Fashion’s increasing love for China?

 Karlie Kloss for American Vogue

There’s going to be massive upcoming spread featuring Karlie Kloss among other Asian (mostly Chinese) models for American Vogue. In the past months, I’ve noticed an increasing western fixation on all things Chinese (and Asian for that matter). Things skyrocketed when figures like Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld showed enthusiastic support and response to China’s growing art/fashion scene; when Sui He’s entire international modeling career was literally launched after she was handpicked to open the Ralph Lauren show, a slot that is usually reserved for (white) seasoned, established models; when Sun Fei Fei (apparently now a Steven Meisel favorite) first graced the pages of Vogue Italia (a major feat for Asian and even models of color in general), which lead to subsequent appearances in American Vogue, Italian Vogue and a coveted Louis Vuitton advertisement Campaign; when Sui Pei became the face of Karl Lagerfeld’s Hogan advertisement Campaign line; not to mention increasing prominence and greater opportunities for Asian and Asian American designers, all at the same time. Also, Kai Z Feng, a prominent fashion photographer? Um, he’s basically ass kickin’ everyone! I can’t even begin to list the number of campaigns he’s shot this year - and for very exclusive brands as well. And not to mention, the increasing interest of the general populace in Asian and Chinese culture.
It brings me great pride and joy to see the accomplishments of a country, a region not predominately resided by “European/Nordic genetic origins”, being appreciated and embraced so much by a industry (fashion) that is so exclusive and often chooses subjects based on skin color. And even for Asian Americans too - it’s refreshing to see a minority group put out onto the spotlight and celebrated. We still have a long way to go (for all minority groups and countries, not necessarily affiliated or tied with Asian ancestry). But it’s refreshing to see the “Eurocentric, white-focused” bubble open, even if just a little.

My two cents for the day/