Liu Wen is perhaps the only Asian model to book a Vogue cover annually ever since she made her inaugural debut 11 years ago. Great feat. Which other Asian model has done that? Any models prior the 2000s? What about her white counterparts?
Good to see her break away from MG covers and for herself only though. Just waiting until she land another major edition. Her agents are keen on her high fashion resurrection with campaigns and runway, so see if they can grapple and secure a slot for her between VUK/VP/VI (or a solo VJ wouldn't hurt, right Piergiorgio & Russo???). It's gonna be a long wait for sure...
And all this talk, focus, expansion, business excursions and economic growth from the East ain't translating to putting more Asian models on covers huh? Even though it's risky, but why not for artistic purposes and solely celebrating the model for what she is and bring to the table (that is, if they do, of course), and for that particular cover story that they are creating. That's the thing. Need more fresh creative ideas regarding Asian models photographed along the garments, fashion's history and a tale that isn't stereotypical or cop-out simply because she's Asian (I mean Asian is broad and not monolithic and can do and be anything too, so what's the problem portraying them different once in a while - sexy comes to my mind immediately). Those aren't being produced enough IMHO. Another observation is could swap these models in for an Asian model and sometimes it would work too, or no difference. So, why not?
Could be dead wrong but seems like the current crop of Asian models are perhaps, not "special" enough to guaranteed or warrant a cover unlike their peers do (Imaan/Adut/Fran/Vittoria for example - and basically any of the established girls of the moment). That's reality and I'd disagree about some of these girls but I digress. Liu, Fei Fei and Du Juan are like the exceptions... Also the PUBLIC push and INDUSTRY support just aren't there to cause an uproar or a 'need' of having Asian models on covers? Working hard non-stop ain't good enough isn't it. Girls like Sora, Cong, Soo Joo are long overdue. Lina Zhang would make a perfect cover girl for VI and her career right this moment. She's a natural and fits their aesthetic (or at least during Franca/Meiseil reign).
However, campaigns are faring so much better. Heck yes. That area is flooded with more Asian faces than ever. Same with men's campaigns. And lastly Hollywood is following suit after the success and interest with many African/black representation in films, now presenting more Asian faces in more prominent roles/movies. Great! See if this will have some form of effect on a larger scale and then seap into the fashion industry too.
Nevertheless covers tend to pose more of a challenge anyway, as always for the select few.
