Liu Wen and the legacy of China's top supermodels

Liu Wen, often referred to as the ‘Number One Asian Supermodel,’ continues to hold a prominent position in the global fashion industry. As the first Chinese model to walk for Victoria's Secret and the first to earn the brand's ‘angel wings,’ she has set numerous records for Asian models, including walking the Victoria's Secret runway nine times as of 2025.

Her career milestones include being the first Chinese model on the cover of American Vogue and the first Asian model to serve as a global ambassador for Estée Lauder. She has collaborated with major luxury houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior. In 2013, she ranked third in the top 50 global supermodels, the highest position achieved by an Asian model at that time.

Liu Wen is part of a group known as China's ‘four great supermodels,’ which includes He Mengyao, He Hui, and Shu Xiaowen. While the group is celebrated for their international success and presence on major runways, each has pursued distinct career paths and lifestyles.