Major Asian Fashion Update

As fashion begins to realize the importance of diversity, we start to see exciting things happening; case in point the Asian models feature in the new issue of Vogue. Starring Liu Wen, Du Juan, Tao Okamoto, Lee Hyun Yi, Hyoni Kang, Bonnie Chen, So Young Kang and Lily Zhi in a punk remake of Cecil Beaton’s classic shot of models wearing Charles James, the images by Steven Meisel and Grace Coddington accompany an article on the meteoric rise of models from China, Japan and South Korea.
What makes the story truly interesting are some of the quotations from the girls themselves:
“The challenge for me, and for Asian models in general has been convincing editors, stylists and photographers that we can have mass appeal, but Asian, especially Chinese models have become a stronger presence. Just a season or two ago, there weren’t many models for me to talk with backstage in my native Mandarin. Now I usually have no trouble finding someone at any show.” – Liu Wen

“There still are brands or clients that would not consider using an Asian model, but things are changing dramatically and quickly. I am not sure if being Asian was or is a hinderance. In fact I think it is a plus.” – Du Juan