All Asian Models at Givenchy Haute Couture Spring 2011

Yesterday, Givenchy Creative Director Riccardo Tisci pulled what we think is a first – a line up of  only Asian models!  The show featured Ming Xi, Fei Fei Sun, Liu Wen, Shu Pei Qin, Du Juan, Ai Tominaga and Tao Okamoto. The clothing seemed to have strong Japanese influences.

We like that models from the Far East are being used – does China’s booming economy have anything to do with the decision we wonder?

Two New Models for Estee Lauder

According to Tyra and ANTM, a cosmetics contract is part of the Holy Grail for models as it can pay around the $100,000 mark. So imagine our delight when Estee Lauder announced they’ve added supermodels Joan Smalls (from Puerto Rico) and Liu Wen (from China).

Liu Wen's Estee Lauder campaign

Joan Smalls in her Estee Lauder shot

Adding Smalls is noteworthy as landing the Estee Lauder contract is certainly a plum achievement and the company has been without a model of colour since Liya Kebede's contract expired a few years ago.  Wen is the first Chinese model to be signed to the luxury beauty brand.

Smalls was in demand on the catwalk and last season walked for Christian Dior, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney to name just a few. She has also appeared on the covers of i-D magazine and WWD Beauty Biz.

Joan Smalls

In 2009, Liu Wen was the first Asian model to walk the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She also appeared on the first Numéro China cover, making it the first time a premiere issue for Numéro did not feature Kate Moss on its cover. Last season she appeared on the catwalk for all the major fashion designers – think Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karen, Givenchy, Hermès and the always coveted Chanel.

Liu Wen

The ladies join longtime Estee Lauder spokesmodels Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley, Gwyneth Paltrow and Hilary Rhoda. Their addition helps brand represent a fuller spectrum of beauty.