Esquire Magazine November 2003 Issue - Featuring Vanness Wu
Original text typed out by lill of CIA Vanness
Translated by Xiao Xing of Faithful 4ever

Thanks to DateF4.net

Vanness Wu Jian Hao discusses the 15-year-old myth 'Esquire'. (this is a book of some sort, and vanness will be questioned and refered to as 'nobleman' (or person with noble character.) Thus, book will be capitalized as 'Esquire', and references typed as 'nobleman'.)

After the drama Meteor Garden, F4 shot to fame almost overnight and immediately became infamous.

While F4 became the most wanted men by ladies all around the world, I didn't dare to think about whether there was a need to establish a new defination for 'nobleman' in today's world. The four men that make up F4 represent men who have the charm that all girls dream of, and even though they are rather young, we don't take their attraction lightly. To match 'Esquire' Hong Kong version's 15 year anniversary, I, who has been by 'Esquire' through 4 years, ex-chief editor, has seen generation after generation of 'Esquire' fall under standards, and the new generation of 'Esquire' continues to grow; one of F4's members Wu Jian Hao (Vanness), has become the newest 2003 Esquire role-model. How much does he know? Let me take a look...!

Author - Yuan2 Yong3 Yao2
Art Direction by Joel Leung, Kwong Lung Kit & Paul Tsang
Photo by Paul Tsang
Styling by Gary Chan
Make Up by Maggie Wong(Touch Up Production)
Hair by Eddie Cheung(Touch Up Production)

[Nobleman's] Status
I asked Vanness what he felt men of today needed to qualify as being 'noble'. When he was trying to answer whether he himself was a nobleman, his manager from Taiwan nodded her head while whispering: "He is." Then, Vanness said: "I believe a nobleman needs a healthy body and soul image, must be well-mannered, and can maintain a good image under any terrible conditions." To be the new generation of 'Nobleman' is very hard, added that everyone does have times of weakness. Seeing the busy Vanness doing so many promotions while maintaining his politeness and patience in smiling and answering my questions, I knew he will not disappoint people's expectations.

Graceful Esquire and HIM Collections
Breaks the boundaries to become a drama (as before it was a book)

While Hong Kong's 'Esquire' prepares to enter their 16th year, USA's version is already an over 70-years 'elder'. Who could have guessed that when 'Esquire' first entered the 20th century US territory, everyone's impression of 'nobleman' compared to the impression of today would have that much of a gap (difference).

I believe that today's notion of 'nobleman' coincides with the newest discussion - We and HIM Collection breaks boundaries for a partnership, using two very different men's magazines, through Wu Jian Hao (Vanness's) acting: this generations's men still has different images; men who are brave, take responsibility and are educated is definately attractive. If they can be flexible, have the ability to change image and identity with a magician's ease and still be surprising, then attraction will definately rise; at least, I will be attracted!

Hero's myth: men must have responsibility
There was once when those who could appear on 'Esquire' cover were all government related, an artist, or any person who has a highly-regarded position in society (think Dao Ming Feng from MG, only a guy. so...rich and high in society!); a relatively fresh image is Deng4 Xiao3 Ping2, or a former image is Bruch Lee, they are all considered the first generation 'Esquire' representatives.

A drastic change in the government, a nice piece of architecture, or a unique set of martial arts movements was considered reason to make someone well known and 'wanted'. At this time, the representative of 'Esquire' were considered 'legend', or 'so close yet so far', so it seemed like what everyone wanted was impossible to achieve. The representatives were high above in a place the average person could not reach.

These men were attractive. Whether they were funny, no matter how they didn't act noble at times, this still could not hide their real insides as someone who would take full responsibility of their actions, and they were heros in everyone's eyes.

At the end of the 80's, Hong Kong's economy grew, gaining a place in both power and wealth, and became a standard others strived to achieve; those who read 'Esquire' were those who wanted something in their lives other than material weath, and of course tried to achieve an artistic touch.

A sensible generation: men's lives much more colorful
In the middle of the 90's, 'Esquire' cover was composed of mainly artists from the entertainment circle, this decision was made not only for business purposes (to sell more), but also because mankind believed sensibility and intelligence were equally important.

Men always lived with the traditional believe that they must be strong, and showing any sensibility or emotion was considered weak. Times have changed, and men are now 'allowed' to, like females, show a sensible, considerate side, and still be considered strong; examples include Jackie Cheung, Tony Leung Ka Fai, and Sean Lau Ching Yun. Their acting careers were very successful, and they still individually have their own views; this allowed me to really see, a succesfful man knows how to create a good balance between everything. This type of 'nobleman' lives a life full of color and flourishes. With regards to their career, they possess the strength to move forward, and will do anything possible to achieve the goals they set and dreams they have; yet on the other hand they are still good husbands, good fathers, and are still the perfect image in a certain woman's heart.

Now in the 2000's: Prototype of a Real Man
Stepping into the 2000's, an exciting cyber generation, I realized 'Esquire' cover is full of artists with many talents such as Andy Lau, Louis Koo and Daniel Wu. They are not only artists performing in the entertainment circle, but also express interests in progression into behind-the-scenes work such as directing and producing; they still strive to achieve their dreams.

They are filled with strength, their outlook in life is clearly defined, and when talking to them, one cannot help but be attracted this outlook, their every thought and hidden secrets; I believe that those who plan their lives, their future and paths to reach their goals, this kind of hardworking man is really the most mature.

With the demanding world of today, to please everyone yet have one's own dream is not an easy thing to do. Technology advances, humans show more weaknesses; real men and real 'noblemen' need a strong heart to fight the low points of their life.

Wu Jian Hao's performance in the new era: Graceful movements
The Vanness we see doesn't have much to say, this gives me a sense of his cautious nature. Just completed his filming for 'Star Runner' and having to rush and do promotions, he can't be blamed for being tired. The quiet him, wearing the clothing we prepared for his filming, shows not only a simple graceful image but also a touch 'cool' sense. (Typical of Vanness)

I asked him how he dealt with the stress F4's coming to fame, and he strangely answered: "I will pray." (That is NOT strange!) When he feels down or unsteady, he will touch the cross he wears around his neck. "I will go to a church to search for my peace." He added as an afterthought. I used to believe that Western religion and a career in the entertainment circle cannot possibly work together; Christians are too good, not 'cool' enough. But when Vanness confidently expressed his religious belief, I immediately dropped this thought; Christians can be 'cool' and active as well.

Vanness said that he knew he wanted to work in the entertainment circle since he was 16 years old, and decided to progress in Taiwan, and it seems like this is his fate; no one would have thought that four young men would become famous overnight! What's certain is that he was firm in what he wanted; his goal was very clear.

With such a goal, as a famous artist in the entertainment circle, life of course is very different than that of the average! "My life, other than the busy schedule, actually has not changed so much because I am living the life that makes me happy. Honestly. in the beginning I wasn't very used to this life because I felt that everyone had a lot of hope in me, some of which are not matched with the hopes I have for myself, and my mind would think of a lot of things, but it is much better now.

"Do you want to return home?" I asked him, knowing that his family lives in the US.

"Yes. Even though living in the US my life often seemed boring, going out with friends to watch movies is enough to pass one day. But thinking back now, that laid back life is really quite comfortable!" The very busy, working 24-hours-a-day Vanness said with a smile. "Of course I want to earn some money so Mom doesn't have to work so hard." From the beginning to the end, those responsible towards the family is the real man!

To Vanness who just finished his first movie and first CD, the road ahead is very exciting; of course, in our eyes, we believe that is a great road for an artist. His first CD "Body will Sing", definately represents him, the seemingly quiet him only needs to stand in front of the camera and he will naturally start to move as if he becomes a different person, if you put on his favourite music he will start moving without even knowing it and will even do the moon walk. In our studio, it was like a mini dance performance, he really can be quiet and active.

I think, even if Vanness didn't act and didn't sing, he would definately make an excellent dance teacher!