Monica Yan, the innovative mind behind CQ London, is gaining international attention with her fabric jewellery series, “Between People.” This collection, which draws inspiration from the traditional Pankou craft, aims to explore the imprints human relationships leave both physically and imaginatively. The series is making significant strides in the realm of academic and public engagement, showcasing cross-cultural creativity and dialogue.
April 2026 marked a pivotal moment when Monica delivered a guest lecture at Queen Mary University of London, discussing contemporary innovation in Chinese intangible cultural heritage. This was a groundbreaking moment as it represented one of the earliest instances where such heritage was presented in a Western academic setting not merely as a cultural artifact, but as a methodological approach. Building on this momentum, works from “Between People” are set to feature at the FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics in June 2026. Hosted by the Centre for Commercial Law Studies at the same university, this conference will see Monica’s work included in its official catalogue, with potential publication by Routledge, further embedding the series into academic discourse.
In August 2026, Monica will expand her influence at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival globally, by curating the Intangible Cultural Heritage section for Chinese Culture Week. This initiative, powered by CQ London, signifies a notable shift as Chinese intangible heritage is integrated into a worldwide public arts forum, engaging in a dialogue with contemporary practices globally. This inclusion underscores the growing appreciation and integration of Chinese cultural elements on an international stage.
Monica Yan’s journey is rooted in over a decade of experience bridging Chinese and Western cultural contexts. With dual master’s degrees from University College London and the University of Westminster, she initially built her career straddling the high-end sectors of Europe and Asia, serving clients in finance, law, diplomacy, and culture. Since 2016, her focus has shifted towards long-term cultural practice, using Chinese dance, traditional dress, and intangible heritage crafts to foster genuine emotional connections across cultural divides.
CQ London, her qipao culture brand, has made its mark at prestigious events like London Fashion Week in 2024 and 2025, as well as London Craft Week in 2026, distinguishing itself as the only Chinese qipao brand showcased across these platforms. Monica Yan’s work continues to redefine how Chinese aesthetics are perceived and integrated into Western life, emphasizing emotional resonance over mere spectacle.
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