Lan Yu: Couture designer changes meaning of 'Made in China'

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Chinese-born Lan Yu is regarded as one of Asia’s most talented and influential designers, earning widespread recognition from celebrities and the media, especially in her own country.

The 31-year-old learned Suzhou embroidery, a type of traditional Chinese embroidery handed down through three generations of her family.

Photo of Lan Yu.

After graduating from Beijing Institute of Clothing Technology, Lan continued her study at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. Combining elements of East and West, her designs balance Chinese embroidery techniques with Western structural designs.

Favored by superstars, Lan’s pieces are regularly featured on celebrity clients on the red carpet and at both domestic and international film and music festivals. Lan has already accumulated an impressive number of achievements, despite her youth.

Chinese actress Dong Xuan in wedding dress designed by Lan Yu. /Photo from Lan Yu

A couple years ago, she was inspired by the rush of female celebrities getting married in the Chinese showbiz world and decided to turn her attention to designing fabulous wedding dresses. The shift in focus gained her widespread attention as her gowns have been worn by well-known actresses Luo Haiqiong, Dong Xuan, and Hu Ke.

Chinese actress Hu Ke in wedding dress designed by Lan Yu. /Photo from Lan Yu

Dubbed “the Chinese queen of couture wedding dresses” by Chinese media, the designer describes her philosophy for designing these extravagant gowns as being not about the dress, but about the bride herself. Lan told CGTN that she designs pieces for each person’s character and more importantly, for love.

Chinese actress Luo Haiqiong in wedding dress designed by Lan Yu. /Photo from Lan Yu

Lan started her namesake studio –Lan Yu at the age of 19, and later grew into the LANYU brand, which now is headquartered in Beijing with stores in Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Sydney.

Photo of Lan Yu.

As one of several Chinese designers who are making their way onto the world stage, Lan Yu hopes to change the perception of "Made in China." She wants the audience to appreciate the amazing artisans of traditional Chinese art as well as to see a Chinese designer with international ambitions.

(Top video credit to Lan Yu)