In a significant expansion of her work into the international arena, Monica Yan, the founder of CQ London, is showcasing her contemporary fabric jewelry series, “Between People,” on both academic and public stages. This series, which leverages the traditional Pankou craft, delves into the influence of human connections on the body and mind. Yan’s efforts are marking new milestones in the cross-cultural dialogue between Chinese intangible cultural heritage and Western contexts.
April 2026 saw Monica Yan being invited to Queen Mary University of London, where she delivered a guest lecture to a diverse group of students. Her presentation focused on contemporary innovations in Chinese intangible cultural heritage, marking one of the first occasions where this subject was explored as a methodology rather than mere cultural content within a Western academic setting. Building upon this momentum, her works will be displayed at the FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics, organized by the Centre for Commercial Law Studies at the same university from June 1-2, 2026. This conference assembles experts from various regions, including the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, and Scandinavia, across multiple disciplines such as fashion, film, theater, live art, and architecture. The inclusion of “Between People” in the conference catalogue, with potential publication by Routledge, highlights its academic significance as a reflective exploration of intimacy and aesthetics.
Further expanding her influence, Monica Yan will play a pivotal role at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2026, one of the largest arts festivals globally. She will curate the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) section during the Chinese Culture Week, an endeavor powered by CQ London. This initiative signifies a transformative moment as Chinese intangible heritage is presented not merely as an exhibition but as part of a global conversation in a public arts forum, engaging with contemporary practices worldwide.
Monica Yan’s journey is deeply rooted in her extensive experience bridging Chinese and Western cultural landscapes. With two master’s degrees from University College London and the University of Westminster, she initially built her career across high-end industries in Europe and Asia. Over the past decade, she has focused her efforts on integrating Chinese aesthetics into Western life, not as a spectacle, but as a shared emotional experience. Her brand, CQ London, has gained notable recognition, having been featured at London Fashion Week in 2024 and 2025, and at London Craft Week in 2026, distinguishing itself as the sole Chinese qipao brand to participate in these prestigious events.
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