Changing face of fashion

A marked increase in Chinese faces on the runway was one highlight of the just-ended high-octane spectacle that is New York Fashion Week.

One of fashion's most-recognizable Chinese models, Liu Wen, says: "I'm really happy to witness more of my fellow Chinese models entering the frenzy that is New York Fashion Week.

"Now I have plenty more people to speak my mother tongue with, and best of all - we're able to grab a Chinese meal during breaks."

Liu, signed with Marilyn Agency in New York, is a model for Estee Lauder, and is arguably the most famous Chinese model working in the United States today.

Jia Jing, who is signed with New York Models, has also noticed more of her countrywomen among the models.

Other big names of 2011 include Sui He and Jing Ma, who all walked the runway for major shows.

"Asian models are more common now and they're making their presence known everywhere," Jia says. "Times are changing, and I think fashion has to evolve as the world is changing. The increase in Asian models shows that there's a big market in China.

"With the Asian market opening up, people have started to notice Chinese culture and style."

While Asia's economic power is more widely visible these days, Liu believes the increase in Chinese visibility in the fashion world is likely a sign of acceptance and cultural cooperation.

"I think that it's a signal that Western and Eastern cultures are more in harmony than ever," she says. "We all noticed that a lot of the Asian designers in New York adopted Western styles in their clothes this season, while many of the Western designers used Eastern elements!"

Indeed, Ralph Lauren's Fall 2011 collection blends elements of both East and West, in a move that Lauren says is entirely intentional.

"China is very much a big topic everywhere," he says. "This is a collection for me to express to my company what I see happening."

Several Chinese models walked in the show, including Liu.

China Daily

(China Daily 03/01/2011 page19)