Ping He worked at Alexander McQueen before setting up her own eponymous London-based label. We thought we'd find out a little bit more about the fashion star...
Describe your typical working day. I run to work each morning to energize myself, then during the day I spend most of the time in my office. I work with my marketing and design teams researching and designing the new collections, discussing the brand and coming up with creative and innovative ideas to take my label to the next level. I normal finish my day by having dinner with my husband or friends.
What was your first job? My first ever job was window designer at a top end bridal boutique when I was 16. Even at the beginning I could never imagine working in any industry other than fashion or design. How did you get to where you are today? I went to fine art school in Shanghai, China. Then I moved to the UK and completed an MA in fashion. I then got a chance to be part of the Alexander McQueen studio team and from there worked my way up across different labels to the position of Design Director at Aftershock. I always wanted to gain experience working for other brands before embarking upon my own label, which is exactly what I did, and now here I am.
What advice would you give someone trying to break into your industry? Work hard, believe in what you do, never give up and enjoy the journey!
What you love most about your job? I love every aspect of my job. I am very passionate about what I do and everyone I work with has that same passion ensuring we get the best results possible. Who wouldn’t want to have their own fashion label? I feel very lucky.
Do you have a role model who inspires you? My mum. She always has an encouraging word for me and has unique ability to see the other side of the coin.
What are your workwear wardrobe staples? I like to wear a lot of black. It’s so easy and chic. I like to look effortlessly stylish and feel comfortable. That’s the basis of my PINGHE collections: stylish, effortless and comfortable.
What do you do to unwind after a tough day at work? I love listening to jazz or I might take myself for a late night visit to the Tate Modern – it feels quite magical being in a gallery late at night.
We're always obsessing over our work/life balance – how do you manage it? During the week if staying late at the office is necessary then I’ll do it. As for the weekend, I spend it with my family and friends, and don’t work at all. I enjoying cooking and running errands around the house – I find it relaxing as a contrast to the working week. How would your colleagues describe you? Innovative, fun, outgoing, humble, fair and uplifting. So they say!
Tell us your five-year goal. Right now, it's to focus on my PINGHE label, and position it as a new international luxury designer label known for innovative yet wearable designs.
Looking for more career inspo? It's not too late to book tickets for Marie Claire's @ Work Live,
in association with Cointreau and Next. A one-day event on 23 April
2016, featuring advice, tips and inspiration from incredible speakers.