Supermodel He Cong takes the cover of Vogue China Magazine‘s September 2023 edition lensed by fashion photographer Leslie Zhang. In charge of styling was Vivienne Sun, with creative direction from Matt McDonald. He Cong has years of experience in the industry that have exposed her to a variety of difficult photoshoots, each with its own unique requirements. However, Vogue’s sports-themed cover story presented a unique challenge. Nonetheless, she accepted the challenge with enthusiasm. Cong said “Vogue’s incorporation of the sports theme not only signifies the fashion world’s focus on and admiration for sports, but also aims to convey our affection not just for fashion, but also for the positive and energetic lifestyle embodied by sports. I’m of the belief that sports can not only preserve our physique, making us healthier and stronger, but also alleviate stress and enrich our lives.“
Vogue China dedicated its September 2023 edition to the spirit of athleticism, in the celebration of the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games. The popularity of the athletic trend within the world of fashion has not diminished. The seemingly unrelated disciplines of sports and fashion are engaging in a vibrant dialogue, inspiring one another and collaborating in unusual ways. Such “dialogue” is not uncommon in the more than 130-year history of VOGUE. From the evolution of tennis and golf attire in the 1920s to the emergence of sneaker culture in the 1980s, the streetwear craze of the 1990s, and the popularity of surfing culture in the early 21st century, sports have continuously introduced new perspectives into the realm of aesthetics, redefining and interpreting the influence of popular culture. With the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, the spirit of athleticism will once again spark a trend, intertwining with fashion and ushering in a revolutionary shift in lifestyle and aesthetics.
Photography © Leslie Zhang for Vogue China, read more at vogue.com.cn
