12 Asian Models Who Are Kicking Some Serious Ass in the Fashion World
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It may seem like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner are taking over the fashion world, but there are plenty of other hardworking models to know. With conversations surrounding the topics of diversity and inclusion, it's time the world turned its attention to Asian models. Whether they're from the South or South East, the ladies here have each earned a fashion nod in their own right as some of the fiercest models in the game. You might not know all of them by name or face, so get acquainted with some quick facts ahead. Then, make sure to follow them if you don't already.
Liu Wen
Liu Wen is arguably one of the most famous Asian models with runway names like Isabel Marant and Jason Wu under her belt. She was the first East Asian model to work for Victoria's Secret (you might recognize her from the annual show) and the first Chinese woman to ever grace American Vogue. The 5'10" beauty is also one of the highest-paid models, having made $6.5 million in 2017. (Forbes ranked her in eighth place for earnings, just in front of Bella Hadid.)
Naomi Shimada
Dubbed a street style star and body-image activist, Naomi Shimada is signed by Storm, the same agency that spotted Kate Moss. She has starred in an H&M campaign, has modeled for New Zealand's Lonely Lingerie line, and is opinionated when it comes to the term "plus-size."
Esha Gupta
An actress and model, Esha Gupta has over 2.4 million Instagram followers and has appeared on the covers of Elle, Maxim, and FHM. One look at her social media snaps and you can tell this fierce beauty can land any campaign she wants.
FeiFei Sun
FeiFei Sun started her modeling career in 2008, and since then, this 29-year-old has walked the runways for the likes of Christian Dior, Miu Miu, Prada, and Valentino. She was even handpicked by Karl Lagerfeld to walk in Chanel's Pre-Fall 2010 show. Her campaigns include Louis Vuitton, Chanel beauty, and H&M. In 2012, the model became the first Asian face of Valentino.
Vivian Geeyang Kim
Vivian Geeyang Kim is a body-positive model from South Korea. She has also appeared in the pages of Vogue Korea, Allure, and Cosmopolitan. Most impressive, though, is the fact she runs an online clothing shop and magazine specifically for curve women in South Korea to promote all body types.
Ming Xi
Though Ming Xi first made headlines everywhere for taking a tumble at the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the 29-year-old model has accomplished a lot in her career. She started modeling in 2009 and made her runway debut on the Givenchy catwalk in 2011. The model can be seen hanging out with the rest of the VS Angels on set and will continue to dominate the fashion world.
Xiao Wen Ju
Xiao Wen Ju has been modeling since 2010 and was the first Chinese face of Marc Jacobs. (She walked in the Spring '12 show after only being in the business for two years!) The 28-year-old model can add runway shows such as Prada, Tory Burch, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Louis Vuitton to her list of accomplishments.
Sui He
Sui He started modeling when she was only 17 years old and quickly made a name for herself in the industry. She was the first Chinese face for beauty brand Shiseido and made her first appearance at New York Fashion Week in 2011, where she became the first Asian model to open a Ralph Lauren show. Since then, she's worked with other big names such as Chanel, Helmut Lang, and Anna Sui. Oh, did we mention all the times she's walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?
Pooja Mor
Pooja Mor was signed to Elite New York in 2012. She made her debut on the Louis Vuitton runway in 2015 and has also graced the catwalks for Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, and Topshop. Her editorial covers include Vogue India, Numéro China, and Harper's Bazaar India.
Ji Hye Park
Ji Hye Park is a model from South Korea who is signed to Elite. She's walked in shows for Alexander McQueen, Elie Saab, and Chloé. The model was also featured in Vogue Korea in 2013 and landed a campaign with Louis Vuitton that same year.
Tao Okamoto
Tao Okamoto is both a model and actress. Represented by The Society, she made her debut at NYFW by walking for Cynthia Steffe and Marc by Marc Jacobs in 2007. She has worked with famous photographers like Mario Testino, and she is most well-known for appearing in campaigns for Emporio Armani, Kenzo, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Charo Ronquillo
After winning Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines in 2005, Charo Ronquillo has gone on to work with brands such as Tory Burch, Lacoste, Kenneth Cole, and MAC Cosmetics. She has appeared in editorials for Teen Vogue and Marie Claire, and you might even spot her in a J.Crew catalog.