The Empress' New Clothes by Vogue Thailand

Taking a whole new fashionable spin on an age-old fairy tale, Vogue Thailand places top model Liu Wen in a range of imperial outfits fit for an empress. Unique textures clash with strong geometric shapes and rich jewel tones, in an avant garde editorial that tells the story of a warrior princess who much prefers haute couture to a suit of armor. 

Liu's fashion dynasty is governed in this exquisite look from Giambattista Valli's Fall 2013 Couture line. It features a diaphanous lavender mermaid skirt, black bodysuit and olive green cropped tunic with tiny silk fuchsia blooms sprouting out on the shoulders.

Geometric-cut shreds of fabric are zig-zagged together in this intricately crafted Chanel Couture dress that Liu wears on the cover of Vogue Thailand's October 2013 issue. Her dramatic winged eye-liner invokes a sense of power that commands this theatrical shoot.

The Chinese beauty models another Chanel Couture look in an Asian-inspired robe silhouette with broad shoulders, delicately tiled with miniature mosaics

Liu takes fight in an extravagantly feathered Jean Paul Gaultier coat, which was cleverly styled and photographed to look like actual wings.

Only Donatella Versace could take a cozy knit and turn it into something sexy. A cobalt blue fleecy high-neck dress is (barely) held together by scads of hooks and eyes. What I don't get - why this wooly dress is air-conditioned by cut-outs. Do you wear this when it's hot, or cold?

Christian Lacroix presents lavish costumery in a blast of fiery red and royal blue for Schiaparelli. A voluminous pair of embroidered harem pants and a satin cropped cape coat bring the legend of Mulan to life. 

The 25-year-old model wears a sheer and sequin paneled jumpsuit by Armani Privé.

Jean Paul Gaultier was not kidding when he made pockets to store your life in.
Exaggerated V-shaped pants are offset (and confused) by a quilted tan jacket. If we see these pants hitting the high street in the near future, call 911. Because it's a crime.

Stripes are layered in different forms by Christian Dior's Raf Simons, in a flair red and blue hooded coat with contrasting pin-striped sleeves and see-through navy blue skirt.

You just can't compare the radiant beauty of Liu to this pallid mannequin. Whereas this stunning candy-stripe gown looked lifeless at the Schiaparelli presentation, Liu injects fervent emotion and glamour into it. This monumental duchess satin rose pink and chocolate striped dress features a giant plaid bow and fanned out fabric flower on the bodice.

What are your thoughts on 'Empress Liu's New Clothes' in Vogue Thailand?