Qin Huilan, the 70-year-old Chinese doctor-turned-style-icon-and-model from Shanghai, is living the fashion dream with her son’s wardrobe. Her impeccable style sense appears meticulously curated, yet she modestly describes it as spontaneous. With nearly 50,000 Instagram followers, Dr Qin’s portals to fame are her vibrant and stylish ensembles, each a testament to her unique flair. Her son’s Prada jackets seem to have replaced her doctor’s coat, and she styles them with a youthful edge that defies age norms. Through this sartorial journey, she has birthed a version of herself she never knew existed—one that’s so effortlessly stylish that she was invited to walk the runway for Miu Miu’s Fall 2024 show. As she continues to share her style journey and experiments with her followers, she brings ELLE along on the journey.
ELLE: How has your background and personal journey influenced your unique style?
Dr Qin Huilan (QH): I don’t think I’m fashionable. When I was young, I dressed more conventionally, usually concisely and comfortably. After all, my work required me to wear a white coat daily. Now that I am retired, I prefer playing with colours.
ELLE: Your journey into the fashion world began with your son setting up an Instagram account for you. How has social media empowered you to share your style and message with a global audience?
Dr QH: In 2022, my son invited me to travel to Shanghai (China), and I found that everybody in the city is very fashionable. So, I started trying different styles and, with encouragement from my son, posted my first image on Instagram. I want to use social media to learn about various outfits from all around the world.
ELLE: How do you express your personality through your fashion choices?
Dr QH: I never thought about what I should wear to be fashionable. I go to the closet, pick clothes, and match them randomly, just like Van Gogh painted sunflowers. I don’t think he could explain how he chose to harmonise each stroke of the painting’s colour.
ELLE: Walking the runway for Miu Miu at Paris Fashion Week must have been a surreal experience. Can you describe the emotions you felt as you stepped onto the runway for the first time?
Dr QH: I received an invitation message from the team via Instagram, but at first, I couldn’t believe it was real. I am very grateful to them for giving me this experience. It was my first time walking the runway, and I think I did a pretty good job, didn’t I?
ELLE: Can you share some insights into how your son’s style influences your own and how you blend your unique tastes with his?
Dr QH: I got to know and like brands like Prada and Miu Miu through his wardrobe. Their designs never seem to go out of style. I still wear clothes from a decade ago—they stand the test of time. My son loves art, and his aesthetic is unique and imaginative; at least, that’s what I think. He always gives me some dressing suggestions and helps me with styling. It’s been a very enriching experience.
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