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Yang Fu (Yolanda), is an interesting designer who has extensive experience in the fashion industry. This year she received Muse Fashion Design Awards and Bigesee Fashion Design Awards for her work, as well as serving as a judge for the International Busan Design Awards. As a seasoned designer from Beijing, educated at one of China’s esteemed universities, her journey in fashion has been a humble exploration of her passion and values. Participating in various catwalk competitions, she has been dedicated to intertwining her designs with the ethos that inspires her: a deep commitment to sustainability, cultural fusion, and the empowerment of fashion expression. Her mission statement, “Powered by cultural influences and the fusion of cultures and design,” embodies the core of her work.
She finds immense inspiration in the rich diversity of different ethnic groups, incorporating their unique elements into her designs. This blend of cultural motifs and modern design principles allows her to create garments that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, resonating with a deeper sense of identity and heritage. Her approach to fashion is rooted in a love for simplistic elegance, with a belief that true beauty lies in the harmonious balance of form and function, crafting pieces that are visually pleasing while maintaining a touch of artistic flair.
Patterns play a significant role in her designs, adding a dynamic layer that brings her vision to life. Each piece she creates is a modest testament to the power of fashion as a medium for personal and cultural expression, blending traditional influences with contemporary aesthetics. In every stitch and seam, she strives to create fashion that speaks to the empowerment of the individual, allowing them to express their unique identity through the fusion of cultural influences.
For her, fashion is not just about clothing; it is about telling a story, embracing diversity, and celebrating the beauty of our interconnected world. Her work reflects her ethos of sustainability and cultural appreciation, aiming to leave a positive impact on both the industry and the world. She approaches each project with gratitude for the opportunity to share her vision and learn from the rich tapestry of cultures that inspire her.
In August of 2024, she decided to start her own clothing brand called YF, which is based out of the United Kingdom.
YF advocates for simplicity, modernity, and exquisite taste, viewing world civilizations through the lens of Eastern aesthetics and interpreting classical culture and fashion with forward-thinking craftsmanship. Targeting an audience that appreciates artistic taste and cultural depth, the brand promotes accessible luxury clothing, accessories, and culturally inspired products.
Yang Fu possesses deep expertise in traditional Chinese culture and has worked on poverty alleviation projects, assisting artisans from remote regions in modernizing and promoting traditional patterns. Through the study of traditional craftsmanship and the development of contemporary design methods, excels in merging diverse design techniques and crafts, with a particular focus on the union of innovative materials with traditional methods.
The brand aspires to establish a strong influence, drawing global attention and support for traditional craftsmanship, with the ambition of preserving and passing it on. While developing new collections, the brand seeks to integrate products that resonate with its values to support artisans in achieving international sales.
The YF debut-collection draws inspiration from a blend of romantic, ethereal, and bohemian influences, with a touch of modern elegance. Each piece presents a unique aesthetic, yet together they form a cohesive collection, emphasizing flowing silhouettes, intricate detailing, and a sense of individuality.
The collection arrives in the form of a translucent cape with red triangular embroidery near the edges. The delicate sheer material gives the outfit an ethereal quality. Beneath the cape, the inner outfit appears to have a floral print, creating a contrast with the cape’s intricate red embroidery. The long flowing nature of the cape and gown gives the ensemble an elegant and soft appearance, almost regal in style.
One of my favorite pieces from the collection though, is a dark blue dress with a pleated skirt that spreads out dramatically, creating a butterfly-like shape. The pleats and their gradient effect towards the hem provide a dynamic flow. The bodice has ruffled detailing around the collar and shoulders, adding structure and dimension to the dress. This outfit gives a sense of movement and grace, exuding drama and sophistication with its bold silhouette and deep color.
We see a long A-line skirt with small, colorful floral motifs scattered throughout a light base fabric. The top is a simple, fitted white or cream-colored long-sleeve, which complements the bold statement of the extravagant hat adorned with feathers and floral embellishments.The outfit has a whimsical, vintage-inspired look, with the hat adding a playful yet luxurious touch.
We also find a gown, which is a striking display of minimalist elegance combined with bohemian flair. Crafted in a flowing, lightweight fabric, it features an off-the-shoulder design that highlights the neckline and collarbones. The long, loose sleeves with a tied cuff detail enhance the ethereal quality of the dress. A central embroidered panel, running vertically from waist to hem, adds an ornate, handcrafted touch, giving the dress a refined yet free-spirited appeal. The full skirt softly grazes the floor, creating an elongated silhouette perfect for formal events or evening wear.
Another one of my favorites is the black gown… which stands out with its geometric embroidery, bringing a sense of structure and edge to an otherwise soft silhouette. The design focuses on sharp, triangular motifs, intricately embroidered in contrasting white, which emphasizes the waist and adds visual intrigue to the bodice and sleeves. The use of sheer layers in the skirt lends the dress a floaty, mysterious quality, while maintaining a modern, sophisticated aesthetic. The high neckline and half-sleeve structure provide balance, keeping the look both polished and dynamic.
The pink tulle dress is also worth mentioning…. It exudes a dreamy, romantic charm with its soft, blush pink tulle. The silhouette is airy and voluminous, with a knee-length hem that gives it a playful, yet elegant feel. The dress features delicate layers of translucent fabric, which create movement and softness. Its simplicity is elevated with the addition of whimsical floral accessories, seen in the earrings, adding to the overall ethereal and feminine quality of the piece. Ideal for cocktail parties or less formal occasions, this dress is light, delicate, and effortlessly chic.
To end this article, I will say that Yang Fu’s debut-collection, blends flowing shapes with intricate detailing, offering versatile pieces that would appeal to someone with an appreciation for timeless elegance mixed with contemporary touches. The choice of fabrics, from tulle to lightweight layers, and the thoughtful use of embroidery and embellishments, all work to create a sense of luxury and refinement. I look forward to seeing how Fu decides to follow up on this collection. Maybe with something a little bit more street, in the luxury end. Or something a little more edgy would be dope to….