From Diane Von Fursteberg's major China expansion to Prada's choice of going public in Hong Kong, Asia is getting major attention from the fashion industry.
So much so that Women's Wear Daily named its most recent Beauty Inc. publication "The Asian Issue," featuring three Asian top models on the cover as well as articles pertaining to India, Japan, and China.
As for the inspiration, Jenny Fine wrote in her Editor's Letter, "Is there any place on earth with more raw energy than Asia?" Citing the continent's booming middle class, urban growth and power to drive trends, Fine argued for Asia's prominent place on fashion's map.
Another key piece of Asia's fashion ascendance? Models like Tao Okamoto, Ming Xi and Hyoni Kang, who posed for the cleverly-titled photo spread "The A List." A little about each lady:
Tao Okamoto -- Call it the bowl cut that launched a career. When the Tokyo-born Tao Okamoto hit the New York scene two years ago, she created quite a first impression. Not only did she open the 3.1 Phillip Lim show, the designer decided that every model in the show should sport the same look. "It was amazing," remembers Okamoto. "I thought he was joking when he first told me."
Ming Xi -- Born in Shanghai, 22-year-old Ming was studying fashion in her hometown when she was discovered. No wonder she's gone on to become a favorite of designers such as Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci and Diane von Furstenberg, booking on average about 50 shows a season. She doesn't have a beauty contract--yet--but not for lack of desire. "Those pictures always look so beautiful," says Ming.
Hyoni Kang -- Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, Hyoni Kang may be known as a fashion plate in the West--she was the first Asian girl to win the Ford Supermodel of the World contest back in 2008 and she booked over 25 shows her first season in New York alone. But at home, she's a veritable style icon. In addition to hosting a TV show, she also designs her own line of clothes with two friends (a stylist and photographer) which today are sold in their own boutique in Seoul, as well as Lane Crawford in Hong Kong and Singer 22 in the U.S.
Click below to see the cover and pictures of Okamoto, Ming and Kang walking Fall 2011's runways. And for more, head over to WWD.com.