Fashion
21 Asian Models Who Shaped the Fashion Industry
This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, L'Officiel celebrates some of the world’s top Asian models who have changed the fashion industry.
05.10.2022 by Alice Cavallo
With fashion capitals like Shanghai, Seoul, and Tokyo gaining traction in the luxury market, Asia has become a major force in the fashion industry. Alongside this, Asian models from around the globe have reached top runways and landed covers in esteemed publications.
From the runways of Victoria's Secret to major brands like Chanel and magazine covers, over the years, Asian supermodels have helped change the face of the industry with their groundbreaking campaigns, powerful catwalks, and striking magazine covers, certainly making an impact in this business known for its need for greater diversity and representation.
This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—a time that recognizes the contributions, influence, and achievements of the Asian community—L'Officiel rounds up the top Asian models who are changing the fashion industry.
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At age 13, Kimora Lee Simmons signed a modeling contract with Chanel, under the tutelage of Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld. Simmons later modeled for Fendi, Valentino, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo, Anna Sui, and Yves Saint Laurent, before setting out to establish her own Y2K-favorite brand, Baby Phat.
Canadian supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri was discovered when she was 17 years old while working at a McDonald's restaurant by Montreal hairdresser Edward Zaccaria. Soon, the model of Pakistani-German descent was on the runways of Versace, Alaïa, and more throughout the ‘90s. The now-retired model was the first South Asian woman to get a major luxury beauty contract and become a Victoria’s Secret Angel.
Following her runway debut in 1997, Devon Aoki walked for brands including Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons and Chanel. In 1998, at the age of 16, Aoki replaced Naomi Campbell as the face of Versace. The American model with Japanese and German origins has also been featured in advertising campaigns for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Kenzo, Hugo Boss, L'Oreal, Lancome and Tiffany & Co., and walked for designers including Versace, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Jean Paul Gaultier, Celine, Baby Phat, and Marc Jacobs.
Fei Fei Sun also became a fashion first when she covered “Vogue Italia,” marking the first time a model of East Asian descent appeared on a solo cover for the Italian publication. The Chinese model’s career kicked off when Karl Lagerfeld selected her to walk Chanel’s Paris-Shanghai runway in 2009, and since then she has been a runway and campaign favorite for top fashion houses.
Since being signed in 2011, Japanese model Chiharu Okunugi has starred in blue-chip campaigns for labels including Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, Dior, and Chanel, also gracing the covers of glossies, and walking the runways of Balmain, Isabel Marant, and more. Here, she opens the Brandon Maxwell Spring/Summer 2021 collection.
Now known for her acting, Chinese model Du Juan became known as a top supermodel during the mid-2000s. She appeared in advertisements for brands like David Yurman, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, and Van Cleef & Arpels. In 2005, the model graced a "Vogue Paris" cover alongside Gemma Ward, becoming the first Chinese model to appear on the cover of the fashion bible.
Recognized for her signature bubble gum pink hair, Fernanda Ly quickly rose to prominence in the modeling world, appearing in campaigns for brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Dior. The Australian beauty of Chinese descent also graced the covers of fashion magazines such as "Teen Vogue," "Vogue Japan" and "Vogue Australia."
Japanese model Tao Okamoto started modeling at the age of 14 and appeared in a number of global campaigns. In 2009, Okamoto landed on the cover of "Vogue Japan," where an entire issue dedicated was dedicated to her—making her the first Japanese model with this distinction. In 2013, she also made her first major acting debut in “The Wolverine” where she appeared alongside Hugh Jackman.
With over 5.2 million Instagram followers, Chinese model Liu Wen is perhaps the most famous Asian model. She rose to fame after being named the first Asian spokesmodel for Estée Lauder and also appeared in campaigns for notable brands such as Tiffany & Co., Giorgio Armani, and La Perla. Wen made history as the first Chinese model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2012 and in 2013, “OK! China” dubbed Wen as the first Asian supermodel.
Taiwanese-Canadian model and actor Godfrey Gao broke ground by becoming the first male Asian model to appear in a campaign for Louis Vuitton in 2011.
Indian model Pooja Mor debuted at Louis Vuitton's Cruise 2016 runway show in Palm Springs in 2015. Mor has walked for Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, JW Anderson,Prabal Gurung, Altuzarra, and more. She’s also featured in global publications in the East and West.
Ming Xi has had a prolific career since she first hit the scene in 2009. The Chinese model walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show from 2013 to 2018 and also starred in advertisements for labels such as Kate Spade, La Perla, and H&M in addition to featuring in international publications.
Sui He quickly launched into the spotlight by fronting campaigns for popular brands such as Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, and Ralph Lauren. The Chinese model also graced the cover of many magazines and walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show from 2011 to 2018, making her one of the only Asian models with that distinction.
Australian model of Jamaican, Lithuanian, and Pakistani ancestry, Shanina Shaik is a star on the catwalks. From Tom Ford to Vivienne Westwood, Shaik has been making a mark during fashion month since the early 2010s.
With her signature platinum blonde hair, South Korean model Soo Joo Park become one of the most recognizable Asian supermodels. She’s a runway regular, and a particular favorite for the house of Chanel, and has numerous editorials under her belt. In 2014, Park became L’Oréal Paris’ first Asian-American spokesmodel. Here, she walks the Mugler Spring/Summer 2021 catwalk.
Known for her hilarious Twitter presence and It couple status with husband John Legend, Chrissy Teigen is also an accomplished model, making her debut in the “Sports Illustrated” famed swim issue.
As one of the world’s top Asian male models, Zhao Lei has had an illustrious career modeling for publications such as "GQ" and "Harper’s Bazaar,” and luxury brands like Giorgio Armani.
Kiko Mizuhara is a leading Japanese model who calls Marc Jacobs and the late Karl Lagerfeld friends. She has done a ton of editorial work and has ties to brands including H&M, Tiffany and Co., Dior, and more.
Chinese supermodel and actress Qin Shupei began her career in New York, while attending university. She has been a featured model in the Victoria’s Secret Show several times and has shot countless editorials for fashion magazines like "Vogue Paris."
Xiao Wen Ju was the first model of Chinese descent to be the face of Marc Jacobs. Her accomplishments range from memorable strolls down the catwalk for renowned brands such as Lanvin and Prada, to editorials featuring couture by Louis Vuitton.
Filipino-American model Kelsey Merritt is best known for being the first Filipino to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and to appear in the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Known for her role in 'Squid Games,' HoYeon Jung is making a name for herself in the fashion world. She made headlines this year for opening the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2022 show and serves as a global ambassador for the brand.
