How student blogger Margaret Zhang became Australia's next big fashion icon.

Interview by Nikki Tugwell, digital producer Amy Sherden.

Margaret Zhang is one of the most influential Australians on the global fashion scene.

When she is not studying for university exams, the 22-year-old might be found seated in the front row at New York Fashion Week, alongside the most powerful personalities in the industry.

Her styling, fashion consultancy and photography skills have glamour brands such as Louis Vuitton, Clinique and Swarovski knocking on her door for advice.

Rose in every cheek ? @mirandakerr

A photo posted by Margaret Zhang ?? (@margaret__zhang) on Dec 15, 2015 at 9:03pm PST

And believe it or not, her success has grown out of a blog she started to relieve her boredom as a 16 year old. Her online journal grew exponentially after catching the eye of local consumers who were interested in her personal style and influences. 7.30 spoke to Zhang about her life, which entails wearing many hats.

On her blog:

“There was no intention of any commercial elements or making any money from it, or even really building an audience, at the time it was very much just for me. It was not what I expected, this was just kind of a me-project and now it’s become something much bigger.”

On her personal style:

“I think I dress like a boy, my style is quite eclectic. There is always just that masculine/feminine edge like if I’m wearing a blazer, maybe there’s some lace element to make it a little more feminine. I’m not a girly girl that’s for sure.”

On Paris and the reign of #PFW now trying not to fall in the Seine at #shinebythree.com ?? A photo posted by Margaret Zhang ?? (@margaret__zhang) on Oct 15, 2015 at 1:40am PDT

On her roots:

“I speak Mandarin – my parents won’t speak to me in English. They don’t fully understand what it is I do. I think my Dad still thinks that I have a shop, he tells people that I have a store.”

On her work ethic:

“My parents are super hard working. I get it from them, to just be able to work constantly and push myself and be ambitious.”

On achieving goals:

“Age is no inhibition to your dreams or your goals. Society tells you that as a young person that you need to like intern, and you can’t really do your own thing, that you need to be in a degree. It doesn’t need to be that way. I think that there’s really no better time than now to just start your own thing.”

This post originally appeared on the ABC and was republished here with full permission. 

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