Ling Tan, one of the first Asian models to make it big in the international fashion scene, has a stunning editorial shot in Bhutan for the October 2008 issue of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. She was undeniably one of two most prolific Asian girls (the other being Russian model, Irina Pantaeva) working in the late 1990s, appearing in numerous ad campaigns including Emporio Armani (perfume ad), Prescriptives (cosmetics ad), Ford Edge (TV commercial), Banana Republic, GAP, Old Navy, Guess and a host of others; there was also a music video for George Michael (Fast Love).
Ling Tan was the Han Jin of her time, walking in more runways shows than most models did during Fashion Week in NYC, Paris and Milan. According to Fashion Model Directory, she clocked in over 30+ shows in Fall 1997/Winter 1998 and Spring/Summer 1998, walking for top designers like Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Dior, YSL and Valentino.
Prior to Ling Tan and Irina Pantaeva, there was Anna Bayle from the Philippines who walked almost exclusively on runways for Europe designers in the early-to-mid-1980s. But back then runway models rarely crossover to magazine editorials or ad campaigns and vice versa. The trend started with Gianni Versace in the late 1980s when he began using editorial darlings like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington on his runway shows, thereby creating a frenzy over the girls and initiated the phenomenon known as, (gasp) supermodels.
Back to this editorial with Ling Tan for Condé Nast Traveler. I know someone will say, "Oh! There we go again -- another editorial with an Asian girl wearing Asian-inspired clothes shot on location in Asia!" Rightfully so, this is a bit cliché-ish, to say the least but would it be any different if they had used Linda Evangelista in this shoot instead of Ling Tan? [I use Linda E. as an example because she was the go-to-girl for many Asian-inspired editorials shot in Bali, Thailand, China, India, etc. for Vogue.]
Also, what happened to her eye brow?
Ling Tan was the Han Jin of her time, walking in more runways shows than most models did during Fashion Week in NYC, Paris and Milan. According to Fashion Model Directory, she clocked in over 30+ shows in Fall 1997/Winter 1998 and Spring/Summer 1998, walking for top designers like Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Dior, YSL and Valentino.
Prior to Ling Tan and Irina Pantaeva, there was Anna Bayle from the Philippines who walked almost exclusively on runways for Europe designers in the early-to-mid-1980s. But back then runway models rarely crossover to magazine editorials or ad campaigns and vice versa. The trend started with Gianni Versace in the late 1980s when he began using editorial darlings like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington on his runway shows, thereby creating a frenzy over the girls and initiated the phenomenon known as, (gasp) supermodels.
Back to this editorial with Ling Tan for Condé Nast Traveler. I know someone will say, "Oh! There we go again -- another editorial with an Asian girl wearing Asian-inspired clothes shot on location in Asia!" Rightfully so, this is a bit cliché-ish, to say the least but would it be any different if they had used Linda Evangelista in this shoot instead of Ling Tan? [I use Linda E. as an example because she was the go-to-girl for many Asian-inspired editorials shot in Bali, Thailand, China, India, etc. for Vogue.]
Also, what happened to her eye brow?
Model: Ling TanEditorial: Flying Tiger, Thundering Dragon
Magazine: Condé Nast Traveler, October 2008
Photographer: Sheila Metzner
Stylist: Mark Connolly
Hair & Makeup: Dawn Jacobson @ Ford Artists
Source: Scanned by AsianModelsBlog
Source: Scanned by AsianModelsBlog
I actually like the ed, especiallly the dance photo, but geez, what an ugly font they used!
ReplyDeleteit's nice to see her.....working!
ReplyDeleteShe is too old! Boring editorial...And also, see same ol' Asian model in Asian themed.
ReplyDeletelol qifa. i always thought she was ugly. maybe i need to see her older pics to see her "beauty". besides, western people sometimes choose the ugliest asian girls, thinking they are more exotic and represent asian beauty. GAG. even ein tan is better looking and han jin is hideous to me as well!
ReplyDeleteasian are exotic. models are not pretty..models are ugly..that makes models beautiful and different from the rest of ordinary working people. and we are not suppose to judge beauty.
ReplyDeleteling tan is the ideal meaning of exotic face..
how you say on gemma ward?
i cannot tolerate with people who judge beauty.
Han Jin is the new Ling Tan of her time... and not the other way round! Maybe Du Juan could match up to Ling... as both scored Major campaigns during their times..
ReplyDeleteLing also did Gucci Campaign during fall/winter 1997... shot by Mario Testino.. I was her biggest fan!
Actually the cliche doesnt apply here because this is no ala FILM NOIR oriental thing ala In The Mood For Love that people seems to go for when we say "Asian". This is progressive, even though ethnic, and a fun shoot. Why not use an asian girl to show the richness of her heritage?
ReplyDeleteWith that said, if they wanted this to really stand out, they shouldve gotten Alek Wek to do this ed just to create that contrast.
I love Ling, she's my homegirl, but I do agree that a fresher talented girl like Liu Wen would've made this ed even more exciting. But this is not bad at all. If everyone can resuscitate Linda, Naomi, Christy..why not Ling?
I forgot to add that Ling looked Regal here. Like she is the glamorous ruler queen of those parts. You gotta be more matured looking for that so in that sense, it worked.
ReplyDeleteagree with Fnd..
ReplyDeletethis is the time when all the supermodel making their comeback
I actually saw her one or two years ago in America Embassy in KL, went to spoke to her and she is very friendly and pretty in person (with a long silky hair like all the female models must have)
ReplyDeleteThis is not her best but I still love her.
I think she is in ZangToi Spring 2009.
She was in Vivienne Tam’s runway for a few times. But now, Ling only as a front row guest in her show. I hope she can come back to runway again.
I met Ling and Ein Tan at a product launch party in Takashimaya New York this summer. Both were super nice and Ein had just had a beauty editorial out so she was super excited. But she was really shy. Ling was obviously the Queen Bee at the party.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAs much as i love Ling.. This editorial piece is definitely not one of her best. Nothing really catches my eyes here.. It's missing that "WOW" factor.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that she looks regal in these shots, (which i completely adore) but in a way this editorial works against her. The pairing of The Ancient Bhutan with an experienced supermodel only age her even more especially for those who have seen her works in the late 90's.
I love Ling most when she does her sleek, posh, edgy european ads. It's undeniably clear that she has a very unique quality that demands people attention. Whether you love it or hate it.
I saw all these new "IT" asian supermodels coming out to show off their goods on the international runway. So far, it has been disappointing. They often come across to me as too pretty or generic, and you cannot become a supermodel with just that.
I think Ling is one of the asian supermodel that opens a lot of doors for the next generation of asian models who sometimes think they don't have a place in the high fashion industry. I think she rocks and should not be forgotten.
It's interesting to note that Ling and Irina Pantaeva were the two biggest Asian models of their time (although maybe Pantaeva appeared on the scene 1-2 yrs ahead of Ling) and Ling seems to have more longevity - still doing shows and editorials while Pantaeva seems to have disappeared for many years now except for a tacky Old Spice commercial she did along with 4 other unknown models. Ling is also ageing better. Pantaeva is looking beat.
ReplyDeleteShe has great cheekbones!
ReplyDelete