Monica Yan, founder of CQ London, is bringing her fabric jewellery series, “Between People,” to the international stage, offering a new perspective on Chinese intangible heritage. This contemporary collection, which draws inspiration from the traditional Pankou craft, aims to explore the impact of human connections on both the body and imagination. The series is set to gain academic and public attention as it debuts in both London and Edinburgh in 2026.
In April 2026, Monica Yan was invited to Queen Mary University of London to give a guest lecture, marking one of the first times that Chinese intangible cultural heritage is being introduced into a Western academic setting as a methodology rather than just cultural content. Following this, from June 1-2, 2026, the “Between People” series will be featured at the FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics, hosted by the Centre for Commercial Law Studies at the same university. This event will gather experts from the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, and Scandinavia, and the series will appear in the conference catalogue, with potential publication by Routledge. This represents a unique entry of the series into a formal academic context, focusing on themes of intimacy and aesthetics rather than mere cultural display.
Later in August, Monica Yan will take her cultural vision to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, curating the Intangible Cultural Heritage section during Chinese Culture Week. As the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe offers a significant platform for the “Between People” series, showcasing Chinese intangible heritage in a global public arts forum. This inclusion signifies a shift towards presenting these cultural elements not simply as exhibitions but as part of a broader dialogue with contemporary practices worldwide.
Monica Yan is a seasoned cross-cultural practitioner, holding two master’s degrees from University College London and University of Westminster. Her career has spanned high-end industries across Europe and Asia, including work in finance, law, diplomacy, and culture, before she channelled her expertise into long-term cultural practices. Since 2016, Monica has been exploring how Chinese aesthetics can be integrated into Western life as genuine emotional connections rather than mere cultural spectacles.
Her brand, CQ London, known for qipao culture, has been a prominent feature at London Fashion Week in 2024 and 2025, as well as London Craft Week in 2026, making it the only Chinese qipao brand to appear across all three platforms. Through her work, Monica Yan continues to bridge the gap between Chinese and Western cultural contexts, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of intangible heritage.
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