The Model as an Artist

With her tall and well-proportioned figure and striking features, Shen Man-kuang is well suited to her role as a leading model specializing in the most up-to-date fashions. Shen is atypical of most popular and experienced models in Taipei, however, in that she is happily married and has a child of primary school age.

From the start, she says, she was fated to be a model. While attending the costume design department of the Shih Chien Home Economics College, she first obtained an insight into aesthetics, the science of color and the history of fashion. Realizing that she was endowed with the special temperament needed to be a fashion model, Kuo Hsin-yin, the famous local dress designer, encouraged her to start her career with some noncommercial shows. During this period, she first came into contact with many other fashion designers.

Soon after her graduation from college, however, she married photographer Yeh Cheng-liang, and after the baby arrived, she thought she would have to give up her career to become a full-time housewife. Although encouraged not to do so by her husband, Shen admits: "At first I was afraid I would neglect my family. But when I discovered I would only have to appear in less than three fashion shows a week, I realized I could still spend a lot of time with my husband and child."

Shen tried to dispel the notion that most models lead fast, and perhaps loose, social lives. In her own case, she never goes to fashion shows without an invitation, and is quite happy to stay at home to look after the family chores. Most models, she said, take their work seriously.

With the rapid development of Taiwan's garment industry, more and more women are aspiring to be models. Shen said that to be a success in the career, a woman must understand beauty, the history of fashion, and the characteristics of the dresses they show. For instance, she said, to model the classical Chinese dresses of Wang Jung-sheng, one must have the elegant and dignified beauty of a Chinese lady of olden times.

Compared with their counterparts in other countries, models in Taiwan must understand all aspects of the trade, since they have to arrange everything themselves, including hairpins, hats, ear-rings, necklaces, scarves, bracelets, rings, hand bags, and even shoes. "But we never complain since the training helps us to improve ourselves," Shen said.

When she attended a fashion show sponsored by the Taiwan Textile Federation in Japan last year, she came to realize that the quality of cloth, exquisite craftsmanship and modern design of Taiwan-made garments makes them in no way inferior to those manufactured in advanced areas such as Japan, the United States and Europe. She is also proud to be able to help earn foreign exchange for the country through her participation in shows.

In addition to modeling, Shen finds time twice a week to instruct at the Shih Chien College in makeup, poise and deportment. She pointed out that today, a large-scale fashion show emphasizes atmosphere, mood and theme. Though beautiful features and a well-proportioned figure are helpful, a successful model must have her own special quality to attract spectators' attention.

As a well-known designer put it: "During a fashion show, Shen totally immerses herself in the task at hand. Her respect for her work makes her also a good model for young people entering this line."

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In addition to her fashion shows, Shen is a full-time housewife. She spends much of her time with husband and child and even cooks meals personally for her family.

In addition to her fashion shows, Shen is a full-time housewife. She spends much of her time with husband and child and even cooks meals personally for her family.

In addition to her fashion shows, Shen is a full-time housewife. She spends much of her time with husband and child and even cooks meals personally for her family.

In addition to her fashion shows, Shen is a full-time housewife. She spends much of her time with husband and child and even cooks meals personally for her family.