The Rise of China’s Top Supermodels
China has produced some of the most iconic supermodels who have not only made a mark in the global fashion industry but also led fulfilling personal lives. Among them, Liu Wen, Ming Xi, Xiao Wen Ju, and Sui He stand out as trailblazers who have redefined the landscape of international modeling.
Liu Wen: Pioneering the Way
Liu Wen, 37, is often recognized as China’s most successful model. She made history in 2009 by becoming the first Chinese model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This milestone opened the door for more Asian models on the global stage. In 2013, she was ranked among the top five highest-paid models in the world by Forbes, making her the first Asian model to achieve this feat.
Liu has graced the cover of U.S. Vogue’s 125th Anniversary issue, a rare achievement for a Chinese model. Her career has been marked by high-profile campaigns with brands like Estée Lauder, Calvin Klein, and Oscar de la Renta. In 2022, she began a relationship with actor Jing Boran, and although they keep their personal life private, they have been seen together on several occasions.
Ming Xi: A Star from the Start
Ming Xi, 36, rose to fame through the 2009 Chinese talent show “Go! Oriental Angel.” After studying fashion design and acting at Donghua University, she placed third in a global competition organized by Elite Model Management, which launched her modeling career. She walked for prestigious brands such as Givenchy, Dior, and Vivienne Westwood and appeared in six consecutive Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows from 2013 to 2018.
In 2019, Ming Xi married Mario Ho, son of late Macau casino magnate Stanley Ho. Their engagement was famously proposed at Shanghai’s L’Avenue Mall with an extravagant display of roses and a Louis Vuitton box engraved with a heartfelt message. The event attracted around 1,000 guests and became a media sensation.
Xiao Wen Ju: A Trailblazer in New York
Xiao Wen Ju, 36, made her debut at New York Fashion Week in 2011, walking for DKNY, Prada, and L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani. In 2012, she was noted as the first model of Chinese descent to become the face of Marc Jacobs. Over the years, she has worked with major brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Prada.
She is married to fellow model Jin Dachuan, 32, who gained recognition after placing third in a modeling contest. Jin was personally invited by Prada’s Miuccia Prada to walk in the brand’s Spring/Summer 2014 show during Milan Men’s Fashion Week. Since then, he has walked for 16 major brands, including Bottega Veneta and Jil Sander.
Sui He: A Global Icon
Sui He, 36, entered the modeling world after winning a local contest at 17. Her international breakthrough came during the Autumn/Winter 2011–2012 season when she opened Ralph Lauren, closed Vivienne Tam, and walked exclusively for Shiatzy Chen and Dries Van Noten. She was named one of the “Top 10 Faces” of Fall 2011 by New York Magazine.
Sui has walked for couture houses such as Chanel, Dior, and Jean-Paul Gaultier and appeared in every Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show from 2011 to 2017. She also made history as Shiseido’s first Asian global spokesperson.
In October 2024, Sui and Hong Kong actor William Chan announced the birth of their first child via Weibo posts. Rumors about their relationship began in 2021, and speculation grew in 2024 when they were seen vacationing together in Japan. Recently, Sui stepped back from major fashion events and endorsements, leading fans to believe she may be settling down with Chan. However, neither has confirmed their marital status.
William Chan, 40, is often described as a “second-generation rich” due to his background as the son of a late Hong Kong property developer.
