Monica Yan’s innovative fabric jewellery series, “Between People,” is gaining international recognition as it embarks on a new phase of exposure across prominent academic and public forums. The series, developed by Yan, who is the founder of CQ London, taps into the traditional Pankou craft to delve into the impact of human connections on our physical and imaginative experiences. As a cross-cultural practitioner, Yan is making waves by presenting this unique form of contemporary art beyond conventional boundaries.
In April 2026, Yan was invited to Queen Mary University of London to deliver a lecture on contemporary innovation within Chinese intangible cultural heritage. This marked a pioneering moment, as it was one of the first times such a practice was introduced in a Western academic setting as a methodology rather than mere cultural content. Following this, “Between People” will feature in the FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics from June 1-2, 2026. Hosted by the Centre for Commercial Law Studies at the university, the conference welcomes experts from various fields, including fashion, film, and performing arts, to engage in discussions on aesthetics and intimacy. The exhibition of Yan’s work at this prestigious event signifies its inclusion as a serious academic pursuit.
August 2026 will see another significant milestone for Yan, as she curates the Intangible Cultural Heritage section during Chinese Culture Week at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Known as the world’s largest arts festival, the Fringe provides a global platform for diverse artistic expressions. Yan’s involvement underscores a transformative approach—presenting Chinese intangible heritage within a public arts forum, fostering dialogue between global contemporary practices and traditional Chinese arts.
Monica Yan, with over a decade of experience navigating Chinese and Western cultural landscapes, holds master’s degrees from University College London and the University of Westminster. Her career, initially rooted in high-end industries, has evolved towards a long-term cultural commitment, exploring how Chinese aesthetics can seamlessly integrate into Western life beyond mere spectacle. Since 2016, her work has focused on Chinese dance, traditional attire, and intangible crafts, aiming to establish genuine emotional connections through these cultural expressions.
CQ London, Yan’s qipao culture brand, has achieved notable success by appearing at London Fashion Week in 2024 and 2025, as well as London Craft Week in 2026. Notably, it remains the only Chinese qipao brand to participate in all three esteemed platforms, highlighting Yan’s role as a key figure in bridging cultural divides through innovative and heartfelt artistic endeavors.
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