The icing on the cake
Despite the increasing popularity of emerging supermodels, other ambitious young things eyeing the global fashion stage for career development now face greater challenges finding and seizing their opportunity for catwalk stardom. There are just too many of them around.
The rapidly growing supply of Chinese models for the world market was an inevitable result of China's expanding consumer potential. In the past, only a limited number of them would vie for jobs in the fashion weeks, thus legendary models like Lv Yan survived the harsh competitive environment abroad.
Another factor is that the needs of the market have yet to absorb the excessive supply, surmises Yao Ge. After all, the exotic charm of the Chinese model has been used only as the icing on the cake in the Western-dominated fashion world. "Frankly we feel confused about what kind of models the major design houses prefer," Yao added, referring to another hazard facing the domestic industry preparing to export modeling talent.
To gear up the promotion of Chinese models, domestic model agencies have been actively cooperating with their international counterparts like DNA, IMG, NEXT ,and of course, ELITE. The requirements for new models could also rise to new heights which include a certain mastery of English, a positive attitude, and some basic degree of social independence.
Beginning next year, the Professional Models Committee of the Chinese Fashion Designers' Association will undertake more aggressive promotion of models He Hui, Ju Xiaowen ,and those new up-and-comers who gained positive public attention last season. Meanwhile, Zhang Jue, Liu Tongtong and other promising talent are expected to squeeze more shows, media events and public appearances into their schedules.
