Asian Models Redefine The Face Of New York Fashion Week (VIDEO)
From designers to models, the runways of New York Fashion Week have traditionally lacked racial diversity. However, a glimmer of hope came at the spring 2012 shows when non-blonde beauties like Jourdan Dunn, Isabella Melo and Nyasha Matonhodze were among the most-booked women of color. Now Asian models Liu Wen, So Young Kang and Fei Fei Sun are on the road to redefining the face of fashion.
Casting director Andrew Weir explains that all eyes are on this new crop of Asian girls:
"Five season ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find one show, one complete season that used even one Asian girl," he said. "Now you just wouldn't have a show without one and we're actually, you know, fighting over them."
Wen, who made history as the first Asian model to front cosmetics giant Estee Lauder and walk in the much-hyped Victoria's Secret Show, has sacrificed a lot for her "busy job," like spending the past four Chinese New Year holidays away from her family.
Launching her career on the 2010 Chanel couture runway, Korean model So Young finds her new gig tiring but exhilarating:
"Once I'm on the runway there is this sense of ecstasy and I can't stop doing it," she said.
Watch the video above to learn more about these Asian models, why Badgley Mischka designers love to see them in their clothes and how this growing trend reflects luxury consumerism abroad.
CORRECTION: "Five season ago, you'd be hard-pressed to fine one show, one complete season that used even one Asian girl," he said. "Now you just wouldn't have a show without one and we're actually, you know, fighting over them.".
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The Huffington Post Dana Oliver First Posted: 02/17/2012 11:03 am Updated: 04/10/2012 2:57 pm