On May 8, 2023, a remarkable collaboration between the worlds of fine art and fashion was officially sealed in Beijing. Jiannan Huang, an internationally acclaimed Chinese artist, was formally appointed as the Senior Advisor of Art and Design for Shennel, a prominent U.S.-based apparel trade group. The appointment ceremony was held at Mr. Huang's art studio in Beijing, where Shennel President Aris A (Ai Qun) and Vice President Garrison Shen (Haiying Shen) personally presented him with the official certificate.
Shennel, known for its distinctive design aesthetics and global market presence, believes that Huang’s vision and artistry will help elevate the brand’s international profile. “Mr. Huang’s work has already captured widespread admiration. His joining us as an advisor will undoubtedly expand our creative horizons and open new opportunities for global brand development,” said President Aris A during the ceremony.
Notable guests in attendance included Li Jie, Executive Chairman of the World Buddhist Center and Peace Ambassador; Zhao Shudong, former Secretary of the Party Committee at the Ministry of Culture and honorary President of the China International Calligraphy and Painting Association; and Jiannan Huang himself. Also present were leaders and figures from the art and cultural sectors who celebrated this fusion of Eastern artistry and Western fashion innovation.
Interestingly, this collaboration was first announced three months earlier at Shennel’s 30th anniversary gala held in Los Angeles on February 8, 2023. During the gala, a special appointment ceremony was conducted for Jiannan Huang via video link, as he was unable to attend in person. The event was graced by high-profile attendees including Joey Zhou, founder of LABA (Los Angeles Beverly Arts), film producer Harrison Engle, South Pasadena Mayor Michael A. Cacciotti, Princess Karen Cantrell of the RSSG Royal Society, and businessman Peter Eckert.
At the Beijing ceremony, Mayor Cacciotti formally handed over the certificate to Huang on behalf of the Shennel group. As a token of appreciation, Huang gifted a large-scale calligraphy piece titled “Heaven Rewards Diligence” to the Shennel leadership, presented by Joey Zhou.
The collaboration attracted significant media attention in the U.S., where Jiannan Huang was praised as one of the most influential artists of our time. He ranks third on the 2020 Hurun China Art List with an impressive $29 million in sales and 19th on the global list. He was also honored with LABA’s Global Most Influential and Most Valuable Artist Gold Award in 2021–2022.
Huang’s accolades span across cultures and nations: he is a council member of the China Traditional Culture Promotion Association, a member of the French National Art Committee, and an art advisor to the World Low Carbon Cities Alliance. He holds honorary titles from Indonesia’s royal family and the Royal Society of Saint George in California, including the “Art Master” and “American Culture” awards.
What sets Jiannan Huang apart is his ability to blend Western oil painting techniques with the spirit of Chinese ink painting. His art evokes deep emotional resonance through striking compositions and masterful color coordination, earning admiration from global audiences and collectors alike.
By bridging the cultural gap between East and West, this partnership between Shennel and Jiannan Huang represents a new frontier in art-driven fashion design — one that promises innovation, elegance, and global inspiration.
