Celebrating Lunar New Year with Xing Xing Mao
Chinese Model Xing Xing Mao (Mao) has traversed the world fronting runways, campaigns, and magazines globally. Based in Paris, in 2021 she collaborated with photographer Elizaveta Porodina on a whimsically colorful portfolio for Carolina Herrera. Most recently, Mao packed fun and celebratory pieces from our Resort and Spring Summer 2022 collections on her vacation and now shared with us images of her travels.
Just in time for the Lunar New Year, we sit down with Mao to talk to her about her approach to dressing, and how she likes to celebrate the holidays.
“What matters is not what you wear, but whether you accept and are willing to express your individuality freely”.
- Xing Xing Mao
“Fashion is our identity”, Mao told us about her fashion philosophy. “The way we think, and act is how we define ourselves and the way we express ourselves”. Her personal style is chic and fresh - she calls it “elegant but naughty, sexy with attitude”. There is always a balance of contradictions in her dressing.
Any opportunity to meet people she loves makes her excited about dressing up. She loves to dance and takes any chances to look festive if there is a party. The perfect outfit helps her to realize who she really is. And as a born rebel, clothes that make her feel like she’s breaking rules and pushing boundaries make her the happiest.
We also talked about the shoes. Asked an age-old-question: heels or flats? She answered: “What matters is not what you wear, but whether you accept and are willing to express your individuality freely”.
“It did take time for me to evolve. I developed a deeper love and confidence for myself and my approach to dressing when I began to feel a deeper understanding of my own identity”
Her confidence is unquestionable. Talking about her journey to self-confidence she mentioned time she needed to evolve and begin to better understand her own identity. Once she accepted her sense of self, she started to be bolder in her approach to dressing.
As we’re approaching Chinese New Year, we asked Mao about the family traditions she keeps: “Normally we enjoy a big family reunion” she said. “Now, as I live abroad, I’m always looking forward to a reunion with my friends!”. She also practices self- reflection and writes a gratitude journal. Asked about her new year resolution she answered: “staying healthy, grateful and happy!”.
