10 Questions with Yuxuan Gong

Yuxuan Gong is a young artist based in New York and London. With an innate quirkiness, she transforms garments into tangible expressions of identity. Gong's artistic journey is an intimate dance with patternmaking, prints, and textiles, where each stitch and brushstroke captures the essence of her imaginative perspective. Through her creations, she invites the wearer to embrace a wearable narrative, seamlessly fusing art and identity.

yuxuangong.me | @vivmoonl

INTERVIEW

Let's start talking a little about yourself. Who are you, and how did you get interested in fashion design and textile art?  

I am Yuxuan Gong, a fashion designer captivated by the world of silhouettes and shapes. My passion for fashion design originated in my early years when I watched my grandma on her old sewing machine every day. I found inspiration in the magic of how a flat fabric can create so many interesting garments. This fascination grew into a dedication to advancing the dynamic world of fashion.

Tell us more about your studies and work experiences. What are the experiences that shaped the artist you are now? 

My education at Parsons School of Design has had a significant impact on how I approach fashion and art. Parsons' curriculum highly values pushing boundaries and encouraging originality. Through my time at Parsons, I not only gained technical proficiency but also cultivated a discerning artistic vision. My professional journey includes enriching experiences at Kozaburo, where I played a key role in managing fashion collections from design to manufacture, which greatly contributed to shaping me into the designer I am today.

You predominantly work with garments. Why did you choose to work with these elements specifically? And what is your creative process like?  

Ever since I was a child, I had the tendency to use clothing to express my attitude. I found that fashion is one of the easiest ways to connect with like-minded individuals and discover your community. I'm drawn to the transformative power of clothing as a medium of self-expression. My creative process starts with articulating a wide range of research to a meticulous exploration of fabrics, and then I created multiple samples and iterations until I crafted the perfect garment that, to me, conveyed the right narrative. Each stitch and design choice is a deliberate step in crafting a narrative within the garment. 

What are your influences, and who is your ideal customer? Do you see your pieces as something that can be worn daily or more like art pieces to be displayed?

My influences are incredibly diverse, ranging from my observations of daily life, including people's behavior and emotions, to a constant source of inspiration in architecture. My ideal customer values the fusion of innovation and wearability. I believe that fashion should be a harmonious blend of expression and functionality. Some of my designs are tailored for everyday wear, designed with both style and comfort in mind, while others push the boundaries of wearable art, offering a truly unique and transformative experience for the wearer.

Do you have any role models or figures you particularly admire regarding style and design? 

I've long admired Rei Kawakubo for her incredible talent in incorporating unconventional shapes and textures into her clothing. Her seamless ability to blend artistry and fashion has been a constant source of inspiration for me. Her work consistently pushes boundaries, inspiring me to explore innovative shapes, textures, and design concepts in my own creations.

In your statement, you stress the importance of garments as a form of self-expression. How is this reflected in your pieces? 

In my creations, garments are a powerful means of self-expression. They go beyond the mundane, allowing individuals to articulate their identity and emotions through the language of fashion. Each piece I design is a testament to the belief that clothing can convey personality and make a profound statement.

On the same note, what else would you like to express or communicate with your work? What messages would you like the viewers to receive? 

I believe that fashion is a powerful medium for conveying emotions and sentiments that can be challenging to express in words. In many of my projects, I have focused on exploring the relationships between humans and their environment and the emotions evoked by these interactions. My ultimate goal is to create fashion pieces that resonate with the depth and complexity of human emotions, inviting viewers to reflect, connect, and experience a profound connection with the garments.

You work between London and New York. Do these two cities influence your work in any particular way? And if so, how? 

Working across London and New York has significantly influenced my work. London's rich history and avant-garde spirit, coupled with New York's relentless innovation, create a dynamic synergy. This blend of cultural diversity and energy from both cities resonates in my designs, infusing them with a global perspective.

As we are almost at the beginning of a new year, what do you hope to accomplish in 2024 regarding career goals and personal life? 

In 2024, I aspire to achieve tremendous growth for my brand. I will publish and exhibit a number of captivating collections and maybe collaborate with other talented designers and artists. These partnerships are a testament to the power of collective imagination, and I can't wait to see how our combined perspectives shape these events into something genuinely extraordinary. On a personal level, I am committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, fostering creativity, and nurturing personal well-being.

Finally, are there any shows or publications where our readers can find your work?

You can explore my work on my personal website, where I always showcase my latest collections. Additionally, some behind-the-work processes are available on my social media platforms. And you can also find my work featured in Not Just A Label, Flanelle Magazine, VoyageLA and so many others. 

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.