Meet Yuxuan Gong | Fashion designer

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

Hi Yuxuan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There was a phase in my life where I fervently pursued part-time and full-time job opportunities, as well as internships, in my quest for hands-on industry experience. Although I gained valuable insights while working for various companies, I gradually realized that these experiences did not align with my true passion. Within those companies, I found myself restricted to receiving fragmented information and following instructions from the head designer, with little room for individuality or personal interpretation. However, I yearn for a career that allows me to express my own unique vision. This led me to contemplate the idea of starting my own business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To me, the essence of fashion lies in its ability to unleash one’s identity and encompass their true purpose, thereby reflecting their attitude towards life. The fluidity of self-expression finds its home in the vast array of garments available. Consequently, I have crafted my own brand as a tool to cater to individuals seeking to articulate their unique selves through clothing, while sharing a mutual vision and aesthetic with me. This journey poses significant challenges, as it requires a deep understanding of the message one intends to convey to their audience, as well as the quest to find a distinctive community. Amidst the myriad of transient trends flooding the market, it’s easy to lose sight of one’s core essence. Nonetheless, I am proud to have successfully developed my own fashion ecosystem. My brand narrates a tale set in a postmodern society, where the connection to our physical selves becomes increasingly estranged, and we seek reflections of our being through digital portals, residing in a fragmented existence within a digital landscape. We have all become digital nomads, wandering in this dystopian space.

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.
First and foremost, I would undoubtedly guide my friend to the vibrant neighborhood of Williamsburg. This area boasts a plethora of indie shops that house a treasure trove of unique finds. One standout establishment is Acre, a Japanese store renowned for its exquisite handmade porcelain and bento boxes. Additionally, Williamsburg is home to a delightful array of vintage shops such as Stella Dallas Living, About Glamour, and Seven Wonders Collective. If we visit on the weekends, we might even stumble upon the bustling artists&fleas market or discover a hidden gem at one of the vintage markets.

Next, a leisurely stroll through Central Park would be in order. Regardless of the season, I find immense joy in exploring Central Park and immersing myself in the tranquil beauty it offers amidst the bustling concrete jungle of the city. It’s a perfect retreat to bask in nature’s embrace and savor the picturesque views.
Lastly, I would be thrilled to introduce my friend to some of the iconic museums that grace New York City. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, and The Morgan Library & Museum are all on my must-visit list. New York City’s museums are a testament to its extraordinary cultural richness, and I am always in awe of the remarkable collections they house.

By showcasing these facets of the city, I hope to share my love for New York City’s diverse shopping scene, the tranquility of Central Park, and the awe-inspiring cultural experiences found within its world-class museums.

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?
During my time in fashion school, professors frequently asked us about our favorite designer. Whenever I heard this question, I found myself struggling to come up with a definitive answer. It wasn’t because I lacked admiration for renowned designers; in fact, I held great appreciation for many of them. However, when I pondered upon who truly inspired me the most, my thoughts gravitated towards my fellow college students. The countless nights we spent together, toiling away in the chilly studio, pulling all-nighters before finals, left a profound impact on me. Even those I didn’t have the chance to know well personally, their unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic moved me deeply. These shared moments of perseverance and support during our most challenging times continue to uplift me. Thus, I would like to wholeheartedly acknowledge and pay my utmost respect to all of them.

Website: https://yuxuangong.me/

Instagram: @vivmoonl

Image Credits
Honglin Cai @vcai_photo