Xiao Leng debuts at Milan Fashion Week in ‘latiao’ inspired couture

Chinese model Xiao Leng, also known as ‘Superman Leng’, made a notable appearance at the Spring/Summer 2027 Milan Fashion Week. The 20-year-old model walked the runway wearing a red haute couture gown designed by Chinese designer Na Yilin, which was inspired by the popular street snack ‘latiao’ and required nearly 800 hours of manual beadwork.

Xiao Leng’s journey to the international stage is marked by significant personal hardship. After dropping out of school at age 14 due to family circumstances, she worked various service jobs and assisted in sorting waste at a recycling station in Taizhou, Zhejiang. It was at the waste station, using discarded materials and practicing her catwalk in front of a mobile phone, that she developed her modeling skills. Despite her rising fame, she reportedly continues to assist with waste sorting in her hometown.