Model Moment: Rise of the Dragon

Vogue UK recently published an article on the rise of Asian models in their mag. I glimpsed through the article, and in my opinion, it is well written with several insights on Asian models, and the reason they are increasing in numbers at full force in the fashion industry, which still remains largely dominated by Western faces and designers.

I agree that the rise of Asian models is in tandem with the blooming Eastern economy. Western fashion houses see a growing, untapped base of customers and fans of their products in the Asian market, thus attending to their needs and wants is a smart and necessary move to internationalize. Think of how LV didn't stop at selling monogram bags in mega stores in Chinese cities, and went to conceptualize an entire Orient-inspired collection for Spring 2011. Think of how Chanel didn't stop at selling couture to the rich Chinese, and even went to open the prefall 2009 show in Shanghai, calling it the Paris-Shanghai Métiers d'Art Collection.

Above: Louis Vuitton SS 2011 shot by Steven Meisel.

Thus with the vast array of fashion collections with Mandarin collars and Cheongsam-inspired thigh high skirt slits showcased on the runway every season, it seems natural that more Asian faces walk down the runway as well.

My favourite new comer is Xiao Wen Ju. Her face resembles a chinadoll. She is definitely one of the most unique faces I see after Emma Xie. Another relatively new model in the Western scene is Sui He. She was placed among the top 10 new faces this fall on style.com, and she grabbed the opening spot at Ralph Lauren, making her the first Asian face to do so.

Below: Xiao Wen Ju, Far below: Sui He in Marchesa

I'm also excited that Singapore finally has a representative at the Ford Supermodel of the World competition next year! I realized that in the past, Singapore used to participate in this competition broadcasting the competition on Channel 8, but it has ceased for a long time till this year! The winner is Chinese-Indian Puvana S. She was called "ugly" by her classmates, according to the local press. However, she is far from ugly! Her unique look is sure to take her far in the world finals in NY.

Well, I hope that using Asian models on the runway is not like Sportswear looks on the runway -- just a trend that will fade in time. Examining the fashion scene and economy now, Western designers' love with the East should not, and I hope will not wane in the near future.

From left: Ming Xi, Sun Feifei, Xiao Wen Ju, Liu Wen

sources: thefashionspot, style.com, fordsupermodel.sg

Fresh Spreads: Trash Couture

Vogue Korea's December issue spells wow, and its the reason why it remains as one of my favourite Vogue editions today. The cover font and styling is always so different that it outshines its comtemporaries.

The cover may appear dark and somewhat unattractive to consumers, but nevertheless, it's still Karlie and her death stare.



Her editorial Trash Couture is far from trashy. Just take a look at the lighting and the gorgeous set, I think Vogue Korea is on its way to win international appeal. I will definitely want to grab a copy for it if I chance upon one!

source: thefashionspot

Fresh Spreads: Sun dance

Azure sky. White sandy beaches. Foamy waves. An ideal backdrop for summer editorials, ushering in the breezy wind yet casting away the heat spell. July's Numero Tokyo ed titled Solo dance featuring Tanya D captures the light and sheer of summer fashion. Dancing in the sun - be it in a Hermes candy-coloured striped maxi that catches the wind or the commfy tee and shorts is definitely great fun (minus the occasional sunburns). So all hail summer - the sun's up!

Numero Tokyo July/August 2009

Solo dance

Photographer: Hans Feurer

Stylist: Samuel Francois

Model: Tanya D

The last close-up...definitely one of my faves out of the bunch. Observe the matching brighy eye make-up and the rainbow hued dress.

Are sunny seashores too cliche a theme for fashion spreads? Nevertheless, they are wonderful in evoking the summer spirit, even in not-so-sunny countries.

Vogue Paris March 2007

Soleil de minuit

ph: Lamsweerde & Matadin

Model: Natasha Poly

source: thefashionspot

Runway Rave: A fairytale bride

Reem Acra recently showed her Spring 2010 bridal collection in New York. The gowns showed off intricate beading, fluffy gathers of tulle and traditional ruffles and drapery.

The little white dress never goes out of style. Pile on luscious clouds of tulle and lace...voila, a gorgeous dress is created out of a fairytale.

The Power of White. Spring 09's white Haute couture featured in Vogue Italia March 09

Gorgeous valentino haute couture in Vogue Italia fall 08.

Bride wears hanbok. The tradition Korean Hanbok comes clean in pure white.

Pirates romance at Jean Paul gaultier spring 08

source: style.com, thefashionspot, newjerseybride

Fresh Spreads: Showcasing the New Collections

The new season marks a wardrobe revamp for both fashion victims and fashion magazines, as magazines embark on a journey to feature the most outstanding hits of the Spring-Summer 2009 collections. With titles such as "Spring Break", "Hits of the Season" and "The Best of What's New", the newest and freshest pieces of big names are filling the pages of these prestigious magazines. Some of the most outstanding pieces such as Prada's ruched bras, Jil Sander's fringe dresses, Marc Jacobs' Kimono tops, Burberry's leafy necklaces and Lanvin's famous ruffles can be spotted in nearly all the spreads featuring the new collections. It is thus interesting to see how different photographers and stylists are showcasing these new pieces to their best.

VOGUE US

Vogue US Jan 09: Magical Realism

Ph: David Sims

Models: Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn

Full editorial: Bwgreyscale

Vogue US was guaranteed a good start by choosing two young supermodels Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn! While Chanel is mostly all smiles, Jourdan proves to be fierce, and together with the jump shots, the vibe of spring is exuded effortlessly. Moreover, the plaid ponytail probably inspired by Louis Vuitton's show is perfect for the shoot as it's swishing actions caught mid air enhances the energy in the shots. In all, this indoor shoot might have turned out boring, but the clothes, the styling and the models worked the concept of Spring so well it's one of my faves.

Vogue US Feb 09: It's a Madcap World

Ph: Steven Meisel
Models: Anna Maria Jagodzinska, Viktoriya Sasonkina, Karlie Kloss, Liya Kebede, Jourdan Dunn & Natasha Poly

Full editorial: The Fashion Spot

Is this really from the pages of Vogue US? Yes it is!

Indeed, it has been a long while since such inspiring spreads appeared in Vogue US. Unlike the previous editorial which appears to be more commercialized and brand-oriented, this spread is more of a showcase of the collections as art pieces -- art pieces that emerge from the whimsical setting, as the title "It's a Madcap World" suggests.

VOGUE CHINA
Vogue China Feb 09: Spring Rhapsody

Ph: David Jackson

Model: Liu Wen

Full Editorial: The Fashion Spot

Vogue China never fails to impress. While magazines such as Vogue US aim to capture the energy in Spring's new collections, Vogue China opts for the breezy feel of Spring, paying most attention to the silhouettes of the clothing. Meticulous styling ensured that the entire editorial seems to transit smoothly - from the balloon Lanvin sleeve to the circular cut-out Christopher Kane dress then to the body-hugging Roberto Cavalli gown. Last but not least, Liu Wen's beauty exudes a calming effect in accordance with the flowy fabrics, creating a breathtaking editorial.

VOGUE UK

Vogue UK Feb 09: Spring Break

Ph: Terry Tsiolis
Model: Anna Selezneva

Full Editorial : The Fashion Spot

This editorial is good and safe. The variation of the model's poses helped to add interest in the spread, and I particularly like the shadow that she casts on the backdrop.

HARPER'S BAZAAR US

Harper's Bazaar US Jan 09: The Best of What's New

Ph: Solve Sundsbo

Models: Agnete Hegelund, Alyona Osmonova, Amanda Laine, Chanel Iman, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Hye Park, Irina Kulikova, Olga Sherer, Taryn Davidson

Full Editorial: Bwgreyscale

This mega-spread showcases the clothes beautifully as the setting of every page is carefully planned so that it caters to the feel of the clothes. For example, the golden sparkling Alexander Mcqueen bodysuit is shot against a blurred background of a brightly lit street and the black voluminous Fendi jacket is shot against a clear sky and edited to be black and white. Each and every shot was a masterpiece.

Harper's Bazaar US Feb 09: Hits of the Season
Ph: Greg Kadel
Models: Coco Rocha and Freja Beha

Full Editorial : Bwgreyscale

Once again, experienced models are all it takes. This spread would have been seriously drab and boring - if not for Coco and Freja who bring life and energy to the clothes.