Edward Russell
Now more than almost ever before, the fashion industry is buzzing with a vibrant new generation of talent. One emerging designer who is blazing quite the trail is Chinese designer Lan Yu, of fashion house LANYU.
Lan Yu formed LANYU Studio in Beijing in 2005. Almost immediately, the brand began a stratospheric ascent. In 2006, Yu won the award for Best Minority Style Evening Wear, and in 2009 the China Designers Association voted her as being one of China’s Top 10 Designers. 2012 brought with it the acclaim of being voted Asia’s Most Influential Designer (fashion category) at the Asian Fashion Awards, and The Star’s Favourite Designer by COSMOBride China.
By 2013, LANYU had been declared one of China’s most exciting new brands. MSN awarded Lan Yu as being China’s Most Influential Designer, and in 2014 she was named to Forbes China’s 2014 list of 30 Under 30: Rising Stars of Entrepreneurism in China.
Lan Yu, who graduated from the Beijing Institute of Clothing Technology in 2008 and trained at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, was born into a century-old Suzhou embroidery family. Having been taught the art of Su embroidery by her mother from the age of six, Lan Yu has become adept at integrating the intricate traditional Chinese embroidery into her designs at LANYU.
By maintaining a unique balance between elegant and traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern western designs, LANYU has become a highly original red carpet choice for names like Kim Kardashian West, Olivia Palermo, Lady Gaga, Olivia Culpo, Li Bingbing, Vivian Hsu, and Nicky Hilton. And with her designs having appeared everywhere from Cannes to Venice, Tokyo, China, and Berlin; it’s no surprise that LANYU has begun taking the global market by storm.
Outlet Magazine: What’s the difference, for you, between designing a bridal and a ready-to-wear collection?
Lan Yu: A wedding is the most special day of woman’s life. When designing bridal, a piece can make much more of a statement, because you should remember that outfit fondly forever.
When designing RTW, the clothes should still make an impact, but need to adapt to a woman’s every day routine. I adapt the detail and intricacy from my bridal designs into something that a woman can feel comfortable living her life in.
Outlet Magazine: Where do you hope to see LANYU in five years?
Lan Yu: My goal is to establish LANYU’s presence in the U.S. and continue to expand the brand internationally. I would also love to see one of my dresses – either from the couture or RTW collections – worn at one of the major awards shows by an iconic American celebrity.
Outlet Magazine: What’s up next for LANYU?
Lan Yu: I would love to see someone like Amal Clooney, Rihanna or Blake Lively in my clothes–it would be great to have LANYU worn by such dynamic, hard working and inspirational women.
As a designer, I think you never stop growing–my designs are often inspired by my experience and my perception of the world, which are always evolving.
Thanks to Lan for taking the time to chat with us.
LANYU have recently launched their online store. To check it out or for more information, hop on over to their website.
