The contemporary fabric jewellery series, “Between People,” is gaining international recognition as it embarks on a new phase of visibility. Created by Monica Yan, a cross-cultural practitioner and founder of CQ London, the series utilizes traditional Pankou craft to examine the impact of human relationships on the body and imagination. This innovative work is set to make significant appearances in both academic and public arenas in 2026.
In April 2026, Monica Yan was invited to Queen Mary University of London to deliver a guest lecture to a diverse student audience. Her presentation focused on contemporary innovations within Chinese intangible cultural heritage, marking one of the first times this practice has been introduced in a Western academic setting as a methodological approach rather than simply cultural content. Following this, “Between People” will be showcased at the FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics, hosted by the Centre for Commercial Law Studies at the same university from June 1–2, 2026. The conference gathers experts from various fields, including fashion, film, theatre, and architecture, from regions such as the UK, Europe, North America, and Scandinavia. This exhibition marks the debut of “Between People” in an academic context, emphasizing its role as a reflective body of work rather than a mere cultural exhibit.
August 2026 will see Monica Yan curating the Intangible Cultural Heritage section during Chinese Culture Week at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, powered by CQ London. As one of the largest arts festivals globally, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe will provide a platform for Chinese intangible heritage to be presented in a global public arts space. This initiative signifies a substantial shift in how Chinese cultural heritage is shared, fostering dialogue with contemporary practices worldwide.
Monica Yan has over ten years of experience working across Chinese and Western cultural contexts as a cross-cultural practitioner and creative. With two master’s degrees from University College London and the University of Westminster, she started her career connecting high-end European and Asian industries, later channeling her network into long-term cultural practice. Since 2016, her work has explored Chinese aesthetics within Western contexts, aiming to present them as genuine emotional common ground rather than cultural spectacles.
CQ London, Monica’s qipao culture brand, has been a part of London Fashion Week in 2024 and 2025, as well as London Craft Week in 2026. It remains the only Chinese qipao brand featured across these prestigious platforms, highlighting its unique position in the fashion industry and its contribution to cross-cultural dialogue.
Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this article has been provided by independent third-party contributors, clients, or content partners. We do not independently verify the accuracy, completeness, legality, ownership, licensing, or reliability of submitted content, including text, images, videos, trademarks, or other media materials. The submitting party is solely responsible for ensuring that all content, including images and media assets, complies with applicable copyright, trademark, licensing, and intellectual property laws. We disclaim liability for any unauthorized use of copyrighted or proprietary materials by third parties. If you believe that any content published on this platform infringes your intellectual property rights, kindly contact the author above for prompt review and resolution.