Jade Leung is a Melbourne-based stylist with a dynamic career shaped by her early love for fashion. Growing up, her mother’s work in the denim industry and trips to Hong Kong sparked her fascination with style, encouraging her to experiment and explore. Today, Jade thrives in the commercial styling world, crafting striking visual stories.
Beyond her creative projects, Jade is a strong advocate for inclusivity and equity in the industry. She champions the need for more female-led agencies, safer work environments, and a cultural shift to empower women at all levels.
We catch up with Jade, who reveals her styling approach for the latest Puma Speedcat and the creative process behind her looks.
Can you recall your earliest memory of being fascinated by fashion or styling?
My earliest memories of really enjoying fashion is on one of our trips back to Hong Kong. My mum works in the denim industry, so we would hang out with her designer friends. They really encouraged my sister and I to explore and experiment with fashion. Every trip to Hong Kong they would take us to interesting shopping malls and different shopping precincts. I remember one of mum's friends had this incredible Craig Morrison Bug Bag, made of silicone spikes. I thought he was the coolest guy ever.
As a stylist, what’s been the biggest misconception people have about your job?
It's amazing how many people think I'm a Hair stylist or a Personal stylist.
I fall in the commercial styling world, which is very different. I think the biggest misconception about my job is that it's glamorous. At times it can be, but mostly it's a lot of hard work (shopping), organisation and a lot of communicating/managing clients.
Looking back on your body of work, is there a specific shoot or collaboration that holds a special meaning to you personally?
This year I feel like I did some really great editorial work with my favourite photographer and dear friend, Jordan Drysdale. We've really developed our collaboration process and I feel like all of our shoots this year have been a real representation of the both of us.
What changes would you like to see in your industry to create a more inclusive and equitable space for women?
As with any industry, I believe having more female led and owned businesses/agencies/film crews would make our industry a lot more balanced. It's still a very male heavy industry, particularly when it comes to Agencies, Art Directors, D.O.P's and film crew. I would love to see my industry address and protect women against issues such as sexual harassment, equal pay, work place advancement to create spaces that feel safe for all of us.
How do you celebrate your successes - big or small - after a major project wraps up?
You'll generally find me at Table 1, Napier Quarter with a glass or 5 of Cava.
If you could raid the wardrobe of any celebrity, who would it be and what would you take?
I would raid ASAP Rocky's wardrobe and I would probably just need access to it all?!
What’s one trend you’ve loved in the past but wouldn’t bring back into your work today?
Does anyone remember the Acne ankle boots from the 2010's? I wore them everyday for years. Probably don't ever want to see a platform ankle boot (like, under the ankle bone) ever again.
In an alternate universe, what other career path could you see yourself thriving in?
In an alternate universe I would be working with animals or be a vet.
When styling the Puma Speedcat for this collaboration, what inspired your approach? Are there any key tips for pulling off a similar look?
When putting together my looks to go with my pink Puma Speedcats, I wanted to make the pink shine. I have pink hair, so it's something I think about on the daily.I kept my looks monochromatic, and focused on texture and silhouetting, to accentuate the slimline shape of the shoe. Also, how great is a mesh sock to pull the focus on the sneaker!
Talent: @jadeleungstylist featuring a cameo from @jadezoe_