Are we simply faulting the Society/Elite for their mismanagement altogether and not thinking of other reasons too? Genuinely asking.
As much I'd like to put the burden on the agency/agents... I also think that it's at the hands of Liu and the power players that we should also consider before making these assessment. (Or have y'all? Just curious.)
First, we know how Liu is. She's a hard worker and a professional at her job. But she's also a really sweet and 'normal' person. Personally I think she has limitations which could cost her some jobs. Her skills, performance, personality and image are taken into account too. And I'm just not sure that many people are sold on Liu, as not working with her yet or as frequently. As much I
hate to say that I want to be realistic. And obviously this is applicable to all models, just not Liu.
Secondly, how many people is Liu a
muse to? Who are these people that will take her under their arm and call her 'family'? I mean, where's her support system? I know she has them but they aren't making the loudest of noises for Liu either, you know.
If we look at Joan and Karlie, we already know how much backing they have. Ranges from photogs, editors, stylists, CD, designers and with their credentials, they've attracted musicians, celebs and business folks among others. They've branched out. Transitioned. Evolved.
Seriously, I think we all know how
critical it is for a model to have those big names on one's team. Because sometimes it's about who you know and the connections you have that would ease the process for you, right?
Basically, is the Society/Elite introducing or connecting Liu to the right people. I mean she still has to, despite her status right?
I must say that Liu has one of the weirdest careers of all the top girls and in a way, I feel like her agencies have failed her.
Very much with you that her agency have failed (some may perceive it subjectively/say otherwise) to catapult Liu to the same heights as her peers
recently. No question there. However gotta give them credits for the many past things that made who Liu Wen is today. They just lost it somewhere along the way, I think.
Agree about her western work. The exception is American Vogue. Which Vogue has been quite supportive through the years and consistently, as in annually.
Anyway it's indeed complicated and really frickin weird. Because we know that Liu has practically worked with all of the big photogs (yes she did); walked all the major shows except a few names (not to mention at one point she was the most walked girl of the season); appeared in all major Vogue editions (she did but minimal appearances); obtained the holy grail of modeling with her EL contract (though fizzling); first East Asian to walk VS (after four years, no longer associated); first Asian to appear on Forbes list of models and back-to-back (questionable?); her apple gig (was that groundbreaking though?); and her near 14 million followers world-wide among other first timers.
Sounds ungrateful when typing that... But
what else she has to do to get her due and properly? *Included the side commentary for context and the reality, please forgive.
Ad campaigns and covers? Very difficult to get any, considering the influx of models and repeaters. To go back what was said earlier, Liu needs to build stronger and solid relationships with the designers or the business folks who are running the fashion houses. Then again, it's weird when Ghesquiere is all cool with Liu she hasn't got a campaign; or not a Michael Kors campaign even though that slot is reserved. JPG is too late. Incidentally, it's the creative team that could dictate the choice of model too. So that's another issue.
On a related good note. We could probably say that in terms of campaigns, her association with Calvin Klein was the best thing going for her. We don't see many models, let alone Asians, have that kind of opportunity to front the campaigns consecutively (albeit MG until she got her shine). And that was years (did she had a contract?). Have to give props to Baron and M&M, if they were the main supporters.
...i just don't understand why she's not more known both in and outside the industry... and outside Asia!
Not to mention Liu isn't that popular among the tFS community. Knows her name but not really interested...
Outside of fashion I think this is where Liu is currently working to grasp Asia in her hands (but more like East and Southeast Asia and Asians everywhere). As for elsewhere? Not sure. Perhaps that may be next, after conquering Asia?
However, still think Liu is pretty well-known among the fashion industry (but maybe not of all crowds), given her reputation and years of working. I really do. She's probably not as popular but her face/name is recognizable. No doubt!
I suppose if she's happy just making the money and working, that's fine...
Agree. And I speculate Liu has other priority in life? Either way, I don't think Liu is giving up just yet. Really looking forward to 2016.
Thanks
ThatRascal for your perspective!