magnificence requirements within the 90s, changing into one of many first Asian-American fashions to attain worldwide fame.

Her androgynous look and distinctive type led to her being handpicked by Calvin Klein for a groundbreaking marketing campaign. Shimizu additionally graced the runway of manufacturers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Prada, and Mugler.

Yumi Nu

Nationality: American (Japanese & Dutch heritage)
Top: 5’11”
Recognized for: American mannequin Yumi Nu made historical past by changing into the first Asian plus-size model to look within the Sports activities Illustrated Swimsuit Problem, a significant breakthrough in diversifying magnificence requirements within the {industry}.

Her cowl characteristic on Vogue Japan additional solidified her standing as a trailblazer. Nu has additionally been a vocal advocate for physique positivity, utilizing her platform to encourage and empower a broader viewers.

He Cong

Nationality: Chinese language
Top: 5’10”
Recognized for: With a powerful profession, Chinese language mannequin He Cong has walked the runways for prestigious labels equivalent to Valentino, Givenchy, and Prada, showcasing her outstanding presence within the world style area. She additionally adorned the covers of famend publications like Vogue China.

Cong’s involvement in high-profile campaigns for luxurious manufacturers, together with Chanel and Louis Vuitton, underscores her standing as a extremely sought-after mannequin. In 2023, she appeared within the well-known Pirelli calendar.

Asian Trailblazers

Asian fashions have made a mark within the world style {industry}. These fashions are breaking obstacles, from posing in editorials that includes couture to touchdown advertisements for main style manufacturers and gracing journal covers.

They proceed to be a necessary a part of the worldwide modeling scene as their affect on tradition continues to develop every year. It’s secure to say that these high Asian style fashions will stay on the forefront for years to come back.