China's Cinema Wonder Woman Jia Ling Covers Vogue China January 2025
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In June 2024, Prada named Chinese director, actor and comedian Jia Ling, age 42, as its new brand ambassador for women. Her image in the Prada link was taken at the Fall 2024 Prada show in September.
Finding herself in Italia in the care and hospitality of Prada marked yet another rung of achievement in what might be considered the improbable rise of a prodigious, mid-life talent hiding in plain sight, but also hindered perhaps with what might be called ‘complications’ for a talent wanting to fly free like a bird.
Today, Jia Ling covers Vogue China’s [IG] January 2025 issue, lensed by Leslie Zhang [IG] with styling by fashion director Vivienne Sun. Right now, we’re not finding details about her wardrobe, which may be all-Prada. Or not.
Jia Ling’s Stunning Rise at Age 40ish
In a truly incredible story, Jia’s 2021 directorial and performance debut, ‘Hi Mom’ became a blockbuster film with about $750 million in box office sales. For two years the actor/director held the honor of being the highest-grossing female director in Chinese movie history.
It was only ‘Barbie’ and director Greta Gerwig who took the honor in summer 2023. In 2024, Jia topped the box office charts again with ‘YOLO’, where she was both star and director of a big box office success, netting close to $500m in ticket sales.
For ‘YOLO’, A Mere 100 Pound Weight Loss
In an astounding factoid, both WWD and Prada reported that this uber-talent lost more than 100 pounds for ‘YOLO’.
AOC had to verify this fact, and indeed Jia Ling — working very closely with Lululemon — did go on a voyage of self-discovery and exercise, resulting in dramatic weight loss.
“Lululemon’s purpose — helping people feel their best — resonates deeply with me,” said Jia, who has called her evolution totally transformational, capped with her Lululemon ambassadorship, also announced in June.
“I believe in the power of movement. It has become part of my daily life and supports both my physical and mental well-being,” she explained.
High Praise From Prada
“Jia Ling’s vigorous artistic expression shares a freshness and timelessness,” Prada said in a June statement announcing the star’s ambassadorship. “Prada looks forward to witnessing Jia Ling’s future creations, bringing new perspectives to Chinese cinematic narratives.”
“Free from conventional labels, she defies categorization and remains focused on creation,” Prada added. “Her work contemplates the intricacies of society and life.”
AOC chimes in with great admiration for such a series of remarkable achievements and empathy for the human experience as Jia Ling has manifested in her life and her art. We are delighted and touched deeply to bear witness to her story. ~ Anne
