The 10 most influential fashion stylists in China
Many stylists have become key opinion leaders in their own right
This article was written by Ruonan Zheng and originally published in Jing Daily
Behind every successful celebrity, there is a powerful stylist. This statement is especially true in China.
“There are many more professional in-store and amateur personal stylists in China,” says Susan Jenkyn-Jones, senior academic director of design, professor of fashion from Condé Nast China. “The trust in expertise and the cult of opinion leaders and influencers is strong, and they have serious power in making a success of trends. Brands are certainly courting these players for their charisma in upselling goods and flash sales.”
Many of these stylists built their fame working closely with celebrities, or in the TV and movie industries. Most have worked at leading fashion magazines under Condé Nast China, such as GQ, Vogue and Vogue Me, or rivals Trends Group, which owns Harper’s Bazaar China, Cosmo China, and Bazaar Men.
Now, many stylists have become key opinion leaders (KOLs) in their own right. Based on their talent, reputation and social media followings, we count down the top 10 most influential stylists.
10. Tony Li
Li is known as the father of colour cosmetics in China. He was one of the few dedicated make-up artists in the 1980s, working closely with A-list celebrity actresses Gong Li, Joan Chen and Li Bingbing. He is also credited with single-handedly creating world-renowned supermodel Lv Yan. Li founded his own styling studio in Beijing in 1999 and built it into a fashion world empire.