Harmony of Old and New

Chinese designer Jiang Qiong Er believes that life isn't about black versus white, or traditional versus contemporary. "There are always two opposites in any situation, but there is no need to choose between them. Instead we should find a balance," says Ms Jiang.

She is also the artistic director and chief executive of Shang Xia, a luxury brand designed and made in China, backed by French fashion house Hermès.

The brand's USP is to update centuries' old craftsmanship with modern materials, as well as fusing Chinese tradition and French style. "Modern technology and traditional craftsmanship are not contradictory, we should not h…