Models find a new way to express themselves

The Shanghai Fashion Week has witnessed a growing number of models and with a diversity of life choices, many of them have experienced a transformation in their lives and work.

A fashion dialogue titled Shine Her Light was held in the Sukhothai Shanghai on Oct 14. Initiated by the fashion week, the event invited 12 female icons to share their experience.

As the first supermodel in China, Ma Yanli represents a successful transition from model to designer.

Ma's supermodel career began in Shanghai in 1993 and she won the first Shanghai International Model Competition championship in 1995. Three years later, she founded her brand and launched its collection in 2005.

"It's really lucky for a model to transform into a designer. On the runway, you showcase beauty in your way, while as a designer, you create beauty," the 49-year-old Ma said.

"To create my brand, I hope to spread this beauty in a more grounded way."

For Ma, finding a meaningful life at different stages is a way to continue to build value.

Another supermodel, Qu Ying, shared several important moments in her life. At the age of 52, she returned to a catwalk show and her runway video went viral on social media platforms.

Born into an artistic family in Hunan province, Qu decided to study drama and left home at the age of 15 and became a drama actor three years later.

"At 18, I achieved my dream of being an actor. However, I ushered in my first transformation in life, turning from an actor to a model in 1990," said Qu. But years later, she changed from model to actor.

In addition to filming and singing, she also tried new attempts such as participating in theater plays and variety shows. Qu said the experience of modeling has broadened her path of transformation and provided her with a richer life experience.

"I particularly encourage young people to become models because this profession is full of innovation and change," Qu said.

Some younger generations of models also shared their life stories in the event.

Chinese model Tong Chenjie attended the event under a new identity, a podcast anchor on Xiaoyuzhou FM. She now has over 40,000 followers on the platform.

Tong started her podcast channel in 2021 and invited many of her celebrity friends to join her podcast. The in-depth dialogue with celebrities has earned her channel a lot of positive reviews. Gradually, many netizens would like to share their experiences and difficulties with Tong in comments while she replies to them carefully.

From a model traveling around the world to a business woman in fitness track, Ge Peiqi has been a manager for nine years and now owns a women's fitness studio.

"Entrepreneurship is not that easy, but once you start, it's difficult to stop. Transformation is not an easy thing, but you should try it out in life," Ge said.