For the past several years, fashion has started to embrace East Asian models as countries like China become important in the global market place. Make no mistake, these models are not just here to feel a quota. As Liu Wen said in an interview with Nightline in 2011, “I feel the world is smaller, and the fashion world is getting bigger for any girl.”
Here, we have a list of seven top Asian models from China, Japan and South Korea who are helping to change the face of fashion with their top campaigns and magazine covers. See the full list below.
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LIU WEN
Liu Wen for Estee Lauder
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 26
Known for: Liu Wen is rose to fame after being the first Asian model to serve as an ambassador for Estee Lauder. Besides her beauty contract which began in 2010, Liu has appeared in campaigns for notable brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Tiffany & Co. and H&M, ck Calvin Klein and La Perla Lingerie. Liu Wen also walked the Victoria’s Secret runway show in 2012, making her the first Chinese model to appear in the broadcast. In 2013, OK! China dubbed Liu the first Asian supermodel.
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FEI FEI SUN
Fei Fei Sun on Vogue China April 2014 Cover by Sharif Hamza
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 25
Known for: Fei Fei Sun has landed major advertising campaigns throughout her career by posing for brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton and ck One. Fei Fei has also covered top magazines like Vogue China and Vogue Italia. Her cover of Vogue Italia marked the first time that a model of East Asian descent has appeared on a solo cover for the publication.
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TAO OKAMOTO
Tao Okamoto on Vogue Japan October 2013 Cover
Nationality: Japanese
Age: 29
Known for: Tao Okamoto has appeared in campaigns for brands like Ralph Lauren, Emporio Armani and Zac Posen. In 2013, she made her first major acting debut in “The Wolverine” where she appeared alongside Hugh Jackman. In 2009, Tao landed on the cover of Vogue Japan where she had an entire issue dedicated to herself–making her the first Japanese model with this distinction.
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DU JUAN
Du Juan for Prestige Magazine by Richard Ramos (2013)
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 31
Known for: Although she has transitioned into acting, Du Juan is known for being the top Asian model to work during the mid-2000s for campaigns like David Yurman, Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton. Most recently, she appeared in a Van Cleef & Arpels ad.
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CHIHARU OKUNUGI
Chiharu Okunugi for Stella McCartney Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign
Nationality: Japanese
Age: 22
Known for: Although her career is still young, Chiharu Okunugi has appeared in prestigious advertisements for labels including Stella McCartney, Dior and Chanel.
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SUI HE
Sui He for Neiman Marcus Resort 2013 Catalogue
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 24
Known for: Sui He has made appearance in top labels’ advertisements such as Karl Lagerfeld, H&M and Ralph Lauren. She landed on the cover of W Magazine in 2011 despite being relatively unknown, and also appeared on the covers of Vogue China, Harper’s Bazaar China and i-D.
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SOO JOO PARK
Soo Joo Park on Vs. Magazine Spring/Summer 2014 Cover
Nationality: Korean
Age: 27
Known for: Despite her late start in modeling, Soo Joo Park has landed ad campaigns for top brands including Chanel, Tom Ford and DKNY. She is most well-known for her signature platinum blonde tresses.