For generations, the modeling world was reserved for women and men who fit euro-centric beauty standard and traditional Western appeal. Models were predominantly white/fair, tall, skinny, with symmetrical faces and were great at walking in high heels. But the fashion scene has been going through a lot of changes throughout the years, and models are more diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, size and age.
There has been a rise of Asian representation in the international media in recent years, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. While there is still a long way to go before Asian models are offered the same opportunities as their white peers in Western fashion capitals, there’s no doubt that times are changing. So today, we’ll be highlighting some Asian models you should look out for in 2023:
Taemin Park
This South Korean model was busy at the recent Milan Fashion Week, being one of the standout models at Emporio Armani, as well as walking his first ever show for Gucci – he is definitely one to look out for in 2023. He’s also starred in numerous billboard campaigns for brands like COS; and starred in the 2023 Tiffany & Co. campaign alongside Rosé from Blackpink. Known for his slick-back hair and prominent cheekbones, Taemin Park is going to be a fashion feature for a long time to come.
Xu Meen
If you’ve been paying attention to menswear shows or brand campaigns, you probably would have spotted South Korean model Xu Meen. What makes him stand out is his androgynous look, which is everywhere now in fashion. He was discovered by a casting director while walking down the street, and ever since, he was walked on all the biggest runways, most prominently Balmain’s. He’s represented by IMG Models Worldwide and has an impressive portfolio of work that proves he’s one of the top models in the industry.
Yura Nakano
This Japanese model has had a great SS23 season with a portfolio that is difficult to top. Yura Nakano has walked for brands like Dior, Balmain, Jil Sander, MM6 Maison Margiela, Fendi, Kenzo, Peter Do and Hermès over the seasons, making him one of the most sought-after male models in 2023. He revealed in an interview during Fashion Week that he would wake up early, stretch, meditate, have a cup of coffee, and listen to some hardcore music to release the tension before every show.
Win Metawin O
If you’re a fan of Thai dramas, you’ve probably heard of Win. He’s a Thai actor and singer from Bangkok and has since taken the fashion world by storm. Thanks to the success of his acting career, he was recently appointed by Prada as the Italian brand’s newest global ambassador. Seeing how prominent his presence was during Milan and Paris fashion week, he is definitely one to look out for in 2023.
Duan Mei Yue
Thanks to her unique and distinct looks, this Singapore-based model has been appearing on international platforms in recent years. She’s already walked for the likes of Dior, Seoul Fashion week; and posed for i-D Japan when she was just 19-years-old. More recently, she worked with brands like Sephora and Fenty.
Pooja Mor
Pooja Mor rose to prominence after she got scouted and was represented by Elite NYC, where she then got signed with Louis Vuitton, for which she walked in the brand’s Resort 2015 show in Palm Springs. She has since worked with several acclaimed brands such as Givenchy, Roberto Cavalli, Altuzarra, and more.
Shin Hyun Ji
Shin Hyun Ji was the winner of the 2013 Korea’s Next Top Model and has since become a famous face on international catwalks. The model is good friends with Blackpink’s Jennie, and has been pictured with her on numerous occasions. In fact, the two friends even posted a photo together at Chanel’s recent Paris Fashion Week show. The supermodel made headlines this year when she became the first-ever Asian model to close a Chanel fashion show, making history in the fashion world.
