Modeling Journey

Chinese model Sui He is fast becoming one of the most coveted newcomers following a succession of sensational editorial appearances in V, Love and W magazine. In addition to that editorial trifecta, is Sui's limelight stealing cover appearance on Vogue China's 6th Anniversary issue lensed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, and her star turn as the current face of Ralph Lauren's Fall/Winter 2011 campaign.

Born in Wenzhou, Sui has been modelling for four years and received her first major breakthrough at the Fall/Winter 2011 shows when she was selected by casting director Jennifer Starr to open for Ralph Lauren, making her the first model of Asian descent to do so. What followed was a Dries Van Noten exclusive in Paris and select runway appearances in Milan for  D&G, D'Squared, Costume National and Anteprima.

Sui has a face that is distinctly Eurasian in appearance and is blessed with the most sublime angular bone structure. What is fascinating about Sui is that she is able to morph from a delicate and elegant beauty to that of a harder-edged unconventional gothic type as evidenced in her most recent editorial appearances for Love and V magazine. It is this versatility along with Sui's undeniable exceptional beauty which will ensure her longevity in the fickle world of modelling.

Vogue China's September issue makes a bold statement with its group cover shot of modelling's finest Asian talent. Photographers Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin bring new meaning to the word sublime with their cover image featuring Sui He, Liu Wen, Ming Xi, Fei Fei Sun, Shu Pei Qin and veteran model Du Juan. It's no secret that I love seeing models brought together for the purposes of a cover shoot and Vogue China's most recent effort delivers with impeccable styling, breathtakingly beautiful models and a clear celebration of all things beautiful. This incredible assembly of established and up-and-coming Asian models affirms the notion that ethnicity in modelling need not be a passing fad. 

W Magazine profiles three of modelling newest stars in a beauty feature entitled "A Model U.N". Emily Baker, Sui He and Joan Smalls are photographed by dynamic duo Daniele Duella and Iango Henzi in a series of smouldering black and white portraits. 

Seventeen year old New Zealander Emily Baker had a killer debut season at the Fall/Winter 2011 shows where she appeared in a staggering total of 60 shows. Baker was the name on every designer and major casting director's watch list and is about to parlay her runway traction into major editorial overdrive. Standing at 177 cm in height and blessed with incredible bone structure and a beguiling presence, Baker is simply the complete package.

Sui He hails from Whenzhou and is the latest modelling export to come out of China. Discovered four years ago in a modelling competition, He made history at the Fall/Winter 2011 shows by being the first model of Asian descent to open for Ralph Lauren. He possesses a versatile beauty that can veer from edgy androgynous one moment to sultry bombshell the next. Blessed with elegant, long limbs and exquisite features, He is likely to be a long-distance contender.

Puerto Rican native Joan Smalls is already a bonafide modelling star having signed on with Estee Lauder in December 2010 as a spokesmodel. Whilst Smalls undoubtedly has the all important physical attributes and beauty to succeed, it is her personality, eloquence and professionalism that are fast earning her accolades in fashion circles. Smalls is a firm favourite with US Vogue, V Magazine, Italia Vogue and Paris Vogue and has appeared in three consecutive Gucci campaigns. 

V Magazine's Asia issue is due to hit newsstands on the 12th of May with Lady Gaga appearing on the cover photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. Ten percent of the proceeds of sales will go towards the Japan relief effort. The issue features a stunning editorial with the modelling's top Asian talent. Liu Wen, Fei Fei Sun, Shu Pei Qin and Tao Okamoto transform into modern day vixens under the masterful lens of Terry Tsiolis. Newcomers Ming Xi, Sui He and Bonnie Chen also appear in editorials shot by Nick Knight, Glen Luchford and Sebastien Faena respectively. It is truly amazing to see so many top models of Asian descent showcased in one issue. Let's hope that the recent smattering of editorials featuring all-Black and all-Asian casts is not just a gimmick and that models of colour become the norm rather than the exception in the higher echelons of the modelling world.

Chinese newcomer Sui He made a lasting impression at the Fall/Winter 2011 shows by becoming the first model of Asian descent to open and close for Ralph Lauren. Represented by New York Model Management, the 179 cm willowy beauty has had an impressive season, treading the runways for Doo Ri, Jill Stuart, Vivienne Tam, Diane Von Furstenburg, Cushnie et Ochs, Ohne Titel, Marchesa, Ports 1961, Elie Tahari, L'Wren Scott, Ralph Lauren, Anteprima, C'N'C Costume National, D'Squared, Dolce  & Gabbana, D&G and Dries Van Noten. Marked with natural poise, elegant long limbs and an ethereal like beauty, Sui He has the kind of editorial appeal and relevance in the global market which will place her in good stead in the aftermath of the shows.