New York (CNN) -- Backstage at the Michael Kors show, a strange air of calm hangs over the make-up area. Although security is predictably tight, there is no screaming or high drama. It's 7.30 a.m., hours before the show, and the machine is just beginning to mobilize. Liu Wen is an early arrival, quietly sitting in a chair listening to her iPod as a make-up artist begins to apply foundation. Her cup of coffee and bottle of green tea reveal that even the women dubbed "China's first supermodel" finds early starts challenging. But there is no trace of fatigue: Her face looks flawless with little make up, and her skin luminous.
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Liu Wen is regarded by many in the fashion world as China's first supermodel
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At the age of 23, she has already worked for most of the world's major fashion houses
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Wen is also the first Asian model to be named as a spokesperson for Estee Lauder
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China is expected to become a major market for global fashion brands in years to come
For a public figure whose image is key, @placeholder remains surprisingly open and accessible.