Strike a Pose: Vogue China's 5th Anniversary Photo Exhibition

Last Friday, August 27, 2010, Vogue China celebrated its 5th anniversary with the presentation of its photo exhibition “The Best of Vogue China: Five Years,” and a glamorous party awash with supermodels and champagne.

The day began around 4pm, when a press conference with models Fei Fei Sun, Karlie Kloss, Patricia van der Vliet, Du Juan, Liu Wen and Ming Xi arrived to answer questions and, of course, speak glowingly of Vogue.

On the very left is Vogue China's Editor-in-Chief Angelica Chung, who helped to lead the Q & A session. In the official press release, she hails the last five years as proof that "China is more than ready for such a sophisticated fashion magazine."

American model Karlie Kloss is seated beside her in the floral dress. Though only 18 years old, she has already modeled for the likes of Dior and Alexander McQueen. She commended the magazine for developing so quickly within the span of five years.

Above is Du Juan, who became the first Asian cover-model in 2005 with Vogue Paris. Outside of Vogue, she has also walked for several high-fashion designers, and was once labeled one of the top ten models to watch for by Style.com. She emanated a quiet kind of beauty - everyone fell silent when she spoke - and talked in a hushed tone, expressing pride for the magazine being able to stand on its own nowadays.

Liu Wen, too, has broken through racial barriers by becoming the first Asian model to walk the Victoria's Secret fashion show. As the second most booked model for the Spring 2010 ready-to-wear season, she is fast becoming the new "it" girl. She is featured on the cover of Vogue China's September issue. She and Du Juan looked quite intimate with each other, sharing polite giggles and whispers throughout the hour.

After the press conference had concluded, media was invited to get an exclusive first look at the photo exhibition, which showcases 200 of Vogue's best images from the last five years, captured by world-class photographers including Patrick Demarchelie, Sølve Sundsbø, Paolo Roversi and Greg Kadel. The gallery will be open to the public for free viewing until September 11.

Vogue China also asked 30 designers - from Beijing-based Lu 12.28 to Taiwanese-American designer Jason Wu (best known for providing Michelle Obama with her white inaugural gown) - to contribute their own special look inspired by Chinese culture and design. A few of them are on display at the exhibition. The pictures shown above are Jason Wu's original sketch (gotten via his blog) and end result.

And finally came the long-awaited party at The Opposite House, attended by movie stars, celebrities and fashion designers, from Li Bingbing to Dong Jie and Pan Yueming. Free-flow champagne, beautifully dressed people and an after-party at Mesh made for an indulgent but classy evening.

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You can pick up the September issue now at your local newsstand, or check out the photo exhibition at Sanlitun Village North. Or, if you can't make it to Beijing in person, you can view the show online at www.vogue.com.cn/5years.

"The Best of Vogue China: Five Years" Photo Exhibition. Free. Aug 27-Sep 11. Daily 10am-8pm. Bldg 6, Sanlitun Village North, Chaoyang District (159 1083 1791)