We were lucky to catch up with Yiwei Wu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yiwei, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
Embarking on the journey to cultivate my risk-taking ability has been a transformative experience rooted in my passion for fashion design since middle school. Despite a lack of formal artistic education until university, the pivotal decision to confront the fear of risk arose during my college years. Recognizing the importance of seizing opportunities while young, I share the steps I took to develop my ability to take risks.
First and foremost, I undertook a thorough exploration of my options. In my sophomore year, I immersed myself in a tailor’s workshop and attended classes at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology. Engaging in collaborative projects with students from various Beijing fashion institutes, this hands-on experience deepened my passion for fashion design. The commitment and enthusiasm I invested in learning bolstered my confidence to take risks, marking a crucial step in my personal development.
Subsequently, creating contingency plans became paramount. Juggling studies in fashion design alongside core academic courses demanded significant effort, often with sacrifices. Yet, securing a safety net through consecutive years of earning scholarships and active participation in graduation job fairs provided reassurance, reinforcing my courage to navigate uncertainties.
Lastly, envisioning the worst-case scenario and acknowledging my ability to withstand it served as the linchpin of my risk-taking journey. Understanding personal responsibility became fundamental; knowing the extent of responsibilities one can bear is indispensable. By delineating these three key principles, I not only developed the courage to embrace risk but also discovered an unwavering determination to pursue my passion. I believe that with a similar mindset, others can find the courage to take that leap of faith in their own endeavors.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In my 27-year journey through life, the interplay of art’s brilliance and the wisdom of business has added nuanced layers to my pursuit of dreams. A captivating journey unfolded at the intersection of creativity and diligence, where I navigated the realms of art and commerce.
Beginning with a background in mathematics, I ventured beyond conventional boundaries, crafting innovative clothing collections using functions and infusing them with modernity through 3D printing. These creations found a prominent place in exhibitions across Chicago, New York, and London, establishing a robust foundation for my subsequent endeavors in the art world.
Capturing the attention of Uniqlo, my designs were prominently featured in the windows of their flagship store in Chicago, blending seamlessly with Uniqlo’s foundational pieces. This collaboration not only elevated the brand’s image but also resonated within the art world, particularly when my designs took center stage at MoMA PopRally × New York’s 2019 performance.
Although invitations from esteemed platforms like Project Runway followed, external circumstances led me to return to China, where I contributed three months to the secretive preparation of Dior’s haute couture exhibition. Simultaneously, I played a role in designing limited-edition footwear for Nike’s 2020 Shanghai release, creatively fusing urban elements into my designs.
After this illustrious artistic career, I made a bold decision to transition from artistic creation to the role of a buyer. Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between art and business, I am determined to inject the fashion industry with innovation and vitality through my unique aesthetic and business acumen. This shift provides an opportunity for deeper immersion in the fashion market, laying the groundwork for future entrepreneurial ventures.
Analyzing the fashion market, I posit that modern consumers may not inherently prioritize the originality of clothing, and substantial investments in creating original designs may not yield proportional returns. Instead, breaking through this dilemma may lie in powerful media presence and unique aesthetics. My philosophy emphasizes that the transmission of design and aesthetics extends beyond external beauty, delving into a profound understanding and expression of culture, history, and society.
In the pursuit of dreams, my life insights have grown richer. I believe that the pursuit of dreams is not a solitary endeavor but a broader societal responsibility. Each transformation and decision I make is aimed at better leveraging my own value.
For the aspiring young generation with dreams, I offer profound advice. I encourage them to tread carefully on the path to realizing their dreams, emphasizing patience and perseverance. A passion for fashion design involves understanding fabric characteristics, human body structure, and dedicated practical efforts. Combining artistic creation with business is crucial and requires immersion in the industry, accumulating experiences, and finding one’s unique position. Preparation in various aspects, especially for fashion designers, involves clear identification of personal strengths and realistic planning, avoiding daydreaming and ensuring prudent time and financial cost calculations before taking action.
While working as a buyer, I continued designing during my spare time. My designs were featured in iapm Shanghai’s shopping mall anniversary celebration, making me one of only five global designers invited. I spent a month creating 16 mini dresses, managing every aspect from fabric selection to accessory pairing, exhibiting them in both Beijing and Shanghai.
Two years into my role as a buyer in Shanghai, I resigned from a high-paying stable job to pursue an MBA in the United States, self-funding my education with two years’ worth of savings. This decision stemmed from repeated considerations of the future prospects of a buying career and served as a significant life experience. In the U.S., I began operating social media, gradually deciphering trends and patterns on online platforms. Remarkably, I gained thousands of followers on the Asian-popular social platform, Xiaohongshu, expanding gradually to other platforms. The auxiliary effect of social media on any industry is formidable, and this has become a crucial consideration for my future development. Subsequently, I may leverage the power of social media and the internet to take my career to new heights.
Now based in New York, I continue not only with aspects of my previous clothing design work but also integrate my buying experience. Utilizing the power of social media, I am actively involved in exhibition operations and corporate promotion.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I had to choose three essential qualities for success, they would be the blend of art and business, adaptability with resilience, and the knack for media and self-promotion.
Firstly, mastering the blend of art and business is fundamental. Recognizing the synergy between these two worlds has been a cornerstone of my success. For those embarking on their journey, it’s crucial to seek out experiences that marry creativity with commerce. Whether through collaborative projects, internships, or dual studies, understanding both realms provides a strong foundation for a future in the creative industries.
Secondly, adaptability and resilience are key. My path has been full of unexpected twists and learning from these experiences has been vital. For newcomers, it’s important to embrace change and see challenges as opportunities to grow. Being flexible and resilient transforms potential setbacks into valuable lessons, paving the way for a successful career.
Lastly, understanding the importance of media and self-promotion cannot be overstated. In today’s digital age, effectively using social platforms to showcase your work and communicate your personal brand is essential. Starting early in your career, focus on building a narrative that resonates with your audience and leverage these connections to foster opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Together, these three qualities can significantly impact one’s professional journey, especially in fields where art and business intersect.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents have been a steadfast source of strength throughout my journey. Initially, they were more inclined to intervene in my decision-making process. However, as they witnessed my dedication and efforts, they made the unconditional decision to believe in me. This has been a crucial factor in my subsequent artistic endeavors. Whether providing emotional support or financial assistance, they stood by me during the most challenging moments, fueling my eagerness to succeed.
Given that my father is a wordsmith with a keen and imaginative mind, I often turn to him for inspiration when my creative process hits a roadblock. His intricate thoughts and whimsical ideas become a valuable resource during these times, enriching my artistic journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: yiweiwu1115
- Other: xiaohongshu（Redbook）：无疑为惟一wuyiwei1115
Image Credits
designer： Yiwei Wu
