Taiwan modeling agency eyes mainland runways

Taipei (CNS) – Taiwan New Silk Road Model Management set up an incense burner at its front door as a symbolic display at a groundbreaking ceremony held on January 30, the eighth day of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Zhang Jiannong, the chairman of the agency, said the company has surpassed his expectations since it was opened in May 2011, and that they will continue to explore models from high schools and colleges in Taiwan and promote them to mainland China and the rest of the world.

New Silk Road Model Management was founded in China in 1992 and is an internationally recognized modeling agency. It owns 80 percent of the top models from the mainland, and its New Silk Road Model Look is one of China's most famous modeling contests. Taiwan New Silk Road is its only authorized branch across the strait.

At present, Taiwan New Silk Road has 35 models and expects to sign contracts with 200 more within two years. According to Zhang Jiannong, the modeling company also functions as a platform to spread fashion trends and enhance communication.

The company is currently negotiating with mainland brands, and famous Chinese brand Shanghai Tan will probably stage in Taiwan this August, Zhang added.