Five Minutes with… Hung Huang

Publishing, writing, acting, television hosting and blogging all count amongst style-guru Hung Huang’s long list of successful accomplishments. Recently given the nod by TIME as one of the planet’s most influential people, the versatile, Shanghai-based icon took a moment out of her busy day to share some of her wisdom.

How does it feel to be named as one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2011?

I am flattered and honoured. I wish my mother was still with me. She would have been so proud of me and it would be more meaningful.

How does it feel when you are compared to Western luminaries, such as Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour?

When I am asked questions like that, I feel on the one hand I should be Chinese and play modest, saying something like ‘Oh they are so much more important, I cannot compare’. This is true in a global sense; however, I am riding on the strength of China as a country. The only reason I can be compared to Oprah and Anna Wintour is because, in China, I am more influential, and the world is looking towards China as the future. So I am sitting next to the greats because of China.

You are known for being an arbiter of style. Do you think Shanghai is a fashionable city? How does it rate alongside world style capitals such as New York and Milan?

Shanghai is the most fashionable city in China and in the world. It has all the benefits of an international cosmopolitan city. However, it is the only city where it’s easier to be foreigner than a native. Shanghai has the right veneer, but it needs a soul.

What do you think makes someone ‘stylish’ or ‘fashionable’? How would you describe your own style?

I think clothes are a form of self expression; it’s like speaking, writing, or any other way of communication. Clothes communicate with people to tell the story of who you are – you being the one wearing the clothes. So, like a good article, the most important thing is to figure out what you want to say. Then find the clothes that say it in the clearest fashion – make your clothes talk about you. Let them tell people you are creative, cool, have a sense of humour, punk, gothic, romantic, Chinese, whatever. And say it comfortably.

I am overweight, so it’s not easy for me to find the right size in retail. For several years I wore a very simple Chinese dress, a bit like the long robe worn by Chinese men a hundred years ago. It was simple, comfortable and a bit odd. With the right accessories, it could even be funny. I wore this at all public events for about two years. I think in order to have a style, you need to be streamlined and consistent. Now, I am thinking of changing, but it’s not easy, I like my madagua!

You have worked in print media with your fashion magazine i-Look and also made a name for yourself as a blogger. What do you think is the future for printed magazines versus digital media formats?

I think print will always be a viable platform for fashion, simply because well-printed magazines and books are very compatible for lifestyle topics. The joy of slowly looking at beautiful photography with a big glossy magazine or book is not something that can be replaced by the internet. However, fashion information, style, trends and other news-oriented information will switch to the internet as it’s the quicker platform. What is really interesting for magazines is the existence of the iPad and other such tablets. I think in the future, magazines will be published on the tablets.