Conversations with Yu Qian

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yu Qian.

Hi Yu, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I passed the interdisciplinary postgraduate entrance examination and transitioned from a bachelor’s degree in clinical pharmacy to a master’s degree in fashion design. This marks the inception of my venture into the fashion industry. Drawing from my prior experience in medicine, I firmly believe that art and design can significantly aid in the healing of mental illnesses. Thus, I have shifted my focus towards themes revolving around mental health. Through relentless learning and practical experience, I am resolute in my ambition to establish my own brand. Recently, I hosted my inaugural fashion show in New York this past February. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not being easily understood and recognized by people or the audience has been a struggle along the way. Sometimes, expressing the theme of mental illness through fashion isn’t straightforward. I prefer integrating personal understanding and experience into my work, which sometimes leads to the use of unconventional elements that may seem off-topic or unpopular. For instance, I created a large fish installation garment for the social anxiety collection, capable of covering the entire person, even the head. This stemmed from a desire to blend into a crowd like a free-spirited fish, seeking refuge in the vast and boundless sea where no one would engage with me. However, I ultimately decided not to include this design in the final looks as they already embodied enough “eccentricity.” Currently, I’m striving to imbue my designs with a touch of normalcy and coherence. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mental illness and disability have always been my primary concerns. I initiated a project focusing on the work pressure experienced by office workers after witnessing numerous instances of individuals dozing off during the morning subway rush or hurrying through towering skyscrapers. Additionally, distressing news reports of employees succumbing suddenly or taking their own lives due to work-related stress further propelled me to pursue this project. 

During this period, I coincidentally came across an article detailing how someone had spent a substantial sum to engage a rope art master to bind themselves as a stress-relief measure. Inspired by this, I integrated rope art elements into the project to symbolize stress. The work attire serves as the foundational silhouette. My intention is to shed light on the social issue of work pressure through a unique approach, offering solace to those who toil under immense stress through my creations. 

What does success mean to you?
For me, success is not about making great achievements in my career or earning a lot of money but about achieving a balance of personality or spirit and gaining an inner awareness of abundance. I have also fantasized about whether there will be anxiety or troubles after achieving success in career or financial freedom. The answer is yes. “Dissatisfaction” or “greater ambition” may be a kind of human nature. They can motivate people to move forward, but they can also easily make some people lose themselves. So, I believe that a success is to always maintain inner awareness and harmony in mind. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yilliaq_fashion/

Image Credits
Yu Qian
Haoyuan Zhao
Julia