Born in Beijing to a photographer father and a luxury PR mother, it was only a matter of time before Leaf Greener would carve out a career in fashion herself. And, yes, that's her real name. After studying fashion at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Greener graduated and turned her well-trained eye to styling, before taking up the position of senior fashion editor at Elle China from 2008-2014. In 2015, she founded LEAF WeChat magazine, a self-published mobile magazine where she counts Chanel, Chloé and Loewe as clients and fashion icons like Yasmin Sewell as contributors. She's Tommy Ton's favourite subject to snap during the fashion weeks and our favourite vanguard of Chinese style to stalk. With her other 100K followers on the 'gram, it would seem that we're not alone.
We find out just what it is that has the fashion world so enthralled. Welcome to the life of Leaf Greener...
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Age, location, occupation:
33, Shanghai, Creative Consultant, Fashion Stylist, Columnist, Founder of LEAF WeChat magazine.
If you were an item of clothing, what would you be and why?
Pyjamas. To me they mean comfort, but they're chic and I like the idea of them; they're free and unpolished.
Favourite item of clothing you’re currently wearing?
Hoodies.
What item of clothing best sums you up?
Actually, I sum up the clothing, not the way around.
Photo: Instagram/Leaf Greener
If you had to wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
There is no such thing anymore. Designers come and go... Brands stay forever or at least exist for longer now. The problem is a great designer will reshape a brand and a bad one can destroy a brand. If I had to choose to wear one designer for the rest of my life, it would be vintage: Mr. Helmut Lang's original designs.
What do you love about the city you live in?
Shanghai is so full of surprises and it's a vibrant international city. She is very spontaneous!
How does it impact your style?
Life experience. My style is a long-term experimental project.
Photo: Instagram/Leaf Greener
How would you sum your style up in three words?
Follow my mood.
What’s your favourite pair of shoes?
I love to wear a pair of simple black pumps and I always adore a pair of plain pump high heels.
What’s your most important beauty rule?
Drink a lot of water, sleep well, eat well and wear less makeup.
What's your favourite picture you've posted?
One of my recent pictures. I was wearing this really cool off-white leather jacket and a hoodie on my way to Virgil Abloh's fashion show during PFW.
Photo: Instagram/Leaf Greener
Where’s your favourite place to shop?
Céline.
What item of clothing are you still hunting out?
A well-made simple coat and a beautiful black long cape for this winter. I might get one from Dries Van Noten (look 16 from Vogue Runway) and one from The Row (look 7 from Vogue Runway).
Where are we most likely to find you on a Friday night/ Sunday morning?
In Shanghai: Friday night is in my study room, Sunday morning is in my bed. In Paris: Friday night is at Le Dauphin, Sunday morning is at Intercontinental Le Grand. In London: Friday night is at Scott's, Sunday morning is at The Connaught. In New York: Friday night is at Sant Ambroeus Soho, Sunday morning is at The Carlyle.
What’s your favourite thing to cook?
Eggs and brownies.
Photo: Instagram/Leaf Greener
Who’s your best buddy?
My business partner.
Where’s your happy place?
Rome and Tuscany. But I think happiness travels with you.
Your motto?
Life is a road trip.
Your biggest fear?
Forgetting who I am.
What do you want from your career?
To keep experimenting.
Where will you be in ten years?
The future is not ours to see...
Photo: Instagram/Leaf Greener
Who makes you laugh?
Mr...
What quality do you most admire in other people?
Enthusiasm and courage.
What’s next?
Continuing with LEAF and WeChat magazine. Our mission is to produce intellectual fashion editorials and features, catering to China's growing affluent readership. I am also working on a few different projects right now; a new social media strategy company (It's called Brand Fan Girl) and a new brand called CREAM. When the time is right, you'll see them!
Photo: Instagram/Leaf GreenerLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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