The innovative fabric jewellery series, “Between People,” by Monica Yan is gaining international attention. Drawing inspiration from Pankou’s traditional craft, Monica Yan, the founder of CQ London, uses these pieces to delve into the impact of human connections on both the body and imagination. Her work marks a significant development in showcasing Chinese intangible cultural heritage, particularly as it enters Western academic settings as a methodological approach rather than mere cultural content.
In April 2026, Monica Yan took the stage at Queen Mary University of London, delivering a guest lecture to a global audience of students. Here, she discussed contemporary innovations within Chinese intangible cultural heritage, offering a fresh perspective to academia. The engagement didn’t stop there; in June 2026, her works from “Between People” will be featured at the prestigious FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics. Hosted by the Centre for Commercial Law Studies, the conference in London unites experts from various fields, including fashion, film, and architecture, across continents. Significantly, her works will be featured not just as cultural artifacts but as thought-provoking pieces addressing themes of intimacy and aesthetics, with their inclusion in the conference catalogue potentially leading to publication by Routledge.
Looking ahead to August 2026, Monica Yan’s role as curator for the Intangible Cultural Heritage section of Chinese Culture Week at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe illustrates a broader shift in cultural presentation. The festival, known as the largest arts event globally, will see Chinese intangible heritage integrated into a worldwide public arts forum. This move to incorporate such heritage in dialogue with contemporary global practices represents a pivotal change in how Chinese culture is represented on the international stage.
Monica Yan’s journey in bridging cultural contexts is noteworthy. With over a decade of experience working between Chinese and Western cultures, she holds master’s degrees from University College London and the University of Westminster. Her career began at the intersection of European and Asian high-end industries, serving diverse clients in sectors like finance and law. Since 2016, she has channeled her expertise into exploring how Chinese aesthetics can resonate emotionally within Western life, moving beyond mere spectacle.
CQ London, the qipao culture brand founded by Monica Yan, has achieved remarkable milestones. It has made appearances at London Fashion Week in 2024 and 2025, as well as at London Craft Week in 2026, distinguishing itself as the sole Chinese qipao brand to feature across all three platforms. Monica Yan’s work continues to carve new paths for cultural exchange and understanding, both academically and publicly.
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