'New oriental icon' of fashion capitals
By Gan Tian (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-03 09:13
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Last year, the Chinese faces at the most important fashion events - in Paris, Milan, London and New York - were all those of A-list stars, such as Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, Maggie Cheung and Michelle Yeoh. But they were nowhere to be seen at the 2010 autumn/winter shows.
Barring mainland actress, Fan Bingbing.
Seen as the most glorious "oriental face" of the four fashion weeks, she was invited to four shows and one after-party. As for seats, she bagged all VIP front-row spots.
For the Jean Paul Gaultier show on March 6, she picked a Gaultier see-through shirt and Hublot watch, winning the title of "new oriental icon" in the French media. The designer himself came out to meet her, and said she could deliver the best of his brand.
A day later, the diva appeared at the Sonia Rykiel show as the only Asian actress invitee. She appeared in a blue one-piece dress, especially chosen by the head designer Nathalie Sonia.
On March 8, Fan was invited to Louis Vuitton headquarters to choose her dress. Her seat was right next to that of the brand's global president and popular fashion icon, Alexa Chung.
The absence of the A-listers proved a godsend for the likes of Margaret Denise Quigley, better known as Maggie Q, a Hawaiian-born actress and model who has made name for herself in Hong Kong. She attended three events and one party, including the Salvatore Ferragamo exhibition and show, and the Herve Leger and Max Zara shows.
Despite her excellent spoken English and unique mixed-parentage looks, however, Maggie Q could not establish much big business cooperation. Her face is neither oriental nor Western, said some.
Alhough mainland TV drama actress Xu Qing was only spotted in one show, she was invited by Chanel.
Xu was the only Asian entertainer Chanel invited to Paris. Her fashion taste was immediately recognized by mainland fashion industry, and the 41-year-old actress signed a contract with local brand Yerad to become its spokeswoman during China Fashion Week.