Meet Yu Qian | Fashion Designer

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

Hi Yu, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I was a little six-year-old, I’ve had this deep love for drawing and creating tiny clothes for my dolls. When people used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same – an art teacher. But my dad had different plans for me, and he didn’t want me to pursue art. I couldn’t help but envy other parents I saw, riding bikes with their kids carrying art supplies, heading off to art classes. I even had this secret habit of lying outside the window of the art studio near my home at night, watching art students sketching from life. The warm orange glow from that window in the pitch-black night felt so comforting and blissful.

Later on, I ended up going to medical school, just as my dad wished. But my passion for my dream never faded away. I made the most of my spare time to draw and study art history. Eventually, I managed to pass the postgraduate entrance examination for fashion design. When my dad found out, he was really angry at first. However, as he saw the genuine joy on my face growing, he slowly came to terms with my decision to enter the world of art.

So, while I may not have become an art teacher, I am now a fashion designer. And you know what? It’s just the beginning. Life is full of endless possibilities. I pour my heart into my art and designs tirelessly, and through my work, I can express my thoughts and feelings. I know deep down that this is the life I was always meant to live.

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 embarked on a deeply personal project that revolves around a topic I previously mentioned – “The Treatment of Spirit.” This project delves into the world of scoliosis, a condition that makes me different from those with a typical bodily shape. Initially, dealing with dysmorphia left me feeling inferior and overwhelmed with despair. However, over time, my emotions transformed. Scoliosis has now become an integral and unique part of who I am, inspiring me to embrace life with newfound optimism.

Within this project, I explored the concept of deformity using various artistic mediums, extracting the essence of forms and lines. I delved into materials like liquid silicone rubber, leather fabric, and heat-shrink sheets to conduct a profound material investigation, allowing me to explore innovative techniques for treatment.

Drawing inspiration from my hometown of Inner Mongolia, I infused elements from its rich culture into my work. “The Treatment of Spirit” goes beyond merely offering a physical cure through visual representations; it serves as a pathway to heal my spirit. The act of creating art has endowed me with the courage to step out of the shadows of negativity, and I aspire for my works to extend that same solace and inspiration to others.

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.
I’m planning to set aside a good couple of days to fully enjoy Universal Studios, and there’s a heartfelt reason behind it. My best friends and I share a deep love for all things Harry Potter, and since our childhood, we’ve yearned for a touch of magic in our lives. Universal Studios promises to be a place where our childhood dreams can come to life.

Another must-see on our list is the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame, known worldwide for its significance in the entertainment industry.

And of course, we’re eager to spend quality time at some beautiful beaches like Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, and Laguna Beach, where we can immerse ourselves in the natural beauty.

When it comes to food, we’ve got a few must-try places. The Duck House is a top choice for its delectable roast duck. We’re also excited about dining at Bistro Na’s, a Michelin one-star restaurant. Lastly, we can’t resist the allure of The Butcher, famous for its visually stunning lahua latte – a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
“Just ignore the people who look down on others’ physical defects.” These were the words of wisdom imparted to me by my attending physician, Dr. Ye, during a time when I faced discrimination due to my scoliosis. Possessing a completely healthy body is indeed a fortunate circumstance, as attributes like height, deformity, or disability are beyond our control. Sometimes, a unique bodily shape can inflict more psychological pain than the physical body can endure. This is precisely why my creative endeavors primarily revolve around themes of mental health.

I hold immense gratitude for the medical professionals who provided me with both physical and psychological treatment. It is this deep sense of appreciation that fuels my desire to use my artistic works as a means to inspire and encourage others while advocating for greater understanding.

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