Asian Faces In High Fashion

[Prymasquous]

Skyscrapers. Spectators. Synergy... And, Walking with Liu Wen





~

As we can all see,
turns out the VI cover rumour didn't pan out as what some of us anticipated (really!).

Four months back, it was previously suggested that Tao, Wen and Fei Fei could front
the glossy magazine together, perhaps in a large group shot of the involved models
(despite the three different generations/groups), but surely that wasn't the case.

Only Liu Wen covered the October issue in this classic Peter Lindbergh interpretation
of imperfection and the duality of realism and women in life moments.
And whatever is happening on the street, there's always something new to experience.
That timeless feeling, just like raw beauty in astonishment.


This is her second Italian Vogue. Big congrats to Wen for another Vogue!


And while it may be disappointing that Tao and Fei Fei didn't snag the cover,
it is that at least one of our girls got the main cover.
Pretty darn good and about time, especially this respected issue.




- the featured story -




sina.com; tumblr/wearesodroee; vogue.it




#LindberghQuintessentialBeauty
#WalkingWithLiuWen
#LiuWenOnVogueItaliaHeckYeah!​

 

[Prymasquous]

Yuka Mannami for

i-D Japan Fall 2016 | Issue #2
Ph: Mario Sorrenti



i-d.vice.com/jp​

 

[Prymasquous]

Yuka looks incredible above! Great for her.

And didn't we all tried to copy the models that were on i-D or if we were that ambitious tried to do better... or imagining us on the cover and practicing our winks? Still do that?

Anyway think it's always cool to see Asians on i-D. Hopefully i-D Japan continue to put more local Japanese faces too.









On a related note just want to reflect on this recent i-D editorial.

Just thought it wasn't cool to not see, say, any Asian part of the cast. Yes, I do think an Asian model would've made the overall cast even more cooler or better or just familiar. Prefer to see a variety of faces given the cast.

Would've been awesome to see Ling Tan, Ai Tominaga, Hye Park, Du Juan, Tao, Lakshmi, Liu Wen, Fei Fei or Devon Aoki among the cast. One or two could've suffice.

So this just got me thinking more... where are the people that work in this area (castings, etc.) who actually love Asian models too, that would put some effort and reach out to these women? Did they? Maybe all were unavailable?

Or, they aren't 'iconic' enough? Just not this time?



(And this isn't about filling a racial quota per se, it's just that there are Asian models - of past and present - that are definitely iconic in fashion modelling. Not just for the Asian plight but they've done memorable work and achieved quite a lot in the past decade. And let's not forget about merit. They are exceptional individuals and deserve some recognition. People needs to wake up and see that.)

 

[Prymasquous]

Vogue Korea August 2016
Ph: Karl Lagerfeld




monster-mgmt.com; specialmanagement.it; unomodels.com



For almost three years there haven't been a Korean model front the publication.

And if you've followed it was a criticism for VK for their oversaturated of non-Koreans
and the painful obvious long standing observation of Asian disparity on covers.

Well, the August issue decided to produced multiple covers
featuring the established and most promising faces that would continue to carry
the torch of the Korean models legacy. Yes.

Hyeseung, Soojoo, Jihye, Sunghee, Sora and Hyunji
are staged as the next leaders


For some of us this was actually a sweet surprise or even a relief to finally see
Korean models back on VK.

After all, it was their anniversary issue. Glad they were the candidates.

​

 

[mathiaskatz]

^ Sora, Hyunji and Yoonyoung also booked the November covers for VK.

 

[Prymasquous]

^ Would've been nice if you posted them in here (just saying ). Very good for snagging the cover again though!








Also want to add that since it was the 20th anniversary issue they could've expanded the cast... you know it's a celebration so they should go all out for this milestone. And for some of us we want models and MODELS. Would've been a whole lot more exciting to see some of the past names together with the above cast. Think of Hye Park, Hyoni, Soyoung, Hyunyi Lee, Jiyoung, Hyejung Lee and Han Jin (and if she were still here, we can't forget about Daul Kim). If done right it would be really, really dope and just wonderful.



Honestly just want to see them back on Vogue... it's been a while. Come on VK, revive the greatness of the Korean models.

 

[Prymasquous]

Wáng Hào Rù & Tsubasa Satou

Marie Claire China October 2016
Ph: Xiao Gāng










sina.com
​

 

[mathiaskatz]

^ Would've been nice if you posted them in here (just saying ). Very good for snagging the cover again though!

Also want to add that since it was the 20th anniversary issue they could've expanded the cast... you know it's a celebration so they should go all out for this milestone. And for some of us we want models and MODELS. Would've been a whole lot more exciting to see some of the past names together with the above cast. Think of Hye Park, Hyoni, Soyoung, Hyunyi Lee, Jiyoung, Hyejung Lee and Han Jin (and if she were still here, we can't forget about Daul Kim). If done right it would be really, really dope and just wonderful.

Honestly just want to see them back on Vogue... it's been a while. Come on VK, revive the greatness of the Korean models.

I agree on bringing back past models. It would've been great for the 20th anniversary. But I'm glad VK finally put Sora on the cover. It's been way long overdue for her.

Glad she got another one for November.
Vogue Korea November 2016 : Yoon Young Bae, Sora Choi & Hyun Ji Shin

stilllikeit@tfs

 

[Prymasquous]

^ Indeed about Sora. Also she should've gotten a solo or get one later.

(And since Sora is wearing a lighter coat, why not put her in the center? No big deal but it's a bit off putting if we're going by colours... That's just nitpicking.)


Guess VK is listening and doing what they should, IMO!

 

[Prymasquous]

Pooja Mor & Varsha Thapa

Vogue India October 2016
Ph: Bharat Sikka



toutiao.com | full story here



Wow! Usually we don't see enough Asian Vogues celebrating other Asians do we?
Well, Vogue India is a prime example of how it can be done!


Here we have faces from
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka altogether on one Vogue.
The purpose of this? It's pretty straightforward: Diversity in beauty
for their anniversary theme. How about that?!

Sure, we love it when a country uplifts their own talents
but it's something else when one recognise other beauties of neighboring nations
and with the right message, it can be inspiring, powerful and just feels good...
showing that we can all get along in the beauty of Asia.


Let's hope more Vogues embrace the many Asian models on their respective cover too.​

 

[Prymasquous]

End of an era.



We noticed it didn't we?

With these anniversary issues, one magazine has discontinued their
annual tradition of priding themselves in their anniversary.
The September issue of Vogue China has quietly transitioned to its next chapter.

Given this change in time of what the magazine represent or could be for the next ten years,
it would've been more impactful if VC made a bolder statement
regarding their 'Changing Times' issue -- to signal a new era with a more clear vision and direction.
What's the next narrative? What else is there?


For what has been done nothing can change the past.
Whether next year's be something to look forward to or not, the heart of the
magazine will not be the same but will still stand.







Anyway, decided to make some covers:



original images from theimpression.com; qq.com; weibo.com

1.

Who: Fei Fei by Steven Meisel

Why: Plain and simple: She's at another critical point in her career for her achievements. And it's normal that she should get Vogues as well. This year she has zero, so she get this.

What happened: This image is just gorgeous to go to waste. With no covers, why not use this? Could've done for VI but that's the whole point - if VC were to have images (and photographers) like this as their actual covers... would it be more interesting and more exciting? Even if black & white portraits are unpopular for VC and the image itself doesn't have VC's stamp, that was precisely why this was made. But yes, the identity of VC should also be in the image and we could work around this. Still a valid cover.


2.

Who: Sui He by Chen Man

Why: Another great model from China whose potential wasn't utilised to the fullest. Sui is one of the many 'first' of many things in fashion as well. Not a whole lot of people know she's done great work in high fashion until she got her cosmetic contract and her involvement with VS and the celebrity lifestyle. Well, she does have VC covers but she hasn't got a solo cover. Therefore gotta make one for her!

What happened: First of all, the image is bad quality. A blue masthead would've been a lot better when tried... but decided to go for green. There's a reason though, it would've clashed with the dress colour. Didn't want the title to pop out as much so had it blend with the background instead. This image or, say, for Sui's cover... there were many images that wanted for covers given this would be her first solo VC cover. Had to be near perfect. Many choices and contemplation going on but wanted something different or something to reflect the amazing model that Sui can be. Also want to show the modelesque version of her. So found this image that checked the boxlist which is great given the others weren't cover-like as much or just didn't have that spark as I thought it would or just didn't allowed room to play with. Even though the image itself is striking for a cover, it does seem like it could be a supplement. However, since VC usually don't have covers like this (less face and longer length) that made it more enticing to use this. Besides it's appropriate and haute couture doesn't hurt much to be on more covers. So yeah that's all the reason to give it a go. This is hers even though the execution could've been better, IMO. Still pretty.


3.

Who: Dylan Xue, Wangy Xinyu, Luping Wong by Yin Chao

Why: It just feels right to make this try for a Vogue cover once its release. And these three models are fine choices for the cover. Not a whole lot of reasons. It just feels right.

What happened: Even though this image is on par with VC standards, this particular image does kind of reminiscence the November 2015 cover. With that out of the view this is a decent cover but probably a weak choice for the September issue.


4.

Who: Yue Han by Mikey

Why: For an upcoming model doing the right thing and heading for stardom thought it'd be fitting to have relatively new faces on VC. Give her a shot and the spotlight, or assist models like her too.

What happened: Originally this was supposed to be a fold out (the actual image is two page), but didn't work out and a close up would've been okay too. Guess this cover out of the four is the most dramatic and perhaps stray quite a bit from the traditional VC covers. Which is essentially why this should be a cover. Something that is still in the realm of VC or that could potentially work... and think this image works even though it may look confusing or distracting if one starts nitpicking. The result is a bit different than what had in mind but the colours are right for the mood and the 'changing times' is purposefully not visible. The only addition would to have the masthead/changing times in matte finish. The pose, mood, layout is what the change would bring to this theme/magazine. And I personally welcome this.​

~


Overall, the images are the focus intentionally.

This project was for fun and wanted to show some ideas through an array of
mood, story, imagery and the creative potential that VC covers could be of all months.

It'd be interesting to see and encourage the identity evolve.




#TheYearsPeopleComplained #NoMoreAnniversary #VogueChinaFakeCovers
​

 

[sixtdaily]

End of an era.

We noticed it didn't we?

With these anniversary issues, one magazine has discontinued their
annual tradition of priding themselves in their anniversary.
The September issue of Vogue China has quietly transitioned to its next chapter.

Given this change in time of what the magazine represent or could be for the next ten years,
it would've been more impactful if VC made a bolder statement
regarding their 'Changing Times' issue -- to signal a new era with a more clear vision and direction.
What's the next narrative? What else is there?


For what has been done nothing can change the past.
Whether next year's be something to look forward to or not, the heart of the
magazine will not be the same but will still stand.


#TheYearsPeopleComplained #NoMoreAnniversary #VogueChinaFakeCovers
​

End of an era, you mean no Chinese models/actresses on the cover of the September issue?!

 

[Prymasquous]

^ No, from the bigger picture it's more of the fact that an era of ten years literally went by.


In addition a part of the post was a jestful response of saying, "hey, for those who are annoyed of the fact that VC celebrate/highlight their anniversary every single year... well, guess this year and perhaps from now on, they've decided to ditched that altogether, are you now satisfied?" hence the end of an era = no more anniversary.

The other part was that this year's issue was obviously the mark of that new beginning: Changing Times. Personally that was an underwhelming cover with a pretty backdrop, to start off the next ten years. Any of the stunning, vivid and courful images in the edits (or something the like) would've made a better cover. A much bolder move at the hands of McGinley. Something different and stronger to take us to the next phase of VC. That's really the missed opportunity.

 

[Prymasquous]

Hao Yun Xiáng

Bazaar Men Thailand F/W 2016
Ph: Mikey Asanin


sina.com


It appears that Yun Xiang is the first Asian male model to be on Bazaar Men
after Simon Nessman, Sean O'pry, Matthew Terry, Clement
and Lucky Blue Smith.

At the same time Asian celebrities have shared the magazine and
was on the their debut issue. Overall, it's fair.

So for this magazine and this moment think we should to give applause to Yun Xiang
for his accomplishment. Yes.


~


However, let's probe for a minute.

What took so long for a Thai magazine to put an Asian model on its cover?

Granted Sean, Clement and Simon, etc. are recognisable names, but
what about the Asian male models that are already, say, established
and well-known too? What about those fellas?
And guess it's understandable to use Caucasian models to bring attention, notoriety
or "prestige" to the magazine if that's the goal/intention to help upstart
and fuel the platform. That's the formula, right?

Anyway, perhaps they simply wanted them because they wanted them.
For Asian models, it probably wasn't time or the moment to have one on its cover yet.
That is until Yun Xiang.

Who knows? Whatever it is or not, so long that we can now have this record.


Furthermore it does raise an eyebrow if it had to take five years to be on the cover
and after five white models. Nothing new here, but clearly this still persist
and it's a reminder time after time.

Well the bigger questions at large are these:
If none of these Asian magazines - whether prominent or small - don't support their
own talents (or Asians in general), then who's going to?
How then are these working models even rise if these institutions
aren't bothering to assist? After all, we do tend to go to our people or the place that we
could trust to help. So, where's that connection? How could this improve?

And it's not like every Asian magazine have to have Asians or xyz Asian on their covers,
every single month or issues. That's not the point.

However, given the disparity and scarcity, that is where we come and say,
it doesn't hurt (or maybe it does) to see an increase of Asians on more covers and see them
get the crowning moment as well. Do they not recognise this?



With all this to say, let the covers speak for itself... and accountability at their desk.





#YunXiangAndHisMoment
#AreAsianMenSupportingAsianMenEnough #MoreAsianMaleModelsOnCovers
​

​

 

[Prymasquous]

Also I'd suggest that VC should reserve one issue to a new model or relatively new face, every year. Be it Chinese or Asian.

Because in my mind I just think that's fair given that most Vogues have a blind eye regarding Asian models (for whatever reason, legitimate or not), especially to those that are the models of the moment. Not cool and unfair - though understandably because the system/people doesn't necessarily 'prioritise' them, I guess... Gotta change that.



For historical perspective, first VC as a new face:

2016: Zero
Nov. 2015 - Jing Wen, Dylan, Luping, Yuan Bochao and Gia Tang
Mar. 2014 - Cici Xiang
2013: Zero
Sept. 2012 - Xiao Wen & Tianyi
Sept. 2011 - Sui He
Sept. 2010 - Tao, Fei Fei and Ming Xi
Mar. 2010 - Liu Wen
Feb. 2010 - Shu Pei
2009: Zero
2008: Zero
Sept. 2007 - Emma Pei & Stephanie Shiu
2006: Zero
Sept. 2005 - Du Juan, Liu Dan, Tong Chenjie, Ni Mingxi and Wen Qing



All in all, don't think the idea is crazy at all. It's feasible and sounds gracious. After all, there are working models too, they exist and should be given the spotlight and proper treatment like their counterparts.



#VogueShouldHonourThoseWhoHaveWorkedHardToo

 

[Prymasquous]

#LongevityIsSkinDeep


***

She never really left us, did she?

To acknowledge her 15th year as an international fashion model.

Her eloquence, beauty, endurance, style and grace have span generations,
both in fashion and beyond, and only the Great have the ability to do so, and to do it
profoundly and potent that they really are rare.

These are just some of the words and phrases to describe classic faces
whose career are a testament of time and inevitable change.
And the prospects and transition is not always smooth for most or guarantee success.
However, in her case, she's got something special.

If you ask, luck only plays a small role.
Because it takes a smart woman with goals and ambition, and with grit, support
and passion, one is able to fulfill those dreams.



As a celebrated actress too, she continues to grow and expand her horizon.
One of Asia's trailblazer of the early 21st century:

Dù Juān



Here on October, November and December:

Pin Prestige by Wee Khim | T Magazine by Yin Chāo | Numero by Trunk Xu


instagrams: bonbonzhangfan, johnnykhookhoo & lucialiustylist



Fashion-forward, laid-back or the mass, she can do it all.

Evidently, Juan's reign has supreme.

And we look forward to what's next - fashion, film or just fun - because thriving seems
to be not a problem for her. And there's that, that thing we try not to envy:
Age like fine wine.


***


#NeverLeftAndStillDoingIt #TripleWin #IconicModelsEvolve​

 

[sixtdaily]

^ No, from the bigger picture it's more of the fact that an era of ten years literally went by.


In addition a part of the post was a jestful response of saying, "hey, for those who are annoyed of the fact that VC celebrate/highlight their anniversary every single year... well, guess this year and perhaps from now on, they've decided to ditched that altogether, are you now satisfied?" hence the end of an era = no more anniversary.

The other part was that this year's issue was obviously the mark of that new beginning: Changing Times. Personally that was an underwhelming cover with a pretty backdrop, to start off the next ten years. Any of the stunning, vivid and courful images in the edits (or something the like) would've made a better cover. A much bolder move at the hands of McGinley. Something different and stronger to take us to the next phase of VC. That's really the missed opportunity.

I have to admit I'm one of those who think that celebrating your anniversary every year when you're more than a decade old is annoying/strange...

As for the cover of this year's September issue, I agree that is was very underwhelming. Regarding the "Changing Times" theme, did the editorial team address that in the issue, in the EIC letter or something like that?

I like the covers you made btw, especially the one with Fei Fei

 

[Prymasquous]

Sūn Fēi Fēi

Vogue China December 2016
Ph: Ben Toms










sina.com

​

 

[Prymasquous]

#AsiansVisibiltyInUniversalFashionCampaigns


***


To maximize profit or to do it right?
Does it have to be one, or the other? How about both?
Is it genuine? Does it have to be?

.
.
.
.
.


What does it take to see Asians in fashion campaigns on a global scale?



While we could talk for hours and days on the lack of Asian faces,
with many questions and ideas floating around and unanswered, but we're just not
going to do it today. Save it for another time, we will revisit this topic.


Just gonna spotlight the advertising campaigns this FW16 season.


Here to congratulate and review who was part of the scene and cast.
These moments are significant. Triumph for these models.

Moreover, since there aren't a whole lot of Asian models getting these lucrative deals,
we'll do a rundown on past faces who've represented the brand in recent time.
This way we'll see and know which brand have a 'good rapport'
among the Asian community: how many times they've utilised Asians and how so, etc.
It may not tell the whole story, but some of us like to consider the facts too.


Will focus more on top brand's campaigns first, then other campaigns
that should be recognised as well.



First in line:



Mae Mei Lapres

Gucci F/W 2016 by Glen Luchford


sina.com




- previous holders -


Actress, Gianna Jun - Worldwide, Accessories/Jewellery/Time (2015 - ?)
Actress, Li Bing Bing - China/Asia, Acessories/Jewellery/Time (2012 - 2014)
Model, Ai Tominaga - Worldwide, Fragrance (2004 - 2005)


***


#MaeLapresMadeHistory #FinallyAnAsianForRTW
​

 

[Prymasquous]

^ Granted my memory and research may not represent the most and full accuracy of the details. Or some information may be a bit off or wrong. Maybe there's someone who I forgot to add?

Please do help correct where it's needed when able to.