5. Ma Yanli: first super-model

Ma Yanli

The modeling contest was one of the favorite entertainments in the years following opening-up and reform. Ma Yanli was not the first winner in China's modeling competitions, but she was the most impressive. She was awarded "Best Professional Model" in both the 1998 and 1999 China Fashion Awards. Putting her heart into every step, Ma has developed into a remarkable designer.

6. Hu Bing + Qu Ying: first partners to cross the entertainment and fashion spheres

Hu Bing and Qu Ying

China's first fashion idol drama True Feelings Confession brought Hu Bing and Qu Ying to the screen and helped them become successful idols of the 1980s. Both of them were models before they turned to the field of film and video. Their successful transformation made a great contribution to the development of the whole Asian fashion industry, with many people following suit.