Meet Andy Yu | Fashion Designer + style Connoisseur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andy Yu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andy, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
“I was born and raised in china and Virginia , where I was deeply influenced by the vibrant Asian cultural heritage and strong sense of community. My upbringing in a family that valued creativity and hard work shaped my passion for design and innovation. My diverse experiences growing up in Asia inspired me to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, which is a hallmark of my work today.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m passionate about creating designs that seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, also taking elements from art and architecture around the world , setting my work apart in the industry. My journey to where I am today has been marked by hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning. It wasn’t always easy being an Asian American designer ;I faced numerous challenges, from navigating market trends to overcoming minority group . However, these obstacles taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my vision.

One of my proudest achievements is the latest fashion show at united nation in front of 150 Un officials and ambassadors around the world , which exemplifies my dedication to innovation and quality inspired by the world civilizations . I’m excited about the future and eager to explore new horizons in design and more culture related fashion events .

The world should know that my brand, Andy Yu Designer, is committed to sustainability, creativity, and excellence. My story is one of passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of art and culture . Through my work, I aim to inspire and leave a lasting mark not only in fashion, but creating a bridge between East and West .

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d start by welcoming them with a dinner at Daniel, Daniel Boulud’s renowned restaurant. He is a neighbor and dear friend , The next morning, we’d visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, followed by lunch at Dominique Ansel bakery, another dear friend establishment . In the afternoon, we’d stroll through Central Park and later enjoy pre dinner drinks at Polo Bar.

We’d explore the High Line and Chelsea Market the following day, lunch at the market, and visit the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum in the afternoon. Dinner would be at Ho-tong for a world-class Chinese dinner experience.

A visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) would start our next day, with lunch at The Modern. We’d then walk through Times Square and catch a Broadway show, ending the day with dinner at Korean BBQ.

For shopping, we’d hit Fifth Avenue, lunch at L’Avenue in Saks Fifth Avenue, and visit Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock. Dinner at Jean George would cap off the day.

We’d spend the next morning exploring Williamsburg in Brooklyn, lunching at local eateries, and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge to visit DUMBO. Dinner at River Café would offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Finally, we’d brunch at Balthazar in SoHo, visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and have farewell drinks at The Campbell in Grand Central Terminal before my friend’s departure.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to several key influences in my life. Firstly, my family, whose unwavering support and encouragement have been my foundation. Additionally, the mentors and colleagues I’ve worked with throughout my career have been invaluable. A special mention goes to many major US designers from the 80s and 90s , such as Donna karen , Calvin , Marc Jacob’s , Vivan Westwood for their creativity and inspiration. Lastly, the most talented fashion artist like Alexander McQueen has profoundly shaped my perspective and approach to design. Their collective impact has been instrumental in my journey and success.

Image Credits
Rushka Bergman