We recently connected with Man Yang and have shared our conversation below.
Man, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I enjoy continually acquiring new knowledge, learning new skills and techniques. I love sharing stories with my friends and family, discussing design details with my clients. During my downtime, I often have a period where I engage in an inner dialogue with myself.
I am thankful for the stories and people I encounter, the ever-changing scenery, and the food I consume. These are the sources of my design inspiration. Everything in life can provide me with inspiration for design and creation.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
When I was little, I lived with my grandparents who could create anything with their hands, which had a profound impact on my career in the creative industry. They raised many animals on their farm, and I loved taking care of them. The fields were beautiful, and our neighbors shared delicious food with us almost every day. My childhood was free and happy, and I am grateful to them for teaching me how to appreciate life.
After the age of six, I moved to Beijing with my parents, the capital of China. Its architecture, culture, history, and lifestyle also deeply influenced me. My parents met in Xinjiang and after working there for several years, they returned to Beijing and established an interior decoration company. They fully supported my career and generously funded my study abroad in Japan.
I am very grateful to my teachers and school, who taught me a lot of essential knowledge in the fashion industry and gave me the confidence to face the challenges of the future. During my time at BUNKA FASHION GRADUATE UNIVERSITY, I received a scholarship, graduated as the top student, and interned at various fashion brands, which gave me more industry insights. In a conversation with my design professor, Mr. Yoshida, I learned that he had worked in Hong Kong. I told him that I wanted to start my own clothing brand, and he recommended that I start my business in Shenzhen, the city with the highest GDP in China.
In the third year after returning to China, I established my clothing studio and successively released my two design series. The first one is “Time Needle”, which is almost black and white in color scheme and uses a lot of elastic fabrics. I want to convey women’s rich inner world and their cherishing of emotions. The second series is called “Le città invisibili”, named after a book by my favorite Italian writer Italo Calvino, which records 55 imaginary cities named after women. I really like this book, and the philosophy it conveys fits perfectly with my brand philosophy.
Each series is a step in my growth and gives life to my brand. I hope to provide clothes for women who are not perfect, but have wonderful lives, their own joys and sorrows, and are open-minded and empathetic.
My brand is Mirage Yang. If you are interested in my brand, you can contact me through my email, Instagram, or WeChat to get the latest look book and news about the brand. I really enjoy communicating with people. If you are planning a trip to Asia and want to visit my studio, you can also contact me through my email, Instagram, or WeChat. My partners and I are looking forward to your visit.
In 2024, Mirage Yang will launch a men’s line and continue to bring stunning women’s series, while gathering more art-loving partners to hold exhibitions. We look forward to providing a better dressing experience and visual enjoyment in the future.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe the most important skill for establishing my clothing brand is my ability to create clothing patterns. During my studies, I made a lot of clothes and learned CAD, ET, and CLO, which allows me to effortlessly realize my design ideas and bring a more comfortable wearing experience to the brand’s customers.
The most important quality is my firm belief that the mission of clothing is to add fun to people’s lives. Sometimes, it can also create a new fantastical world for consumers, embrace their bodies, and heal their hearts.
Because of my diverse life experiences, my brand always maintains inclusivity. Our team has partners from all over the world, each of whom shines in their creative work.
If you are about to start your career as a designer, I highly recommend that you pack your bags and see the world, learn professional knowledge about clothing, understand how to make high-quality clothes, try to work in a company, and experience the excitement of team collaboration.
Clothing is like a bridge, everyone can bravely go and see.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the past 12 months, I have encountered some setbacks, which have taught me to prepare multiple plans before starting a project. Changes always come unexpectedly, and having thorough plans can mitigate some risks, thus better completing the project.
I value everyone in the team more and hope that they can all shine brilliantly.
I have established a more reliable cooperation with my clients and look forward to continuing to bring more surprises to consumers in 2024.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: yolande_ice
- Other: Email:yolande147@163.com
WeChat: Ym_pro & Moonshine_147
Image Credits
Photographer:Man Yang Cat:YaYa Designer:Man Yang
