Cover Ming Xi commanded global attention at the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
Ming Xi commanded global attention at the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
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As Chinese supermodel Liu Wen made her 10th Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show appearance this year, we look back at seven models who walked at Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena in 2017
Back in 2017, Victoria’s Secret made history in Shanghai, pairing franchise staples like Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel and Taylor Hill with seven Chinese models who took centre stage on home turf. With this year’s runway revival spotlighting Liu Wen’s milestone 10th walk, the enduring legacy of that Shanghai showcase is clearer than ever. Below, look back at the seven models who captivated the world that evening, including Shanghai native Ming Xi, Estelle Chen who was scouted by Elite Model Management in Paris at age 13, and Xiao Wen Ju, the first model of Chinese descent to be the face of Marc Jacobs.
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1. Liu Wen
Above Liu Wen is China’s foremost supermodel and a pioneering fixture in Victoria’s Secret history. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
Liu Wen is China’s foremost supermodel and a pioneering fixture in Victoria’s Secret history. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
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Widely recognised as China’s first supermodel, Liu Wen broke barriers in 2009 when she became the first East Asian model to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway. Over a trailblazing career, the Hunan native has achieved milestone after milestone: the first Asian global ambassador for Estée Lauder, the first Chinese model featured on the cover of American Vogue, and a regular presence on couture runways from Paris to New York. Her return to mark a historic 10th appearance on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk cements her legacy as one of the most enduring and respected figures in modern fashion.
2. Ming Xi
Above Ming Xi captivated the home crowd in Shanghai. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
Ming Xi captivated the home crowd in Shanghai. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
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Shanghai-born Ming Xi commanded international attention in 2010 when Givenchy cast her exclusively for its haute couture show. She quickly became a runway staple for luxury houses including Chanel, Dior and Tom Ford. The 2017 Shanghai show marked her fifth turn on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk. It also produced one of the most talked-about moments of the night: after getting caught in her flowing chiffon cape and slipping on the runway, Xi handled the mishap with defining poise and a radiant smile, winning praise worldwide for her grace and professionalism under pressure.
3. Estelle Chen
Above Paris-raised newcomer Estelle Chen made an assured Victoria’s Secret debut at just 19, bringing fresh, contemporary poise to the international stage.(Photo: courtesy of Victoria's Secret)
Paris-raised newcomer Estelle Chen made an assured Victoria’s Secret debut at just 19, bringing fresh, contemporary poise to the international stage.(Photo: courtesy of Victoria's Secret)
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Born and raised in Paris, Estelle Chen was just 19 years old when she took to the catwalk in Shanghai. Chen broke onto the international circuit after winning the Elite Model Look contest in France in 2013, quickly booking turns for Dior, Kenzo, Fendi and Louis Vuitton. As one of the youngest Chinese faces on the 2017 Victoria’s Secret runway, Chen used her platform to champion greater diversity and Asian representation across the global fashion landscape.
4. Xin Xie
Above Guangdong native Xin Xie stepped effortlessly into the global spotlight in Shanghai. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria's Secret)
Guangdong native Xin Xie stepped effortlessly into the global spotlight in Shanghai. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria's Secret)
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Guangdong native Xin Xie was a fresh face on the international circuit when she secured a spot in the 2017 Shanghai show. Having walked for Miu Miu’s Resort show and built a strong editorial portfolio with Vogue China and Vogue Middle East, the 22-year-old brought a clean, modern aesthetic to the runway, holding her own alongside the industry’s most established veterans.
Read more: From Kendall Jenner to Kaia Gerber, 18 models who followed in their mother’s footsteps
5. Xiao Wen Ju
Above Xiao Wen Ju brought her unmistakable exuberance and playful high-fashion edge to the catwalk. (Photo: Courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
Xiao Wen Ju brought her unmistakable exuberance and playful high-fashion edge to the catwalk. (Photo: Courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
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Discovered in 2010, the Xi’an native brought a distinct, whimsical energy to high fashion that quickly caught the eye of top casting directors. Ju has walked for the likes of Prada, Louis Vuitton and Hermès, and made history as the first Chinese model to front an international campaign for Marc Jacobs. She brought that same playful charisma to her Victoria’s Secret debut in 2016 in Paris, returning to the lineup for the 2017 showcase in Shanghai with effortless charm.
6. Sui He
Above A runway mainstay with eight consecutive appearances to her name, Sui He illuminated the Shanghai stage with her signature grace. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
A runway mainstay with eight consecutive appearances to her name, Sui He illuminated the Shanghai stage with her signature grace. (Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
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A former competitive swimmer from Wenzhou, Sui He made her Victoria’s Secret debut in 2011—becoming only the second Asian model to walk for the brand. Known for her porcelain complexion and signature dimples, she walked an impressive eight consecutive shows for the lingerie label. Beyond the Victoria’s Secret stage, He established herself as an international high-fashion mainstay, opening for Ralph Lauren and becoming the first Chinese model to serve as the global face of Japanese beauty house Shiseido.
7. One Wang
Above Fresh from winning “Road to the Runway”, 20-year-old One Wang owned the catwalk during her milestone Victoria’s Secret debut.(Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
Fresh from winning “Road to the Runway”, 20-year-old One Wang owned the catwalk during her milestone Victoria’s Secret debut.(Photo: courtesy of Victoria’s Secret)
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One Wang (Wang Yi) earned her high-profile Victoria’s Secret debut in Shanghai after winning Road to the Runway, a 2017 reality television competition co-produced by the lingerie giant to select a breakout Chinese talent for the show. A rising newcomer at age 20, Wang stepped onto the global catwalk with poise, adding the milestone appearance to an editorial resume that already included spreads in Elle China and leading domestic fashion titles.
Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
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