We’re running a photo series this week called “Beauty Talks” by Nicole Chan — exploring the shifting standards of female beauty in a rapidly changing China.

China has solidified its position as a global world power, but still lags behind as a second-world nation. As the country seeks to improve its international reputation, topics such as gender performance and sexual identity cannot be ignored. With a new generation of educated, empowered, international citizens, the understanding of “feminine beauty standards” has become increasingly complex. One can only hope that diversity, self exploration, and self expression can become the new norm.

Model: Chen Ziqing (Roman)