China is big in the fashion and beauty world right now. Economists are predicting that the luxury goods market in China will grow by a further 20 percent a year, is it any wonder that the most successful models of the moment are also Chinese? Here’s ELLE’s guide to the ones to watch.
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Who: Du Juan
Born: 1982 in Shanghai
Du Juan is the original Chinese supermodel and, to some extent, helped pave the way for the current popularity surge for Asian models. Prior to delving into the world of modelling Du Juan studied as a ballerina and excelled in classical ballet at the Shanghai Academy of Dance for nine years. After winning the title of Miss China in 2003, she quit ballet and made a move into full-time modelling and since then she has gone on to walk for designers such as Givenchy and has starred in numerous advertising campaigns.
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Unknown
Who: Fei Fei Sun
Born: 1989 in HeiBei, China
Fei Fei is everywhere, from appearing in SS12 campaigns for Valentino, walking for Dior, Thierry Mugler, Sonia Rykiel, Miu Miu and Elie Saab at their SS12 catwalk shows and is now the face of the eagerly anticipated cK One Color Cosmetics. Fei Fei also appeared on the cover of ELLE China in December 2010.
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4
Unknown
Who: Liu Wen
Born: 1988 in Yongzhou
Since beginning her modelling career in 2005, when she entered the ‘New Silk Road World Model Contest’, Liu Wen has become one of China’s most successful model. She made her catwalk debut in Paris at Chanel’s SS08 show and in 2009 she became the first Asian model ever to don a pair of wings and take to the Victoria’s Secret runway. She has walked in countless shows including Rodarte, Alexander Wang, Fendi and Bottega Veneta, starred in campaigns for the likes of H&M and ck Calvin Klein and is ranked 6th in models.com Top 50 Models. In 2010 Estée Lauder signed Liu Wen to become their first Asian face of the company.
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5
Unknown
Who: Ming Xi
Born: 1990 in Shanghai
Ming Xi is currently hot property in the modelling industry. Relatively new to the scene, she made her catwalking debut for Givenchy’s couture show in January 2010 and has walked for Hussein Chalayan, Rick Owens, Zak Posen, Dolce & Gabbana and Erdem in the AW12 ready-to-wear shows. While she has yet to appear on the cover of ELLE China it’s only a matter of time.
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6
Unknown
Who: Shu Pei
Born: 1990 in Beijing
Real name Shu Pei Qin, she only began her career in 2007, when she was signed to Next Model Management in New York, but is already one of the most frequently booked Chinese models and appears in the SS12 campaigns for Maybelline New York, Vera Wang, Diesel and Gap. Not bad for a 22 year old.
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7
Unknown
Who: Emma Pei
Born: 1986 in Anhui
Emma began modelling at 19 and shortly after signing with model agency IMG became a hit on the catwalk walking for the likes of Ralph Lauren and Diane von Furstenberg in New York. Emma graced the cover of the March 2008 issue of ELLE China and has been the face of L’Oréal in Asia since 2005.