With a highly recognizable face, strong persona and powerful catwalk, Zhang Tian, a Grade 11 student from Shenzhen Meilin High School, shined at China Fashion Week in Beijing and closed a runway as the special-mention model of the renowned event. The 16-year-old girl has also attended the Milan Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, bringing Chinese beauty to the fashion hubs in the West. Without full makeup and fashionable clothes, Zhang transformed from a cool model on the runway to an optimistic and easy-going real-life teen. Zhang first stepped into the modeling industry when she won the Shenzhen School Uniform Model Competition in 2017. “I didn’t take any professional model training,” said Zhang, adding she only took physique classes. “My parents were afraid I would get bad posture such as a hunchback as I was so tall,” according to Zhang. Zhang’s parents are very supportive, and they think modeling is a beneficial life experience for the daughter. They are surprised that Zhang is so successful in modeling aboard. While modeling, Zhang also concentrates on her studies. Defining herself as a student first, Zhang wishes to go to a good university in the future. Zhang often memorizes English words between fashion shows and her teacher helps her make up the lessons she misses. “I thank my teachers and school,” said Zhang. “They are very supportive on me modeling and offered much support in my studies.” (Nan Nan) | 