Monica Yan, the founder of CQ London, is showcasing her fabric jewellery series, “Between People,” as it gains international recognition. This contemporary collection, which employs traditional Pankou craftsmanship, delves into the impact of human connections on both the physical and imaginative realms. As the series evolves, it is finding a place on both academic and public platforms, bridging cultural heritages across continents.
In a significant milestone for Chinese intangible cultural heritage, Monica Yan was invited to speak at Queen Mary University of London in April 2026. Her lecture, aimed at a global audience of students, focused on modern innovation within this cultural domain, marking one of the first times such a topic was introduced in a Western academic setting as a methodology rather than mere cultural content. Following this, from June 1-2, 2026, “Between People” will be featured at the FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics at the Centre for Commercial Law Studies. This conference assembles experts from various regions, including the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, and Scandinavia, who specialize in fields such as fashion, film, theatre, live art, and architecture. The inclusion of Yan’s work in the official conference catalogue, and its potential publication by Routledge, marks its formal entry into an academic dialogue that challenges notions of intimacy and aesthetics.
Monica Yan’s influence extends beyond academia to the global stage of the arts. In August 2026, she will curate the Intangible Cultural Heritage section of Chinese Culture Week during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, under the auspices of CQ London. Known as the largest arts festival worldwide, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s embrace of Chinese intangible heritage within this context signifies a pivotal shift. This approach places Chinese cultural traditions in direct conversation with contemporary global practices, moving beyond exhibition to a broader public arts discourse.
With more than a decade of experience navigating the intersection of Chinese and Western cultural landscapes, Monica Yan is recognized as a cross-cultural practitioner. Her academic achievements include two master’s degrees from University College London and the University of Westminster. Early in her career, she engaged with high-end European and Asian industries, serving sectors such as finance, law, diplomacy, and culture, before channeling her network into sustained cultural endeavors. Since 2016, Yan has utilized Chinese dance, traditional attire, and intangible craft to integrate Chinese aesthetics into Western contexts not as mere spectacle, but as a shared emotional experience.
Monica Yan’s brand, CQ London, has made significant strides in the fashion industry. It is the only Chinese qipao brand to have been featured at London Fashion Week in both 2024 and 2025, as well as London Craft Week in 2026. These appearances underscore her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through her innovative work.
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