If Chinese Models were not very well known outside the borders of their country, this was about to change. In 2010 Chinese Models started being recognized widely around the world and their fame continuous to increase. And it all began with the famous Liu Wen who is estimated be have been the number one booked model in the world. Read on and find out how come the world is discovering some of the hidden China Models and their talent only now.
Liu Wen is by far the most popular China Model, and now the face of Estee Lauder. She was born in 1988 in the Hunan province of China. She was not ever a model, and before starting this successful career she was a tour guide. Liu’s modeling career basically started in 2005 when she competed in the New Silk Road World Model Contest hoping to win a computer as her prize. She did not however win the contest but she continued modeling and her fame suddenly rose when she was featured on the cover of the Chinese FHM. Afterwards, this China Model continued working as a model for Chinese magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Two years later, this Chinese Model caught the eye of international designers who wanted her to work for them. She first shot a Cosmo editorial wearing clothes with the signature of Karl Lagerfeld and Viktor and Rolf. Later on, she would walk for both of these designers. The successful career of this China Model did not however stop here. In the same year, she appeared in four editorials of Vogue Magazine in China and debuted on international runways. She walked for notorious designers such as Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Shiatzy Chen and Hermes. Her career culminated in 2009 when she appeared in major fashion campaigns such as DKNY Jeans, The GAP, Benetton, Alexander Wang and Calvin Klein. Moreover, she appeared in editorials for Elle, Marie Claire, Allure and Interview, all Chinese magazines. Surprisingly or not, she was the first China Model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2009.
Du Juan is another famous Chinese Model, considered the first international Chinese supermodel. Du Juan was born in 1982 as being the only child of architect parents. She initially pursued a career in classical ballet but as she grew too tall to find a suitable partner she pointed her attention towards modeling. This China Model debuted on the runway in 2006 when she wore creations of Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Roberto Cavalli and Chanel. She also appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine in France, in 2005 which has made her the first Asian cover model. From now onwards, her fame continued to increase as this Chinese Model was demanded for advertising campaigns for designers such as Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli, Gap, Swarovski, Benetton and Yves St. Laurent.
These are only two of the most famous China Models but more names will certainly emerge in this industry as the world starts looking at China Models with different eyes.