Introducing Yang Du

Surrealist fashion designer Du Yang came into my life after I stumbled across her playful dragon dress, part of one of her bold collections which border tantalizingly on the fancy dress. 

Once you've had a gander at some of her work it comes as no surprise to discover that Du Yang, who reversed her name when christening the label in 2008, started out as an artist before studying fashion at Central St. Martins. Deciding art’s more fun if you’re wearing it, she proceeded to rebuff all boundaries between the two forms.

Each inspired by travel and other life experiences, Du Yang’s collections are so endearing because they show an eternally youthful and thoroughly artistic love for visual details; everything's on full blast; bright colours, bold shapes and general hugeness are ever-present.

Du Yang’s S/S 2011 collection “He is A Superman” was inspired by the toys and games of her childhood, and features oversized studded lion hats, pixellated knitwear and beautiful superhero capes.

 

 

Also slotting into the line are wearable shift dresses with neat graphics.

But for me Du Yang’s super daring and detailed knitwear is the jewel in her crown, the Budapest inspired A/W 2009 collection in particular boasting some really unique and amazingly detailed winter woollies! I think the portraits knitted into these are just incredible; there's so much expression in the faces- how do you knit that!?

    

   

 

Its clear Du Yang's designs have caught more than just the eye of the colour junkie. Du Yang’s wearable-art pieces have allowed her to grab the attention of some of the biggest names in British fashion, her CV already brimming with experience working with the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Giles Deacon, but with the trick of wearability up her sleeve, she's fast gaining popular acclaim, proving to be daring enough to make just the thing for the lady who "loves life and is not afraid to take risks.”