From her beginnings in 2006, Liu Wen became a trailblazer, widely recognized as China’s first supermodel. Her career has been defined by a series of firsts: the first East Asian model to front a global beauty campaign, appearances on the covers of major international fashion publications, and walking landmark runway shows. Today, she remains one of the most enduring forces in modeling—still setting the pace for a new generation on the world stage.

V: What do you want people to know about modeling that you don’t think they do?

LW: In truth, what the public sees is the beautiful, glamorous world of modeling, but few understand that behind the scenes, we invest a lot of energy and time into ourselves, as well as the persistence needed for this job. Modeling is not acting as a mere “clothing hanger” but a responsibility that requires so much professionalism and tenacity. For each job, you have to understand the narrative the brand, designer, or photographer wishes to present, and collaborate with them seamlessly day-to-day to tell all of those stories. To do this well, you must utilize all your discipline, focus, and passion towards the creative process, and sincerely engage with the art of self-expression. This is the true substance of our profession behind the lights.

V: How do you think modeling will change moving forward？

LW: I believe that in the future, our industry will continue to become increasingly diverse and no longer be defined by singular aesthetic standards. Instead, it will be quite fluid, always closely integrated with the spirit of the times. The models themselves will keep taking advantage of the variety of platforms out there to showcase everything from their personal styles to personalities in fresh ways. This role will become much more multifaceted, moving beyond the traditional confines of the catwalk to accommodate a wider variety of skillsets. Instead of conforming to a pre-defined idea, you’ll be embraced as a unique individual, with your own attitude, sense of self, and compelling backstory. All this will allow fashion to convey beauty with an authentically human lens.

V: What does growth mean to you as a person and as a model?

LW: Whether it’s my modeling or off-duty self, growth to me is a gradual journey that helps me find inner clarity and rhythm, which lets me become more resolute at the end. Within modeling, I grow by weaving my past industry experiences into each subsequent job so I can cultivate an ever more distinct attitude in front of cameras. As myself, however, it’s more about staying true to core beliefs despite the many clamors in our world. Maintaining that inner harmony helps me embrace life and become faithful to who I am.

This cover story appears in the pages of V161: now available for purchase!

Photography Luigi & Iango

Fashion B. Åkerlund

Model Liu Wen (The Society)

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Casting Maxime Valentini (2b Management)

Makeup Georgi Sandev (Forward Artists) 

Hair Lauren Berrones (Home Agency) 

Manicure Leanne Woodley (See Management) using CND

Fashion Market Editor Copelyn Bengel

Styling Support Elanur Erdoğan (Forward Artists)

Producer Louis Guillemain (2b Management)

Cinematographer Santiago Montes

Photo Assistant Francisco Betancourt

Makeup Assistants Chloe Yang, Jack Titcomb

Fashion Assistant Evan James

Production Assistants Juliet Lloyd, Angelina Aliano, Maksim Doraev