EXCLUSIVE: Prada Names China’s Hottest Comedian-turned-director Jia Ling Brand Ambassador
Prada has named Chinese director, actress, and comedian Jia Ling its latest brand ambassador.
In a campaign lensed by Shanghai-based female photographer Wang Ziqian, Jia is dressed in a Prada trenchcoat and carrying the new Prada Galleria in Soft Grain.
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The editorial was accompanied by a short interview with Jia, in which she discussed her creative drive and how fashion plays a part in her creative output.
“Jia Ling’s vigorous artistic expression shares the freshness and timelessness,” Prada said in a statement. “Prada looks forward to witnessing Jia Ling’s future creations, bringing new perspectives to Chinese cinematic narratives.”
Jia, whose career began as a Chinese comedian, became a breakout star with her live performances during the annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala.
Jia made her directorial and performance debut in 2021 with “Hi, Mom,” a moving tribune to her mom.
With 5.4 billion renminbi, or $745.7 million, in box office sales, the blockbuster film made Jia the highest-grossing Chinese female director in Chinese movie history, a record she held for two years until Greta Gerwig‘s “Barbie” made its Chinese cinema debut.
In February 2024, Jia topped the box office charts again with “Yolo,” which she directed and starred in. The film, a Chinese adaptation of the Japanese movie “100 Yen Love,” made Jia into a household name, both for its uplifting plot and her dramatic transformation in the film after losing more than 100 pounds.
The film garnered 3.2 billion renminbi, or $441.9 million, in box office sales.
“Free from conventional labels, she defies categorization and remains focused on creation,” Prada said. “Her work contemplates the intricacies of society and life.”
Prada also said the choice of Jia further reinforces the brand’s close ties with the film industry, and to promote the development of art and culture.
In China, the brand has previously worked with Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke on a Prada Rongzhai project titled “Mian.” The brand also dressed a key character in Wang Kar Wai’s hit TV series
“Blossoms Shanghai,” which was later turned into a capsule collection.
Jia joins actor Li Xian, actor and singer Tan Jianci, table tennis player Ma Long, and basketball player Yang Shuyu as face of the brand in mainland China.
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