At age 27, Margaret Zhang has just become Vogue’s youngest ever editor-in-chief.
Sydney born Zhang, who started a fashion blog at age 16, was announced as the new editor-in-chief of Vogue China on Thursday.
Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director, said she was delighted that Zhang was taking on the role and that she has the perfect combination of skills to lead Vogue China.
“Her international experience, exceptional multiplatform digital expertise, and wide-ranging interests are the perfect combination to lead Vogue China into the future,” Wintour said.
Zhang has 1.2 million Instagram followers, and has been an “unmistakable presence” on the front row of global fashion shows for years. She’s a favourite of street style photographers and instantly recognizable with her brightly coloured hair.
Although short in years, her career across Australia, China, New York and other parts of the world is as diverse as it gets. She’s the co-founder of Background, a global consultancy company, where she has worked with some of the biggest companies in the world, specialising in bridging western and Chinese cultures. She’s also a social media influencer, creative director, film maker, photographer, stylist, model and writer.
Zhang has a law and commerce degree from the University of Sydney, and in 2016, she was named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list. She is also a classically trained ballerina and pianist.
Her appointment to the helm of Vogue China marks a generational shift for the magazine, as she replaces outgoing founding editor-in-chief Angelica Cheung, who lead the title for 16 years.
“Vogue has such a legacy, with over 125 years—in the States, at least—of significant cultural gravity,” Zhang said.
“This new role is an incredible opportunity to combine my background, my skills, and my interests.”
The Sydneysider will begin her new role based in Sydney but has plans to move to Beijing following the pandemic.