Chinese models dazzle at Victoria’s Secret show

Arecord number of seven Chinese models took to the runway during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai on Nov 20.

Apart from Liu Wen, He Sui and Xi Mengyao, all of whom have taken part in previous Victoria’s Secret fashion shows before, four new Chinese models also emerged on the runway. Among this quartet was Wang Yi, who got her spot by winning a reality TV show in China.

It was the first time the US lingerie brand rolled out its annual extravaganza in an Asian country.

Around 1,000 guests were in attendance at the event, which lasted about 40 minutes. A total of 87 outfits were showcased by 55 models, including famous names such as Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel and Karlie Kloss.

The first Asian edition of the popular show also featured Chinese artists such as pianist Li Yundi and singer Jane Zhang. Foreign acts included Harry Styles, Grammy Award-winning artist Miguel Jontel Pimentel and musical Hamilton’s Leslie Odom Jr.

But the name that topped China’s social network searches and discussions after the show was Xi. The 28-year-old Shanghainese had the ignominy of slipping on her dress during the show, though she recovered to complete the catwalk.

Within less than 24 hours, her apology on Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, received upwards of 1.2 million thumbs-up and a slew of encouraging comments.

Ed Razek, marketing director of Victoria’s Secret, described the fall on Twitter as “the most important moment” for the night, and that Xi presented the best of what the team strives to be.

PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Models smile on the catwalk for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai on Nov 20.

From left to right: Model Alecia Morais has her makeup done during the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Nov 20; Singer Miguel Jontel Pimentel interacts with Candice Swanepoel on the walkway; Victoria’s Secret Angel Adriana Lima arrives in...

Megan Williams strikes a pose on the runway while wearing Swarovski Sparkles.

Alessandra Ambrosio (left) and Lily Aldridge pose on the runway.

Chinese model Xi Mengyao walks the runway at the show.

Victoria’s Secret Angel Jasmine Tookes walks the runway.