Jiang Qionger of Hermès-backed Shang Xia brings Chinese aesthetics to the international stage

JIANG QIONGER

OCCUPATION: Artistic director and CEO of Shang Xia

INSPIRATION:
I get inspired everywhere all the time. Exhibitions, music and poems can touch me. I sometimes get inspired by my dreams so I always have a notebook on my nightstand.

TIPS FOR ASPIRING DESIGNERS:
You have to be a good person before learning how to create a good design. It’s important to be always grateful and humble. I became who I am today because of the team and the people who have helped me along the way. No matter how famous or rich you are, if you have no loved ones in your life, it’s meaningless. Life is not static. I’m always trying to find the balancing point. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Jiang Qionger has a "passion for beauty without borders" and she is driven to integrate the very best in design from France and China.

"Shang Xia is a hybrid of Chinese and French cultures," says Jiang, artistic director and CEO of the Hermès-backed Chinese brand.

In fact, one could say the same of the design wunderkind. Born into a family of artists, Jiang studied design in France and dedicated years to promoting cross-cultural ties within the design world.

In March this year, Jiang was awarded the prestigious Chevalier de L'Ordre National du Mérite by the French government to honour her contribution, placing her in the ranks among pianist Lang Lang and actresses Zhou Xun and Zhang Ziyi. Jiang is one of the very few Chinese businesswomen to receive the award.

"The honour is an acknowledgement and obviously means more responsibility," Jiang says. "Passion for beauty is without borders. Our mission is to bring the best of Chinese aesthetics and craftsmanship to the international stage."

Shang Xia - meaning "up and down" in Chinese - represents the continuous flow of energy from the past, present and future, the designer says.