By Alice Hart and Megan McCluskie
9 January 2017
We meet the 24-year-old Chinese rising star...
Every week, Bazaar's booking team highlights one name to note, from the industry's best-known faces to girls who are just starting out. This week, we turn our attention to Luping Wang.
The Guangzhou native Luping Wang is the latest Chinese modelling export to take the fashion industry by storm. Scouted in a local shopping mall, Luping has emerged as one of the most consistently in-demand newcomers on the international market. A memorable catwalk debut as a Burberry Prorsum exclusive set the wheels in motion for a slew of runway bookings for the likes of Miu Miu, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Chanel and Stella McCartney.
No matter the incarnation, Wang was a standout in each and every one of her runway appearances. As skilled in front of the camera as she is on the catwalk, the 24-year-old has racked up an impressive portfolio of work with some of the world's biggest magazines and has secured campaigns for Ports 1961 and Shiatzy Chen.
"Ever-smiling, ever-professional, ever-inspiring," says Daniel Robson at Premier Model Management. "Everyone loves Luping, and with good reason. She is a delight to work with and a transformative powerhouse in front of the camera; cute and sweet (no problem), lithe and sexy (wow), coiffured and power-dressed (buying it). Importantly as well though, on top of her obvious beauty, she works her butt off and deserves every bit of her success."
We talk to the Chinese star about being scouted in a shopping mall, an alternative career as a tour guide and noodles.
How were you discovered?
"I was shopping in my favourite mall and was stopped by a model scout."
If you weren't modelling, which career would you pursue and why?
"I would love to be a tour guide as I am obsessed with travelling to new places."
What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
"My highlight was the very first time I shot for Vogue China and Vogue Thailand, both of which were covers."
How do you spend your free time?
"I especially like to spend time with my family and friends, and if I'm not doing that then I am travelling."
Do you have any travel tips for those visiting your hometown?
"My hometown is Sichuan, if you ever go you must eat the Chengdu chafing dish, it is also the best place to drink the most authentic teas. You should also visit Jiuzhaigou as it has the most beautiful views of China."
What is your favourite form of exercise?
"I really enjoy running outside when it is a beautiful day, but I don't really exercise a lot."
What is your dream shoot?
"My dream is to shoot with Peter Lindbergh on location in Iceland".
Name your three essential items you wouldn't leave the house without?
"My iPhone, music and a good travel book."
If you had to wear only one designer, who would it be?
"Narciso Rodriguez, it is simple and easy to wear."
Which qualities do new girls to the industry need to have?
"Persistence, confidence and kindness."
Is there a model's career that you admire and why?
"I admire Fei Fei Sun, she puts all of her heart into her modelling career."
Let's talk about favourites. What about...
...music? "Chet Lam, One Magic Day."
...movies? "Only You."
...food? "Noodles."