Chinese supermodel Bonnie Chen was first thrust into the limelight six years ago, after she was photographed by paparazzi while on vacation in Thailand, holidaying with Hong Kong telco tycoon Richard Li. He was then officially dating British-Chinese bond analyst Rachel Freda Lloyd.

The 1.78m Nanjing beauty has denied any romantic link with the billionaire. But while she could have taken advantage of her new-found fame to further her modeling career, the University of Pennsylvania graduate instead made a quiet exit from the Chinese-speaking world, and headed to New York for a fresh start.

"In New York, nobody knew who I was, so people would judge me only by my work," said Chen, who was determined to shed unflattering labels like "the third party" or "the gold digger. “If I can establish myself there (in America) first, people are likely to be more welcoming of my return to Asia," she added.

Now represented by top modeling agencies Next Models in the US and Catwalk in Taiwan, the feisty Chen recently made a stop in Shanghai for lingerie design contest Triumph Inspiration Award 2012.

The former rhythmic gymnastics champion shone effortlessly in a Reem Acra gown and the winning lingerie piece by British designer Sian Whitefoot.

More about her road to fame on RazorTV.