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Models constantly come and go, but being a real top model is hard work. It demands patience, perseverance, faith, and luck. FashionTV takes you inside the world of todays most prominent and in-demand models as we provide a close look into the beauty and success that is Liu Wen, one of the most notable and interesting models’ the fashion world has to offer.

Chinese model Liu Wen is a force to be reckoned with. Born in Yoongzhou China on January 27, 1988, Liu didn’t always know she would become one of the world top models. As a young girl, Liu was sure she would pursue a career as a tour-guide; however, when her mother encouraged her to participate in a modeling contest, everything changed.

Standing at 1.79 meters and measuring 31.5 - 23.5 - 34.5 cm (US), Liu was always cut out for the modeling world. Of course, her perfect waif-thin figure and gorgeous Asian look have helped raise her to the top.

How was she discovered?

At the ripe age of seventeen, in order to please her mother, Liu Wen participated in the New Silk Road World Model Contest. Although she didn’t win the contest, Wen found her passion for modeling and began to work as a model full time. Soon, Liu became a very recognizable face across China and began to be considered as a national success story. Once Liu began modeling for high profile magazines such as the Chinese editions of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, she boomed to the top and was noticed by notable designers from across the globe.

In 2007, Liu Wen was featured in an editorial for Chinese Cosmopolitan with clothing designed specifically for the shoot by Karl Lagerfeld and Viktor & Rolf. That same year she appeared in four fashion editorials for Vogue China, was handpicked to walk the Trussardi show in Milan, and strutted the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel, Hermes, and other high fashion brands.

Read more on: Jean Paul Gaultier- The Bad Boy of Fashion

First Fashionable Steps on the Runway

After Liu’s success in 2007, she received an invitation to Paris in order to sign with the distinguished modeling agency, Marilyn. Once Liu signed to the agency, fashion shows and editorials became an everyday routine. In the spring of 2009, Liu Wen headlined seven major shows, including Alexander Wang, Benetton, and DKNY Jeans. She also starred in several popular campaigns and appeared in editorials for Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, W, and even Vogue.

However, it wasn’t until she became the first ever, Chinese Victoria’s Secret’s Angel, that Liu herself realized what a success she had suddenly become. When she was asked to walk the legendary Victoria’s Secret runway, Liu Wen was quite shocked and surprised, because she always thought that the VS Angel’s had to “have big boobs!”

Read more on: All About Victoria's Secret

If the Angel status wasn’t enough, in the spring of 2012, Liu Wen set the bar even higher. She participated in no less that 70 runway shows during the Milan, New York, and Paris Fashion Weeks, leading her to become the second most booked model that season, directly following gorgeous French model, Constance Jablonski.

Designers She’s Worked With

Not many designers willingly skip the opportunity to work with Liu Wen. Her roster of designers with whom she’s worked with include Karl Lagerfeld, Missoni, Roberto Cavalli, Emillio Pucci, No 21, Costume National, Nina Ricci, Viktor & Rolf, and many, many more. However, after hundreds of fittings and trying on so many clothes, Liu has come to the conclusion that her preferred designs come from Balenciaga and she prefers a simple makeup look off the runway, composed of a unassuming red lip, and no more.

Popular Ad Campaigns

Back in 2009, Liu Wen was chosen to appear in campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, and Alexander Wang. However, in 2010, her biggest break yet arrived when she was chosen to be the face of popular cosmetics label, Estee Lauder, alongside Consatnce Jablonski. In an interview for Time Magazine, Liu Wen expressed that as a young girl, she used to swoon over the Estee Lauder ad campaigns while riding the subway in Beijing. Now, Liu has the honor and pleasure of being the first Asian model to grace the Estee Lauder ads as the face of the company; and she can definitely say she is living her wildest dreams.

Fashion Forward

Liu Wen has come a long way since she began modeling. Dominating the runway in the Spring and Fall 2012 Fashion Weeks, considered the darling of high fashion designers all over the world, owning one of the most unique looks of model’s today, liu Wen has a glamorous future ahead of her and is here to stay.