5 Chinese models to watch in 2011

What's all the fuss about Chinese models lately? It might have something to do with the growing spending power and appetite for luxury fashion brands -- and the faces that represent them -- among Chinese consumers.

According to some estimates, China is set to become the world’s largest market for luxury goods in the next five to seven years. Even today, major labels such as Levi's, Hermes and Chanel are customizing their lines for Chinese consumers.

More on CNNGo: Fashion's new direction in China

It's no wonder then that a new class of Chinese models are stepping into the international spotlight, leaving even established names such as Du Juan to Liu Wen to yesterday's catwalks.

The yardstick used to measure a model's success is comprised of three factors: runway shows, media coverage and ad campaigns.

Here's an assessment of the hottest five up-and-coming Chinese models in each of these three areas. Who has what it takes to be a favorite on the international fashion circuit in 2011?

Shu Pei: One of Style.com's Top 10 New Faces

Shu Pei

This Henan-native was born in 1990 and began her modeling career in Shanghai.

In 2006, she was spotted by Liquid Models, one of Shanghai’s most influential modeling agencies, and started working with a number of local magazines and fashion photographers.

A year later, in 2007, Shu Pei was signed to New York’s Next Models and quickly began making the rounds in global fashion capitals.

Runway shows: Shu Pei walked in more than 22 shows during the 2009 New York Fashion Week. In October of the same year, she was named as Style.com’s Spring 2010 "Top Ten New Faces"  and since then has been featured in many leading fashion magazines.

Shu Pei also dominated runways in London, Paris, Milan and New York during the fall/winter season of 2010, walking almost 60 shows.

According to Style.com: “There's no denying that the frequent 'Vogue' China girl exploded in Europe this season.”

Singaporean photographer Rolento Ong, who has worked with Shu Pei since her early days in Shanghai, said that her “distinctively Oriental facial features” make her stand out among the crowd. He also praised her for a cooperative and extremely professional attitude, which he says are key factors in her success.

Media coverage: Shu Pei is currently among the most favored newcomer on international runways, ranked 33 out of 50 in Models.com's list of top models worldwide. She was also named by Chinese "Elle" as “Hottest supermodel of the year."

Ad campaigns: Shu Pei recently inked a lucrative contract with Maybelline and regularly appears in ads for big brands such as Gap and Benetton.

(Click "NEXT" to see more up-and-coming Chinese models.)