Hejia Li: The Rise of a New Chinese Icon in Global Fashion

February 06, 2026 10:26 AM

Hejia Li, a Wenzhou-born Chinese model, has quickly risen as a standout new face in global fashion. Since her Spring/Summer 2024 debut, she has walked for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Saint Laurent, appeared in top campaigns, and worked with leading photographers and publications, securing her place among the world’s Top 50 models and emerging as a prominent Chinese figure in contemporary fashion.

By the Editorial Staff

Biography

Nationality: Chinese | Hair: Black | Eyes: Brown

Hejia Li has rapidly established herself as one of fashion’s most compelling new voices. Born in Wenzhou, the Chinese model made her runway debut in the Spring/Summer 2024 season, immediately capturing industry attention with her commanding presence and effortless elegance. Her breakout season led to appearances for major fashion houses including Proenza Schouler, Khaite, Michael Kors, Fendi, Gucci, Versace, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, quickly positioning her as a fixture on the world’s leading runways.

In under two years, Hejia progressed from Hot List recognition to a coveted spot in the Top 50 models, securing high-profile campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Jacquemus, and Tom Ford, alongside additional work for Versace, Chloé, Coperni, and Saint Laurent. The year 2025 marked her strongest season to date, with standout roles in Tory Burch’s FW25 campaign photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth and TOD’S FW25 campaign shot by Theo Wenner. She also appeared on the cover of Vogue China’s August issue, walked Sarah Burton’s debut collection for Givenchy, and added Alexander McQueen and Chanel Haute Couture to her growing repertoire.

Photo: Getty Images

Her striking beauty has graced the covers of Vogue China, Pop Magazine, and FT HTSI, while her editorial work has appeared in American Vogue, Self Service, Acne Paper, Document Journal, T Magazine, and W Magazine China. By 2025, Hejia had collaborated with some of the industry’s most influential creatives, including David Sims, Marie-Amélie Sauvé, Craig McDean, Tim El-Kaim, Louis Alberto Rodriguez, Robin Galiegue, Marie Chaix, Sean & Seng, Jamie Hawkesworth, and Theo Wenner. Her impressive trajectory and creative partnerships have firmly solidified her position as one of the leading new Chinese faces in contemporary fashion.

Photo: Getty Images

This article is an original editorial analysis produced by [DIBA magazine].

Research and references are used for contextual accuracy.