Daily Inspiration: Meet Jingjing Jia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jingjing Jia.

Hi Jingjing, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into the world of fashion started at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business Management. Right from my first semester, I couldn’t wait to dive in, so I volunteered at New York Fashion Week. Although I was essentially a dresser, it wasn’t so much about the work but about opening my eyes to the fashion world.

My real learning began with an internship at the brand Rui under Rui Zhou, one of the finest Chinese designers of our time. There, I gained a wealth of knowledge – from brand operations to fashion show preparations. Working with Rui, I learned to strive for excellence under limited conditions and the importance of being mindful of the people around me.

During the pandemic, I faced challenges with depression and anxiety, mainly due to uncertainty about my future. I explored different avenues, interning in marketing for another fashion brand and even trying my hand at curation at an art gallery. It was a period of experimentation, trying to touch upon everything accessible.

The turning point came when I took a gap year during the pandemic and went to Shanghai to work as a fashion editor assistant at ELLE China, part of the Hearst Group. Landing this job was no small feat. I had to stand out in a group interview with a panel of editors. The job was exhausting – a real-life ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ experience. From fetching coffee to planning shoots, managing budgets, and returning heavy samples, it was relentless. Sitting front row during fashion week might look glamorous, but it comes with its share of hardships. Yet, I’d say it was all worth it.

That’s where I figured out my passion lies in planning shoots and styling. After returning to FIT, I continued my studies while also working as an unpaid freelance stylist. With each on-set experience and every shoot I planned, my work got better, leading me to where I am today. My experience at ELLE was invaluable, shaping my approach to fashion and honing my skills in styling and creative direction.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not; it’s been quite a challenging journey. I grew up in a modest family in Wenzhou (a small city surrounded by mountains and trees in China). My parents came from a small village and started their business early on, never having the chance to complete high school. I spent my childhood living with my grandparents. In my family, no one was involved in art or fashion. Even now, my parents don’t fully grasp what I do, but I’m deeply grateful for their support in letting me pursue my studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

I started with zero knowledge of fashion, no material resources, and no connections in the industry. It was a process of building from the ground up, step by step. Every little progress felt like a significant achievement, given where I began. It’s been a road marked with struggles, but each hurdle has only strengthened my resolve and passion for this field.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is deeply influenced by the cultural tapestries, films, and music that have been a part of my life since childhood. I draw inspiration from icons like G-Dragon, known as the “King of K-pop”, Lady Gaga, Bjork, and Aphex Twin. It’s not just their music that moves me, but their unique aesthetic, especially their stage and music video styles, which have profoundly impacted my approach to fashion styling.

I’ve always been fascinated by the visual storytelling in films, particularly those by Quentin Tarantino and David Lynch. Their work has helped shape my creative vision, pushing me towards a style that’s bold, surreal, and full of vivid contrasts. This influence is evident in my work as a fashion stylist and creative director, where I blend these elements with the latest trends among Generation Z.

I specialize in stepping away from traditional styling, immersing myself in a digital landscape that’s both contemporary and striking. My passion extends beyond fashion to include music and cinema, which I believe adds depth and diversity to my work. I’ve had the privilege of being featured in esteemed magazines like VOGUE CN, ELLE CHINA, Marie Claire China, SICKY, and PAP.

What sets me apart is my ability to meld these varied influences into a cohesive style that’s not just about clothes but about telling a story and evoking emotions. I’m most proud of how I’ve managed to stay true to my unique vision while navigating the competitive world of fashion.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
One might assume that as a fashion professional, I live and breathe the glitz of high fashion daily, but the truth is, I’m not someone who dresses up every day. Surprisingly, I feel most at ease in a hoodie, enjoying the comfort, keeping things lowkey and just focusing on what I love to do. When we first encounter the world of fashion, it’s easy to be dazzled, to see it as a realm of endless glamour—and I was no exception.

However, delving deeper into this industry reveals a superficiality and materialism that can become overwhelming and, honestly, quite exhausting. Do people really care if you’re dressing in the latest designer collection? I think a lot of the top folks in fashion actually get tired of all the fuss, but they still work hard to lead us to the next big trend. It’s a love-hate relationship where the love for creativity and expression often grapples with the disdain for the industry’s more shallow aspects. Sometimes, it is just a perfect illusion. 🙂

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jingjing-jia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8bit.gurl/