Once marked by its lack of diversity, the fashion industry has come a long way in showcasing all races and ethnicities’ richness and multifaceted beauty. As part of this shift, a wave of talented and distinctive Asian male models has emerged, challenging the status quo and reshaping the aesthetic landscape of high fashion.
Asian Male Models
In the following lines, we spotlight several trailblazing Asian male models—from those who’ve become well-established figures in the industry to those who are just beginning to leave their mark. These model men have unique attributes and compelling personalities that have caught the attention of the world’s leading fashion houses, top-tier magazines, and influential designers.
Dae Na
Korean model Dae Na recently commemorated a decade-long journey in the fashion industry. This journey has been nothing short of remarkable for the 6’2″ model. Dae quickly rose to prominence by landing the cover of Vogue Hommes Japan, soon followed by campaigns for Diesel and United Colors of Benetton.
From the catwalk to print media, Dae has accumulated an impressive portfolio of clients and credits, featuring in editorials for GQ Style Brasil, runway shows for Dolce & Gabbana, and a bold and provocative campaign for Tom Ford.
Daisuke Ueda
Possessing a unique elegance, Daisuke Ueda is a veteran in the modeling industry. The Japanese model has more than a decade of experience, during which he has amassed an extensive body of editorial work across the globe. His significant features have graced the pages of GQ Germany, Elle, Vogue Hommes Japan, Robb Report, and many more.
Notably, Daisuke was the sole Asian model on the groundbreaking Details September 2015 cover, which showcased 31 of the industry’s leading models. His distinguished career includes campaigns for Dior Homme, Giorgio Armani, and Dolce & Gabbana. The 6’1″ model has strutted on the runway for luxury brands like Paul Smith, Dries Van Noten, Missoni, and Corneliani.
Hang Yu
Hang Yu, with his towering stature of 6’2″, is a compelling presence in the global fashion industry. He originates from China and brings a distinctive charisma to his work. Hang’s fashion journey is rich and diverse within the scope of editorials. He has graced the pages of many prestigious magazines, including Esquire China, Numéro Homme, and GQ Style México. These features prove his versatile appeal and innate ability to embody various aesthetics.
Fashion runways are another domain where Hang makes a profound impact. From the elegance of Elie Saab to the avant-garde spirit of Thom Browne, he has walked for many high-profile designers. Campaign-wise, Hang’s influence is widespread. He has collaborated with various partners, from upscale retailers like Matches to esteemed fashion houses like Etro, Versace, and Tod’s.
Hao Yunxiang
With an awe-inspiring height of 6’2 1/2′, Hao Yunxiang stands out in the industry with his impeccable features. This, combined with over a decade of professional experience, has made the Chinese model a prominent face on the covers of numerous magazines, including L’Officiel Hommes China, Men’s Folio Malaysia, and GQ Style China.
Beyond covers, Hao has continually enchanted in striking editorials for GQ China, appearing in Men’s Uno China, Vogue Me China, and more. His advertising campaigns for Giorgio Armani, Banana Republic, and Jimmy Choo showcase his versatility. Further, his consistent appearances on the catwalk for Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani underscore his stellar status in the industry.
Hidetatsu Takeuchi
Hidetatsu Takeuchi, a Japanese fashion model, impresses with his 6’2 1/2″ height and distinct freckles. A runway regular, Hidetatsu has walked for various luxury brands, from Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta to Tom Ford. Beyond the runway, Hidetatsu’s chic allure translates into editorials, featuring in magazines like Esquire Taiwan and Corriere Della Sera Style and leading campaigns for prestigious brands like Dunhill and Bottega Veneta.
Jae Yoo
Emerging in the early 2010s, Korean model Jae Yoo encapsulates a unique blend of commercial and high fashion appeal. His well-roundedness allowed him to start his career modeling for mainstream brands like American Eagle and gracing the runway for high fashion names like Dolce & Gabbana and Corneliani.
Jae has featured in campaigns for elite brands such as Moncler and Brioni and made numerous appearances modeling Dolce & Gabbana’s men’s collection. Beyond the runway and campaigns, Jae’s striking looks have adorned the pages of prominent magazines like Esquire, GQ Germany, and GQ Taiwan.
Jie Zheng
Jie Zheng, a Chinese model, consistently garners high-profile castings. The 6’1″ fashion model has been the face of campaigns for leading brands, including Gucci, Dior Men, and Emporio Armani. Not only a familiar face on the catwalk for these brands, but Jie has also showcased their collections in lookbooks and catalogs. Alongside his commercial work, Jie maintains a strong editorial presence, gracing the pages of fashion magazines like GQ China, ICON, and GQ Italia.
Noma Han
Bursting onto the fashion scene in the early 2010s, Noma Han made an instant and impactful mark, featuring in publications like Interview magazine and fronting campaigns for United Colors of Benetton and Hilfiger Denim. Noted for his charismatic persona and tattooed aesthetic, Noma found a niche on the runway, strutting for brands like Y-3, Lanvin, and Neil Barrett.
The Korean model’s charm pervaded diverse editorials from GQ China to VMAN. Today, the 6’1″ model continues his influential journey in fashion, collaborating with Saks Fifth Avenue and leading campaigns for Moose Knuckles. Moreover, Noma impresses with his talent as a tattoo artist.
Philip Huang
Taiwanese American model Philip Huang, a pioneering figure in the fashion industry, made significant waves in the early 2010s. Actively promoting Asian representation in high fashion, Philip became a regular on the catwalk, striding for top-tier brands from Versace to Ermenegildo Zegna and Dolce & Gabbana.
Philip’s model journey encompassed appearances in high-profile magazines from GQ Japan to VMAN and advertising campaigns for esteemed brands like BOSS and Kenzo. Nowadays, Philip continues to make a style statement with his naturally gray hair, modeling for platforms like Mytheresa while running his eco-friendly brand, Philip Huang.
Sang Woo Kim
Sang Woo Kim, a Korean British model, made fashion history as the first Korean to walk for Burberry in their 2014 fall-winter show. Wearing dual hats as an artist and model, Sang has been featured in esteemed fashion magazines, including GQ Korea, GQ Italia, and British GQ, while leading campaigns for various brands, from Diesel and Hilfiger Denim to Hermès. The 6′ model continues to strut the runway for many high-profile brands, including Lanvin and Burberry.
Sung Jin Park
Sung Jin Park, who burst onto the fashion scene in the early 2010s, brought fresh energy to New York City. Standing tall at 6’2″, the Korean model quickly caught the eye of casting directors with his distinctive personal style and love for tattoos, adding a desired edginess to his appeal.
Sung transitioned from featuring in prestigious magazines such as Vogue Hommes Japan and Details to dominating the catwalk for Z Zegna, Neil Barrett, and beyond. As he gained momentum, Sung shone in campaigns for legendary brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, further enhancing his runway credentials with fashion powerhouses such as Hermès and Dolce & Gabbana.
Taemin Park
Originating from South Korea, Taemin Park is one of the prominent Korean fashion models in the modern industry. His towering height of 6’1″ 1/2 contributes to his remarkable presence on the runway, where he has been a formidable force for iconic fashion houses such as Gucci, Versace, and Giorgio Armani.
Distinguished by his sleek medium-length hair and razor-sharp cheekbones, Taemin’s allure lies in his unique look. He has also been persuasive in numerous advertising campaigns for renowned brands like Giorgio Armani, Hermès, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tiffany & Co.
Tony Thornburg
Tony Thornburg, an American model of Japanese and Swedish descent, commands attention with his towering 6′ 21/2″ stature and captivating long hair. Exuding a tranquil aura, Tony has led campaigns for high-end brands like Giorgio Armani and Etro.
At the same time, his striking features have adorned the pages of prominent fashion magazines such as GQ China and L’Officiel Hommes Thailand. His magnetic appeal continues to captivate on the runway, particularly for the Italian fashion powerhouse, Giorgio Armani.
Wang Chenming
Standing 6′ 2.5″ tall, Chinese model Wang Chenming is a recognizable face in the international fashion scene. His extensive portfolio includes appearances in respected fashion publications such as British Vogue, Another Man, and Vogue Italia and striking poses on the runway for prestigious brands including Burberry, Emporio Armani, and Dior Men.
A regular talent for Dior Men, Wang has graced numerous campaigns for this French fashion titan. His distinctive visual appeal extends to high-impact advertisements for premier brands such as Fendi, Valentino, and Bottega Veneta.
Xu Meen
Xu Meen, another South Korean model, brings his unique style to the forefront with his signature buzz cut and an audacious penchant for eyebrow experimentation. Standing at 6’1.3″, he perfectly fuses grace with edginess, making him a favorite casting choice among top-tier brands.
Xu’s journey to stardom began with an accidental discovery during a leisurely trip to London. Since then, he has built an impressive portfolio with various advertising clients, from Louis Vuitton and H&M to COS and Tod’s. Globally, Xu has showcased his remarkable runway skills for notable fashion brands such as Michael Kors, Gucci, and Zegna.
Yang Hao
Yang Hao, part of the fresh wave of Asian models, is making significant inroads in the fashion industry. Exemplifying the quintessential blue-chip model, the Chinese model’s boyish features make him a popular choice among casting directors. A regular face on the runway, Yang has walked for high-end brands like AMIRI, Dior Men, Loewe, and Fendi.
Yang’s photogenic appeal is evident in numerous editorials in publications like WSJ. Magazine China, GQ Style China, and Harper’s Bazaar China. For advertising campaigns, Yang has been a source of inspiration for brands ranging from Prada to Dior Men.
Yura Nakano
Yura Nakano is a leading figure in the modern modeling industry, representing Japanese and Taiwanese heritage. Sporting a trendy short hairstyle, the 6′ 1.5″ model stands out with unique features—full lips and prominent ears—which lend him a unique appeal. A favored choice of casting directors, Yura has engaged in advertising collaborations with various brands, from H&M and Versace to Louis Vuitton.
Yura’s distinctive presence extends to fashion lookbooks, where he has sported the latest collections from Balenciaga, Kenzo, and Moncler. Yura has showcased forthcoming trends for runway shows, making appearances for Balenciaga, Helmut Lang, Dior Men, Balmain, and beyond.
Zhao Lei
With his towering stature of 6′ 2″, Zhao Lei is a pioneering figure among Asian models. The Chinese model has achieved iconic status, boasting over a decade of industry experience and setting a pathway for aspiring generations. Zhao’s portfolio is a testimony to his versatility, including collaborations with brands from Prada and Diesel to Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, and Dolce & Gabbana.
In addition to countless GQ China editorials, Zhao’s runway credentials include remarkable Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Emporio Armani bookings.
