Du Juan, Emma Pei & Zhang Xue Editorial for China Harper's Bazaar, September 2008 - Part I

This extensive Olympic-themed editorial in the September 2008 issue of China Harper's Bazaar is spectacular in its scope but a bit unfocused, in my opinion. The 30 plus-page editorial juxtaposed haute couture and fantasy with sportwears and athleticism without integrating the two themes together. It would have worked better as two separate editorials with individual themes. [There are various other themes too but I will post those tomorrow.]

That said, the photography and styling are top-notch. The haute couture story set in Chinese wuxia (kungfu) fantasy is just breathtaking. Du Juan, Emma Pei and Zhang Xue looked amazing in these photos and the CGI backgrounds really work here.

The second story on sportswear is just as amazing. The splashes of yellow, red and blue across the dark background really make the clothes pop in the photo. It is one of the most beautiful athletic editorials I've seen in awhile. The girls look convincingly athletic.

Models: Du Juan, Emma Pei & Zhang Xue
Editorial: Unknown
Magazine: Harper's Bazaar China, September 2008
Photographer: Chen Zhun

Source: Chinese Models

Lakshmi Menon Editorial for Vogue Paris, October 2008

After scoring a spot on the inaugural cover of Vogue India in October 2007, followed closely by the Spring/Summer 2008 ad campaign for Hermes, Lakshmi Menon's career has been fast-tracked to the top of the international scene. Her next one-two punch included a spectacular solo cover on Vogue India, April 2008 and a major ad campaign for Givenchy, Fall 2008/Winter 2009.

Ford Agency signed her up right before the start of the Fall 2008/Winter 2009 Fashion Week in NYC and the next thing we knew, Lakshmi was opening the couture show at Givenchy in Paris. Carine Roitfeld took notice and quickly added Lakshmi to her stable of models in Vogue Paris.

So here is Lakshmi Menon's editorial in the October 2008 issue of Vogue Paris.

Model: Lakshmi Menon
Editorial: Afro Disiaque
Magazine: Vogue Paris, October 2008
Photographer: Mario Testino
Stylist: Carine Roitfeld

Source: tFs and Models.com

Anne Watanabe in Nordstrom Catalog, February 2008

Anne Watanabe has done reasonably well despite her shorter-than-average stature among international models. Her NY agency (DNA) lists her at 5'9" although I suspect she's more like 5'8" -- Kate Moss is 5'6" and very successful.

Nonetheless, she has been a regular at the New York Fashion Week since her debut in Spring/Summer 2006, booking 9 shows during her first season including Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui and DvF. Her European exposure was, however much less stellar. She appeared in Paris and Milan for a couple of seasons in 2006-07 but haven't been back since. Her most high profile work to date have been an ad campaign for Anna Sui's fragrance, Secret Wish and another for Francois Nar's cosmetic in Fall 2006.

Many models came and went during this period of time but Anne Watanabe is still here. She booked a stunning editorial for Nordstrom's February 2008 catalog earlier this year. I think Photos #5 and #6 are simply spectacular.

Model: Anne Watanabe
Catalog: Nordstrom, February 2008
Photographer: Unknown

Source: Nordstrom

Gwen Lu in Nordstrom Catalog, September 2008

Gwen Lu from Malaysia signed with Elite Agency last December and has since been struggling to gain traction on the fashion scene. Her first season at New York Fashion Week last Spring was unspectacular, to say the least. Then she managed to land a few minor ad campaigns with Target's Go International and Uniqlo, the Japanese clothing chain. This was followed by a few Macy's ads, which I don't think did her any favors (although that work probably helped pay a few months of rent.)

This month, she appears in Nordstrom's catalog in the beauty section and I have to say, this is her best photo yet. Her earlier work in Asia were much more spectacular than the ones she's done in the US. I hope this Nordstrom photo will translate to better quality photographers and editorials in the future.

Model: Gwen Lu
Catalog: Nordstrom, September 2008
Photographer: Unknown

Source: Nordstrom

Philip Huang in Macy's Catalog, September 2008

I am soooooo in love with this photo. [Click on the photo to see the large format.] I think it's something to do with the dark suits with pastel colored backgrounds that makes this photo pop. Or maybe it's the styling where everyone looked like they were having a great time in Chinatown.

Models: Philip Huang and others
Catalog: Macy's Men's Fashion, September 2008
Photographer: Unknown

Source: Macy's

Daul Kim in Nordstrom Catalog, February 2008

Daul Kim's look and personality (from what I read on her blog, i like to i fork myself) reminded me a lot of Yoko Ono in the early 70s -- a bit weird, a little anti-social and a whole lot rebellious. She is definitely NOT your typical Korean girl like Hye Park (who is Korean American) or Han Jin; nor can I imagine them socializing together outside of work. That makes Daul Kim an interesting girl.

Her personality comes through quite vividly in some of the editorials she's done. I bet a lot of photographers like that rebel chick in her. She would be great in an Anna Sui or Betsy Johnson ad campaign.

Here are some catalog photos from Nordstrom, February 2008. Photo #1 and #3 defines Daul Kim so perfectly. She's not the type of girl who would sits on a chair quietly.

Model: Daul Kim
Catalog: Nordstrom, February 2008
Photographer: Unknown

Source: Nordstrom

Xiaoyi Dai Editorial for Singapore Style Magazine, September 2008

Chinese model, Xiaoyi Dai had languished at her first US agency for years without much notice or support. Then something miraculous happened -- Elite Models took her in and placed her under their capable Development Division (for new models). Within weeks, Xiaoyi Dai was walking the runways at New York Fashion Week (10 shows). Hopefully, she will gain further exposure and work under the guidance of Elite Models.

The success of a new model in this industry depends equally on the agency's support, her work ethics and a good deal of luck. Some models don't get the representation they deserved while others get homesick very quickly and leave New York after only a few months of casting calls. The few lucky ones get snapped up by big name photographers immediately and become the next big thing overnight.

The editorial below is from Singapore's top fashion magazine, Style Magazine (Sept 2008 issue). The photos are simply spectacular. The styling is totally avant-garde, and the hair and makeup are superb. You know they spent a lot of time and money on this shoot when you count the number of different hair and makeup changes in this editorial alone.

Model: Xiaoyi Dai

Editorial: Mega Structures

Magazine: Singapore Style Magazine, September 2008

Photographer: Wee Khim

Stylist: Johnny Khoo

Makeup: Elaine Lim

Hair: Junie Tan

Source: voguite.blogspot.com via tFs