5 Chinese Models Who've Broken Countless Barriers

This May, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will pay homage to the Far East with the Costume Institute’s newest exhibition: China: Through the Looking Glass, which will include the artifacts, ensembles, and films that are representative of the country’s influence on fashion. As is the tradition, the opening will be marked on May 4th with the annual Costume Institute Gala hosted by Vogue, Anna Wintour, and this year, Yahoo. Leading up to the big event, we are celebrating China’s biggest players from the worlds of art, fashion, and business with an ongoing series. Since we are a fashion publication, we are first looking to the nation’s greatest models. These five powerful women have broken countless barriers, inspiring not just the industry but also the people of China.

Related: Legendary Director Wong Kar Wai Talks Film, Fashion, and His Artistic Vision For This Year’s Costume Institute Exhibition

Related: All About the 2015 Met Ball Lineup