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The 15 Top Asian Models To Follow on Instagram
The world of modeling is a diverse and culturally rich industry these days. Once ruled by tall white women, people from all around the globe can now strut their stuff on the catwalks of New York, Milan, and Paris. The one thing they all have in common is how beautiful they are. Attractiveness is still the main criteria when it comes to modeling. This applies to all models, no matter where they are from in the world. If there is one region that has been producing incredible models of late it is Asia. Asian models are some of the most gorgeous and talented and are becoming household names around the world.
Many of the top Asian models got their start in their home country before breaking out into the mainstream. They have featured on the covers of the best fashion magazines and modeled for all the top brands. Many of these Asian models also have a big presence on Instagram where they can detail what they are up to and give fans a glimpse at what their lives are really like.
In recognition of these hard-working models posting to the gram regularly, here are the top 15 Asian models to follow on Instagram.
1. Liu Wen
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When it comes to Asian models leading the way, look no further than Lui Wen. The New York Times dubbed her “China’s first bona fide supermodel,” which is hard to disagree with when you look at her resume. Wen is the first model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the first East Asian spokesmodel for Estée Lauder, and the first Asian model to make Forbes’ annual highest-paid models list. She’s also the first Asian supermodel to grace the cover of American Vogue.
It was Liu Wen’s mom who got her into modeling to help with her posture. After entering a few competitions and doing well, Wen decided to pursue a career in modeling but struggled to find gigs during her early years. She broke through in 2007 when appearing in the Chinese Cosmopolitan and hasn’t looked back since.
2. Fei Fei Sun
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New York-based Chinese model Fei Fei Sun is regarded as one of the top Asian models. Although scouted as a model during her teens, Sun finished school before embarking on a career walking the catwalk. A current spokeswoman for Estée Lauder and the first East Asian model on the fold cover of the September issue of American Vogue, Sun has also worked with the likes of Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, Prada, Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Vera Wang.
3. Chiharu Okunugi
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Hailing from Tokyo, the capital of Japan, Chiharu Okunugi began modeling as a student. She has been appearing on magazine covers and walking catwalks for over a decade now. She’s one of Japan’s top models and has represented brands including Hermès, Akris, and Kenzo.
Signed to a variety of top model agencies, including Storm Management in the UK, The Society Management in America, and Donna Models in Japan, Okunugi is one of the most famous Asian models in the world.
4. Margaret Zhang
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With over 1.7 million followers on Instagram, is safe to say Margaret Zhang has a few fans. The Australian-Chinese creative is not only a model, but also a stylist, photographer, and creative director and editor-in-chief of Vogue China. Zhang started a fashion blog while in high school that got her noticed and helped her secure collaborations with big fashion brands, appearing on the cover of Elle, Nylon, and Marie Claire.
Zhang became the youngest editor-in-chief of Vogue China when she got the job at 27. She spends her time living between Shanghai and New York and is currently working on her debut feature film. While she does post frequently on her Instagram account, it’s often highlighting her work with Vogue China, with the occasional personal pic thrown in for good measure.
5. Ming Xi
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Chinese model Ming Xi got her start in the world of modeling after appearing on the TV competition Go! Oriental Angels. This led to her coming third in the Elite Model Look competition and landing a contract with Givenchy. She’s since gone on to appear in six consecutive Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows (2013-2018), worked with fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld, and walked the catwalk at New York Fashion Week.
While she doesn’t have the most followers, 1.7 million is still not to be laughed at, with Xi giving fans a look into her private life on her Instagram account.
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6. Qin Shupei
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Also known as Shu Pei, Qin Shupei is a supermodel from China who has a big reputation in the modeling world. While studying in New York she was spotted by a talent scout who signed her up to Next Management in 2007. Over the past decade and a half she has achieved many notable milestones in her career, including walking in several Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows, participating in the 2015 Met Gala, and even starring in the Chinese romantic comedy Oh My God.
7. Godfrey Gao
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Yes, there are also male models from all parts of Asia who are making coin showing off their handsome looks. Godfrey Gao was a Taiwanese-Canadian model and actor who tragically passed away from a heart attack in 2019. Despite this, his Instagram account continues to receive many follows from people who want to reminisce about the model and actor.
Gao is best known for his role as Magnus Bane in the movie The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and for his starring role in the Chinese TV series Remembering Lichuan. He was also the first Asian to model for Louis Vuitton in 2011, a gig that really got his name out there.
8. Xiao Wen Ju
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Hailing from East Asia, Xiao Wen Ju is one of the most accomplished Asian models in the business. As well as being the first Chinese model to be the face of famous brand Marc Jacobs, Ju has modeled for the likes of Prada, Louis Vuitton, adidas, Dior, and DKNY. While she might not have as many followers as some of the ladies on this list, Ju is still one to watch.
9. Catriona Gray
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Filipino-Australian model Catriona Gray won Miss Universe in 2018, having previously won Miss Universe Philippines and Miss World Philippines 2016. Winning such prestigious competitions has enabled Gray to not only have a very successful career as a model but also as an actor and singer.
The beauty queen has released several musical singles and starred on a plethora of TV shows, often as a host or judge. Gray is also big on women’s rights and other social causes and is the Philippines’ current Ambassador for the Arts.
10. Sheena Liam
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Unlike many of the models on this list who were discovered by talent scouts, Sheena Liam hit the big time after appearing on the second season of Asia’s Next Top Model. Not only was she a contestant, but Liam won the competition, gaining a contract with Storm Management.
She has been hailed by many in the modeling industry for her unique look and experimental style that has seen her appear on the cover of all the top fashion magazines. Liam is also an artist under the alias Times New Romance, with her artwork consisting of embroidery figures of female forms.
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11. Zhao Lei
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Zhao Lei is one of the top male Asian models. He’s constantly in demand and leading the charge for Asian males to make an impact on the world modeling scene. Still in his mid-20s, Lei has graced the pages of GQ China, L’Officiel Hommes, and Vogue Homme Japan. When it comes to designers, he’s also worked with the best, such as Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabana, Giorgio Armani, and Ermenegildo. Zegna,
12. Fernanda Ly
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Fernanda Ly first started making waves in the mid-00s thanks to her bright pink hair. Although born in Australia, Ly is of Chinese-Vietnamese descent and very much embraces her cultural roots. Discovered in a shopping mall in Australia, Ly’s first gig was working with Louis Vuitton, with the campaign turning her into an overnight celebrity.
Since then she has appeared on the cover of Vogue Australia, Teen Vogue, and Vogue Italia, been front and center for advertising campaigns for fashion brands such as H&M, American Eagle Outfitters, and Forever 21, and even started her own YouTube channel that’s very strange but popular.
13. Tao Okamoto
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Tao Okamoto is another of the trailblazers who have helped put north Asian models on the map. She began modeling at the age of 14 and moved to Paris in 2006 to pursue her dream of modeling. She had much success while there, partnering with Alexander Wang, Fendi, and Miu Miu before moving to New York in 2009. That same year she became the face of Ralph Lauren and formed an interest in acting.
Her film debut was alongside Aussie hunk Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine in 2013. She’s gone on to appear in the blockbuster superhero movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and TV shows Hannibal, The Man in the High Tower, and Westworld.
14. Soo Joo Park
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Asian American model Soo Joo Park was born in South Korea but grew up in the States. She graduated from the University of California with an architecture degree but pursued a career in modeling after being discovered vintage shopping in San Francisco’s cool Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.
Her first gig as a model was for BCBG Max Azria, quickly resulting in Park walking the catwalk for the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Chanel, and Rick Owens. Along with modeling, Park is a successful DJ who has also appeared in the Netflix series Sense8.
15. Ivana Alawi
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Ivana Alawi is a Filipino-Moroccan model, actress, and YouTuber who has over eight million followers on Instagram. She also has over 15 million subscribers on YouTube, so you can say she’s a bit of a big deal.
Alawi is the biggest social media influencer in the Philippines and even runs her own skincare company, Ivana Skin. She often models for brands on her own social media pages and has appeared in several films and TV shows. Still only in her mid-00s, Alwai will be a name you’ll hear about for many more years to come.
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