Monica Yan, a noted cross-cultural practitioner and founder of CQ London, is bringing her innovative fabric jewellery series, “Between People,” to the forefront of international attention. This unique collection, rooted in the traditional Pankou craft, delves into the ways in which human interactions imprint themselves on both the body and the mind. Yan’s work is set to be showcased on both academic and public stages, spanning from London to Edinburgh, in 2026.
In April 2026, Yan was invited to Queen Mary University of London to present a guest lecture focusing on modern innovations in Chinese intangible cultural heritage. This marks one of the earliest instances where such cultural practices have been introduced into Western academia as a methodological study rather than mere cultural content. Subsequently, from June 1-2, 2026, her series will be displayed at the FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics, organized by the Centre for Commercial Law Studies at the same university. The conference is a gathering of experts from diverse fields like fashion, film, and architecture, representing regions such as the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, and Scandinavia. “Between People” will feature in the official conference catalogue and may also be published by Routledge, positioning the collection as a scholarly piece that challenges notions of intimacy, aesthetics, and standardization.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, recognized as the world’s largest arts festival, will host Yan as she curates the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) segment of Chinese Culture Week in August 2026. This initiative, powered by CQ London, represents a pivotal change in how Chinese intangible heritage is perceived. Instead of a traditional exhibit, it will be presented within an international arts forum, engaging with contemporary global practices.
Monica Yan has spent over a decade operating at the crossroads of Chinese and Western cultural environments. With two master’s degrees from University College London and the University of Westminster, her early career was established in the high-end European and Asian sectors, serving clients from varied fields such as finance, law, and diplomacy. Since 2016, Yan has pivoted towards cultural endeavors, utilizing Chinese dance, traditional attire, and heritage crafts to bridge Chinese aesthetics with Western lifestyles, focusing on creating emotional connections rather than cultural spectacles.
Under her brand CQ London, Yan’s influence extends into the fashion world, with her qipao culture brand making notable appearances at London Fashion Week in both 2024 and 2025, as well as London Craft Week in 2026. CQ London has distinguished itself as the sole Chinese qipao brand to be featured across all these prestigious platforms, highlighting Yan’s commitment to cultural exchange and innovation.
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