Fashion Model Liu Xianping
Chinese fashion models are some of the most beautiful in the world. And one of the most beautiful Chinese models set the industry on its ear. For first there were guys like Andrej Pejic and Stanyslas Fedyanin who found success as fashion models modeling women’s clothing. Now there’s Liu Xianping, a 72-year-old Chinese man modelling stylish clothes for young women, whose granddaughter’s photos of him went viral online after posting them on China’s largest retail website.
What Started As A Joke
What first started out as a silly joke soon turned into a massive advertising campaign for her store and became the envy of fashion models worldwide. Liu, a grandfather from China, is the first elderly male model who reached internet stardom for modelling girls’ clothes. He posed for his granddaughter’s female fashion store on T-mall and although the garments were designed for sweet and cute teen girls featuring rosy shades, laces and ribbons, he totally pulled it off.
Store Sales Increased Fivefold
His confidence in front of the camera, his slim physique and pair of long skinny legs have gained the admiration of millions and his granddaughter’s store sales have increased fivefold. In an interview with Chinese media, the granddaughter said, “He picked up one piece and tried to give some advice on how to mix and match. We thought it was fun, so we started shooting.” Apparently, many of the combinations in the fashion photos are her grandfather’s ideas. He put on short skirts, long stockings and dresses and even wore wigs to get that genuine teen girl look.
What’s Good For The Gander Is Good For The Goose
On the other end of the modelling spectrum is 35 year old Casey Legler, a woman who exclusively models menswear. With her razor-sharp cheekbones and her lanky 6 foot 2 inch frame, it’s easy to see why she’s recently been signed to the men’s division at the prestigious Ford modelling agency. French-born Casey says that her unlikely career as a male model started after posing as a guy in photo shoot as a favor for a friend. “I am, in fact, buddies with a photographer who had this story and knows what I look like who said, ‘You’re perfect for this job. Are you in?’ I wasn’t doing anything on that particular Friday and so I said yes!” she said in an interview with TIME Magazine. After her friend showed the resulting photos to a person that books models at Ford, she was soon signed to the men’s division by the prestigious agency.
More About The Modern World Of Modelling
The field of female modeling has historically been more prominent than male modeling, particularly in high fashion and commercial industries. However, the fashion and modeling landscape has been gradually evolving, and male models are increasingly gaining visibility and opportunities in the industry.
Men working as female models (cross-gender modeling) is a niche area where men model female clothing or portray feminine looks. This type of modeling challenges traditional gender norms in fashion and is sometimes seen in high fashion, avant-garde or artistic contexts.
Here are some points to consider regarding men working as female models:
Gender Fluidity in Fashion:
Some designers and brands seek to challenge gender stereotypes in their campaigns. This may involve having men wear traditionally female clothing or makeup, blurring the lines between traditional gender roles.
Runway and Editorial Work:
In some cases, male models are selected to showcase female fashion collections on runways or in editorial shoots. This practice is not as common as male modeling in men’s clothing, but it has gained attention in specific fashion circles.
Artistic Expression and Creativity:
The use of men as female models is often a creative choice and can reflect the artistic vision of designers, photographers or brands. It’s a way of pushing boundaries and expressing unique concepts in fashion.
Representation and Diversity:
As the industry evolves, there’s a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusivity. This includes embracing models of different genders, body types and identities, aiming to represent a broader spectrum of individuals in fashion.
Public Reception and Controversy:
Using men as female models can sometimes generate controversy or mixed reactions due to societal norms and perceptions of gender roles. Some embrace this as a progressive step, while others might view it as contentious or challenging.
It’s important to note that while this type of modeling exists, it’s not yet mainstream and is more prevalent in artistic or avant-garde fashion contexts. The fashion industry continues to adapt, seeking to reflect and celebrate a diverse range of identities and expressions, including breaking away from traditional gender norms.
