9 Asian Models Who Left a Mark On Milan Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week Fall Winter 2024 showcased the craftsmanship of Italian womenswear, from Alberta Ferretti to Versace. Fashion designers, enthusiasts, and models from every nation flocked to Milan to witness the latest offerings in fashion.
Standout Asian stars like Stray Kids’ Hyunjin, Blue Pongtiwat, and Heart Evangelista made front-row appearances at the event. However, Asian influence was not limited to the VIP section. On the runway, models from across Asia and the diaspora made a significant impact on this year’s affair.
To celebrate the Asian modeling scene, EnVi highlights nine Asian models who left an imprint on the runways of Milan Fashion Week this season.
Diane Chiu
At the top of the list is Canadian-Chinese model Diane Chiu. In addition to gracing the pages of ELLE Vietnam and starring in Swarovski’s 2023 Holiday Campaign, Chiu appeared in ten Milan Fashion Week presentations. The 2023 model-of-the-year nominee walked for Fendi, Alberta Ferretti, Etro, Max Mara, Tom Ford, Sportmax, Versace, Ferrari, Jil Sander, and Bottega Veneta.
Liu Wen
Hailing from Yongzhou, China, Liu Wen made her Milan Fashion Week debut back in 2008 as a newly discovered model. Over 15 years later, Wen is still acing the game, modeling for the likes of Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, Prada, Tod’s, and Versace.
Lakshmi Menon
Recently featured in Pharrell’s sophomore Louis Vuitton collection in Paris, Bangalore-born Lakshmi Menon walked for Tod’s on February 23 and Ferrari on February 24. The model flaunted bold silhouettes and sleek shoewear.
Yura Nakano
Strutting down Jil Sander’s sage green carpet, Yura Nakano captivated MFW with his cadence. Creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier dressed Nakano in a winter wardrobe — felt hat, hoodie scarf, sports coat, and boots. Diesel and Ferragamo also featured the Japanese-Taiwanese model on their runways.
Hamin Yu
Representing South Korea this season, Hamin Yu rocked the Tom Ford runway in all black. Donning a turtleneck, leather jacket, and tailored trousers, Yu delivered biker-chic braggadocio. Yu also walked the runways of Tod’s and Versace. Back in January, the model also walked for Givenchy, Dior, and Kenzo during Men’s Paris Fashion Week.
Yuto Ebihara
Featured by several Italian luxury brands, Yuto Ebihara made waves in Milan this season. The Japanese model walked in five shows, including Diesel, Bottega Veneta, Jil Sander, Dolce & Gabbana, and Emporio Armani.
Lina Zhang
Closing out Prada’s Fall Winter 2024 show, model Lina Zhang — born in the Chinese province of Anhui — displayed a The Matrix-infused ensemble by designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. Zhang also appeared on the catwalks of Fendi, Alberta Ferretti, Tod’s, Ferrari, Ferragamo, and Bottega Veneta.
Cihat Seyhun
This year is just getting started, but up-and-coming Turkish model Cihat Seyhun is already dominating the catwalks. After his runway debut at Prada’s Men FW24 show and a brief stint at Paris Fashion Week, Seyhun traveled to Milan to walk for Jacob Cohen, Ferrari, and Ferragamo.
Nayonikaa Shetty
IMG Models’ Nayonikaa Shetty also walked for Ferragamo’s runway. The Indian model strutted in a lavish, mustard-yellow outfit designed by creative director Maximilian Davis. To round out her MFW debut, she additionally appeared on the runways of Etro and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini. From the cover of Vogue India to the streets of Milan, Shetty is captivating audiences worldwide.
Other notable models from Asia and the diaspora included Heija Li, Haojie Qi, and Yuhi Miyahara. Milan Fashion Week also delivered a standout moment for models from the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) when French-Algerian model Loli Bahia opened Versace’s runway, followed by Palestinian-American model Gigi Hadid and Moroccon-Egyptian Imaan Hammam. Meanwhile, Somalian model Abas Abdirazaq walked for Ferragamo.
Want to check out more Milan Fashion Week content? Take a look at this season’s best celebrity looks here.
