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Photo courtesy of Zhang Xu Chao

Zhang Xu Chao

"Because of modelling, I have been travelling to different countries and it has enriched my life. I graduated from fashion design, so always wanted to have my own brand and something that was mine"

Elle, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, L'Officiel, Vogue, Chanel, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Adidas, Puma, Max&co, Shanghai Tang, Prada, Armani, Dior… and then the Beijing Fashion Week, the Singapore Fashion Festival, the New York and the Paris Fashion Week… Sony, L'Oreal... just to name a few. These brands, magazines and fashion designers - and more - are all part of the long - very long - curriculum of Zhang Xu Chao, one of the most famous fashion models in China and (of course) one of the most famous and recognizable Asian models in the world.

Photo courtesy of Zhang Xu Chao

Zhang Xu Chao comes from Dalian, China, she has black hair, black eyes, 179 cm / 5'11'' tall and her measurements are 82-61-89 cm (32.5-23-35 - US), Shoes : 39 (EU) 8.5 (US). We interviewed Zhang Xu Chao and talked with her about her successful modeling career, her personal life, and her beauty secrets. Interested? Read on.

Where are you based in right now? Where do you spend most of your time?
I am currently based in Beijing, China, occasionally travelling to New York , Paris and some other Asian countries to work for a short period of time.. I do spend most of my time at home surfing the internet. I do enjoy going for a swim, shopping and travelling too.

Which is the best city to be based in, the one where there are more work opportunities - in your opinion - for a fashion model right now?
Every city is very different so it all depends on individual models and what they are after. I do like the fashion industry in Beijing for their strong influence, artistic environment and creativity.

As for Shanghai, I do like their carefree, flexibility and international environment

Let's talk about your personal life. What did you want to become, before becoming a fashion model? What were your plans?
Because of modelling, I have been travelling to different countries and it has enriched my life. I graduated from fashion design, so always wanted to have my own brand and something that was mine.

By the way, can you tell us how you started modeling?
I was discovered by a photographer and that's how it started.

Photo courtesy of Zhang Xu Chao

Do you still remember your first assignment?
It was a photo shoot for a magazine. I was very nervous but the team made me feel really confident and we completed successfully?

What are your personal interests, in your private life? What do you like to do, and what are your hobbies?
My favorite interests are spending time hanging out with friends and drawing.

Are you a shopping addict? What do you like to buy for yourself when you go shopping?
I am not really a shopping addict. When I shop, I like to buy checkered top, flurry toys and nice notebooks.

Let's talk about beauty secrets. If you open your purse right now, which beauty and make-up products do you have in it?
I have a black Bobbi Brown eyeliner, brown L'Oreal eyeliner, Majolica Majorca mascara, L'Oreal blush, RMK foundation and Covermark concealer.

And which one is the beauty product or make-up you could not live without?
Blush and hydrating mask

Photo courtesy of Zhang Xu Chao

What is your best feature, the part of your body you are most proud of?
Neck

Let's talk about your work. The fashion shows you did and you enjoyed the most in 2010?
I am happy to have been involved in the S/S 2011 fashion week in New York & Paris. The result to me is just something that you show to the industry but to me, it's one of the life changing and unforgettable experiences, which is very meaningful.

Which are your editorial shoots and advertising campaigns you like the most when you think back at what you did in 2010?
I have been travelling a lot this year and life is a little unstable but I really like the photo shoot that I did with a famous photographer Chen Man from Beijing for the Wallpaper magazine cover

What is still missing from your career, in your opinion? What is the assignment you really would like to do?
So far nothing is missing from my career and I do take every job as a new experience

Photo courtesy of Zhang Xu Chao

Who are your best friends in the modeling world?
Everyone that I know is my best friend.

Who is your favorite fashion designer?
I don't have any favourite designer. As long as their work is good, I will like them.

What is the thing that you dislike the most about the modeling work?
Wearing summer clothes shooting during the winter season?

And the thing you really like about being a famous model?
Nothing much. Just enjoy the happiness process of my profession and the unlimited surprise in every job.

Thank you :)

Alessio Cristianini for Adversus