You might have read my other 2 sections- Style Icon and Style Spotting,  where I feature stylish male celebrities and fashionable real people from around the world.  Now, it wouldn’t be complete for a men’s fashion site to leave out the male models who walked the runways and graced those amazing ad campaign posters that inspire us constantly and make us believe that we can be a better ‘sartorialist’.

So begins my new section – Models Spotlight, to feature iconic male models, and up-and-coming faces in the industry. I really think that it is high time that we give some respect to this often misunderstood profession and highlight the hard work of the models behind the scenes. It is really not all glamorous all fun all the time.

The model debuting this section is Zhao Lei(赵磊), from China. I have have specifically chosen an Asian model because I, for one, strongly feel that the tides are turning and the world of fashion are no longer just the space for Western Caucasian models. Shows after shows, we are starting to see more Asian faces walking the runway as more designers and brands are beginning to see the potential of the Asia market and the need to represent their collection with Asian faces.

Zhao Lei is  24 years old, standing at 188cm and represented by Wilhelmina modeling agency in New York. His dream is to be a doctor and was studying a medical degree before his successful modelling career. He is ranked #45 on the Top 50 Models by modelling website Models.com and few people might also remember him as a contestant of Mr World 2010 representing his home country, China.

Zhao Lei really got international recognition when he first appeared in Prada S/S 10 campaign and its short film “First Spring” by director Yang Fudong. Ever since then he has been a constant presence on the scene and a regular mainstay at the shows and continuous appearances in magazines cover and editorial spreads such as GQ China, Vogue Homme Japan, L’Officiel Hommes. Zhao Lei has also appeared on many runways for big time designers such as Giorgio Armani, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Missono,Roberto Cavali etc..

Watch the Prada campaign and film that brought Zhao Lei’s modeling career to international attention below…

Gallery/Photos of Zhao Lei

Source: The Fashionisto, The Fashion Spot