Men With Style: Zhang Minhua, Creative Director and Photographer
The 35-year-old lets us in on using AI in his works, and style journey.
By Gracia Phang - published
At 26, Zhang Minhua co-founded creative agency Telescope Studios, which dreams up and produces campaigns, fashion editorials, branded content and the like—oftentimes embracing AI in their work to bring audiences on an enhanced journey.
Almost a decade later, as the agency continues to thrive, Zhang has extended his creative energy into his style, which he describes as “eclectic grandpa-core: a little vintage, a little mismatched, and always comfortable.” Having dreamt of being a singer and taken part in various singing competitions in Asia, Zhang continues to charm with an off-beat Miu Miu-esque aesthetic and confidence, both in front and behind the lens.
Related article: Men With Style: BJ Pascual, Fashion Photographer
When was the exact moment you fell in love with fashion?
“I started paying more attention to fashion after doing a personal colour analysis. Realising which colours worked best for me unlocked a whole new world; it made dressing up a lot more fun. Fashion helps me become who I want to be, even if just for the day.”
How would you best describe your style?
“I’d call it eclectic grandpa-core. A little vintage, a little mismatched, and always comfortable. I usually shop at vintage stores that carry one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s fun that way. You never know what treasures you’ll find!”
In your line of work, who do you look up to, and why?
“I really look up to Asian photographers like Poyen Chen, Zhong Lin, and Leslie Zhang. Their work feels deeply personal. It reflects who they are and the cultures they’ve been exposed to. It’s inspiring to see how fashion photography has evolved into something more narrative-driven. It’s not just about glossy perfection anymore. Images can tell stories, hold emotion, even challenge perception.”
What is your relationship with technology? How have you embraced it in your line of work and personal life?
“I think technology, especially AI, is a double-edged sword. We’ve embraced it in our work, like the editorial we did with Hakken for Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore in 2023, where we used tools like Stable Diffusion and Midjourney to design the photo backgrounds. It definitely opens up new creative possibilities.
At the same time, I do think it raises important questions about originality and ethics, especially when we see fully AI-generated campaigns replacing real creatives. While there are no clear regulations yet, I think it’s something the industry needs to have more honest conversations about. “
What is one aspect of technology you cannot live without?
“Probably my camera. It’s both work and therapy for me. Whether I’m shooting for a client, or just capturing a moment that inspires me, it’s that one piece of technology that helps me slow down and really see things.”
Do you have a favourite technology and fashion crossover, and why?
“Coperni’s collaboration with Boston Dynamics during its fall/winter 2023 show was iconic. It felt like a turning point where tech wasn’t just a gimmick, but actually added to the drama and storytelling of fashion. I love when something conceptual still makes people feel something.”
If you had to wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Miu Miu fall/winter 2025
“If I had to wear one brand for life, it would be Miu Miu. The way the brand layers and style its looks reflects my approach to fashion. Thoughtful, a little off-beat, and never too polished. Nostalgic yet modern. I feel like I’d live comfortably in that world.”