The “Between People” jewellery series, crafted by cross-cultural practitioner Monica Yan, is achieving new international recognition by showcasing the intersection of human connections and traditional Chinese Pankou craftsmanship. This contemporary fabric jewellery collection is gaining significant exposure across both academic and public platforms, exemplifying Yan’s mission to integrate Chinese intangible cultural heritage into Western contexts. Monica Yan, who founded CQ London, has a vision of connecting cultures through art and aesthetics, which is now being realized more prominently in 2026.
Monica Yan was invited to Queen Mary University of London in April 2026 to deliver a guest lecture, emphasizing contemporary innovation within Chinese intangible cultural heritage. This event marked a watershed moment as it introduced the methodology of this heritage to a Western academic audience. Following this, from June 1-2, 2026, pieces from the “Between People” series will be on display at the FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics, organized by the Centre for Commercial Law Studies at Queen Mary University of London. This prestigious conference welcomes scholars and practitioners from across various global regions and disciplines such as fashion, performing arts, and architecture, and the inclusion of Yan’s work signifies its academic value beyond mere cultural exhibition.
In August 2026, Monica Yan’s curatorial expertise will be showcased at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where she will lead the Intangible Cultural Heritage section during Chinese Culture Week. This event is set to redefine the presentation of Chinese intangible heritage, positioning it within a global public arts context rather than a conventional exhibition space. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, renowned as the world’s largest arts festival, offers a platform for this dialogue between Chinese heritage and contemporary international art practices.
Monica Yan, who holds dual master’s degrees from University College London and the University of Westminster, has cultivated a career at the crossroads of European and Asian high-end industries. Her work spans finance, law, diplomacy, and culture, which she has now aligned with her cultural practice since 2016. Through CQ London, her qipao culture brand, Yan has been part of London Fashion Week and London Craft Week, marking her as the sole Chinese qipao brand to feature in these prominent events across multiple years. Her dedication to integrating Chinese aesthetics into Western life aims to foster genuine emotional connections rather than mere cultural showcases.
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