All recently in Paris for the Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Week season, here are some of the coolest Asian models making their mark on the international scene.
Agency: City Models
Originally from: South Africa, but is of Indian descent
Something interesting about her: “I have a Bachelor’s of Social Science degree in General and Industrial Psychology and am a professional modern Bollywood dancer.”
Asia is… “the most breathtaking continent to exist. Its rich mixture of cultures, people and food is enormously impressive.”
Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello grain de poudre wool tuxedo jacket and cotton-blend shirt, Saint Laurent. Ann Demeulemeester wool skirt, as.anndemeulemeester.com. Leather boots, Louis Vuitton. All other fashion and accessories throughout, stylist’s own unless otherwise stated
Agency: Titanium
Originally from: New Delhi, India
Something interesting about her: “I have a malleable and complementary ersonality, a great sense of humour and a weirdly in-depth knowledge of Harry Potter trivia.”
Asia is… “much more than just China and Southeast Asian countries – it’s a lot bigger and more diverse.”
Wool jacket and matching pants, www.jeannefriot.com. Lyocell-blend bra, matching panties, Dior Tribales metal earrings with resin and crystal, and J’Adior metal and resin rings, Dior. Ann Demeulemeester Olivier leather derby shoes, as.anndemeulemeester.com
Agency: IMG Paris
Originally from: Seoul, South Korea
Something interesting about her: “I have an instructor’s certificate in skiing and used to teach it as a high school kid. As I had no previous experience, the school assigned me to teach three- to five-year-olds and my job was to stop them from crying and try to have them glide down the slopes.”
Asia is… “full of flavour. There are a countless number of dishes in Asian cuisine, with each country and its different cities using a wide range of ingredients – even medicinal herbs – to create their own unique style of food. I want to try them all.”
Junya Watanabe wool-blend coat and cotton T-shirt, Club 21
Agency: Marilyn Paris
Originally from: Taipei, Taiwan
Something interesting about her: “I was a nurse before becoming a model, which was a very challenging job. It taught me a lot of lessons about life and death, which was why I quit to pursue my modelling dream and to live every moment without regret.”
Asia is… “my home, even though being a model has allowed me to travel and live in – to date – Paris, Milan, London, Shanghai, Athens, Hamburg, Barcelona and Cape Town.”
Ann Demeulemeester viscose jacket, cotton poplin shirt, matching sleeves, wool pants and Olivier leather derby shoes, as.anndemeulemeester.com. Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello silk scarf, Saint Laurent
Agency: Titanium
Originally from: Shanghai, China
Something interesting about her: “I have a dog and three cats and love living with them – and my parents – best.”
Asia is… “super interesting and colourful!”
Wool jacket, matching skirt, wool jacquard turtleneck sweater and jacquard knit boots, Prada
Agency: Select Paris
Originally from: Taiyuan, China
Something interesting about her: “In my daily life, I like to study the discipline of health preservation. I’m very interested in traditional Chinese medicinal acupoints and, if I’m not too busy, I like to soak my feet in a bath of mugwort leaves – it promotes blood circulation.”
Asia is… “so rich in history, especially China. It’s one of four ancient civilisations in the world and, because of this, it has many examples of ancient architecture and books… I hope my country will flourish and that our people will live happier lives. I’m Chinese and am proud to be born in China.”
Cashmere mesh top; cotton T-shirt; leather skirt; and metal necklace with resin and strass, and matching bracelet, Chanel
Agency: Makers By Metropolitan
Originally from: Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia
Something interesting about her: “I’m based in New York City now and have been modelling internationally for five years, and am still trying and keeping at it… I’m also a true Aquarius: outwardly quiet yet inwardly loud, naturally introverted but selectively extroverted.”
Asia is… “always the best when it comes to food.”
Velvet jacket, matching shorts and cotton poplin shirt, Gucci
Agency: Makers By Metropolitan
Originally from: Tokyo, Japan
Something interesting about her: “I have naturally curly hair and am not as fair as most people expect Japanese people to be. Back home, locals often ask where I’m from and are always surprised when I tell them that I’m from Japan.”
Asia is… “the best place in the world.”
Kolor polyester dress, Club 21. Ann Demeulemeester Sofieke wool hat, as.anndemeulemeester.com
This article first appeared in the November 2021 Crazy Cool Asia edition of FEMALE