Margaret Zhang, one of Australia’s most impressive and under-recognised superstars, rose to international fame in 2021 when she became the youngest editorial director of Vogue. She was 27.
This week, after just three years, she announced she is stepping down from the role. On Instagram, where she boasts a healthy two-million followers, she released a hand-written statement, announcing her exit and reflecting on her tenure at Vogue China.
“As we kick off a transformative Year of the Dragon, I’m excited to announce that I have decided to wrap up with Vogue and jump into the next chapter of my career,” she wrote.
“I am immensely proud of the radical evolution that we have driven at Vogue China over the past three years, expanding its impact from its print beginnings to becoming a multimedia bridge for creative culture – China to the world, the world to China.”
“We have celebrated record growth in Vogue video, award-winning audio-programming and the highest engagement events in the history of Vogue China.”
“Never before have we seen so much Chinese creativity showcased across the global network of Vogue editions. The legacy of these achievements is a testament to the Vogue China team’s belief in excellence and innovation.”
Zhang, who grew up in Sydney and attended the independent girls school, Kambala, announced that her last issue would be June.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with you all in my new ventures,” she concluded in her statement.
In the past 24 hours, fans have speculated her next steps. The polymath, who has worked as a stylist, photographer, creative director and brand consultant, graduated from Sydney University with a combined Law/Business degree before relocating to New York City. Last October, Zhang received the Outstanding Achievements of Young Alumni Award from Sydney University.
Overnight, US talent group Creative Artists Agency (CAA) confirmed that Zhang has signed on for representation as an emerging filmmaker, writer and producer. Other stars in CAA’s books include Annie Lennox, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears and Chris Rock.
So — what will be her next big move? She has a background in entertainment, especially in films. During her time at Vogue China, she launched the Vogue Film Initiative — a program which saw female Chinese filmmakers, producers, writers and actors be mentored through development and production to launch their own shorts.
She has produced and starred in many short films —some of them for big fashion brands including Tory Burch, Tiffany & Co. and Chanel.
So perhaps she’ll direct the next big blockbuster? I mean, where does one go after climbing the Mt Everest of the fashion world?
Perhaps she’ll pen another book? In 2016, she released a book of photo essays, titled, In the Youth of our Fury A Volume of Photo Essays.
I’ve been following Zhang’s path since way back when. I first learned about her when I was a teacher at Kambala and my students told me about her fashion blog, Shine By Three which Zhang had started as 16-year student at the Rose Bay independent girls school. She graduated Kamala in 2010, three years before I started teaching at the school.
Mostly, I was impressed by the way Zhang, who lacked the height to pursue a career as a model through conventional pathway, seemed to exude such remarkable confidence in her own image.
There was something about the way she presented herself which rattled me. I’d never seen an Asian face on screens or in advertisements growing up in Australia. I found her selfies remarkable, only because she seemed to possess an air of self-confidence, coolness and style I completely lack. Not only that, I didn’t think it was possible for someone who looked like me. She is also the daughter of Asian immigrants.
But Zhang is not just sensationally talented at knowing how to present herself flawlessly — she’s also painfully erudite.
Listen to her speak in interviews and giving talks, you’ll quickly discover the depth of her brilliance. Whatever she does next, we know it’ll be spectacular and certainly create waves.