Fei Fei Sun, China
top row, left: Sun entered a local beauty contest in 2007 at the
urging of a professor at China’s Suzhou University, where she was
studying design. The competition proved fateful—aside from
introducing Sun, now 31, to her future husband, it propelled her
toward modeling success in Shanghai. Still, the transition from
creator to muse wasn’t seamless. “When I was growing up, it was
hard for me to find a role model from the fashion-and-beauty
world because of the lack of visibility of anyone who looked like
me,” she says, “but I hope we will continue to see more and
more growth in diversity.”
Tory Burch cardigan. Mother jeans. Gucci hat.
Öykü Basütasü, Tu r k e y
top row, center: “I never thought I was this classic, beautiful girl,”
says Baştaş, 22. “When I did my first fashion show and went back
home to Istanbul, people bullied me on social media and asked
how I became a model—but then I realized that I’m very happy
with myself. I wouldn’t want to change anything about my look.”
Balmain jacket. Frame jeans.
Miriam Sanchez, Spain
top row, right: A year and a half ago, Sanchez was studying
business administration in Madrid, but the internet changed
all that. Discovered on Instagram and thrust into the spotlight,
the 24-year-old is now learning the ropes of a whole new
profession. “Little by little, I’m getting the hang of it,” she says.
“I’ve just started, but from what I can see of shows and casting,
it’s very inclusive—which suits me well, as I don’t consider
myself to be a classical beauty.”
Gabriela Hearst blazer and pants.
Sora Choi, South Korea
bottom row, left: In her eight-year career since her debut on
Korea’s Next Top Model, Choi has seen fashion evolve into
a far more diverse industry. Still, she’s eager for the day when
opportunities are genuinely equal. “There is a bigger presence
of Asian models in the industry,” she says, “but at the same time,
that doesn’t necessarily mean we are part of the mainstream.
And while it may not happen within my generation, I do believe
there will be an era where race is not a factor.” Until then, she’s
working to make that a reality. “All people who have the power to
change the world have one thing in common: consistently doing
what they love rather than being let down by the environment
around them,” says Choi, 27. “I’m just doing what I love.”
The Marc Jacobs jacket and skirt. Louis Vuitton boots.
Anna Ewers, Germany
bottom row, center: Even before she graced a runway, German
model Ewers was drawing comparisons to Brigitte Bardot and
Claudia Schiffer. Scouted in Colombia while on a student-exchange
program, Ewers paid little attention to fashion until she began
working, and even now she focuses more on social responsibility
than trends. “I think it’s important to be aware of our responsibility,”
says Ewers, 26. “The fashion industry plays a big role in how
people think about beauty—and while there’s still a long way to go,
there have been a lot of positive changes since I began my career.”
Isabel Marant top. Givenchy shorts.
Angela Yuen, Hong Kong, China
bottom row, right: An ascendant film and television star in Hong
Kong and mainland China, Yuen, 26, established her foothold
in fashion as she might prepare for a role—with research. “I found
amazing stories about how designers of the past empowered
people with clothes,” she says. Among their more resonant lessons?
“You decide what the definition of sexy is for yourself.”
Coach shirt and jeans. Celine by Hedi Slimane sandals.