Meet Yinan Mao | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yinan Mao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yinan, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
For me, “my work=my life=my interests”. I am fortunate to have found a career path that I am passionate about, which prevents me from getting burnt out even while working long hours. However, I also love to explore other areas of interest through workshops, which not only help me to open my eyes but also allow me to meet new people.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I pursued my career in design, I found myself becoming increasingly fascinated by the diverse local cultures that exist throughout China’s different regions. During my travels, I have encountered many inspiring people and breathtaking landscapes that continue to fuel my creativity. One of the most enriching aspects of my experiences has been the opportunity to connect with local communities and learn about their unique stories and ways of life. As a designer, I am always seeking new ways to capture and preserve the beauty of these moments in my work. Through the process of deconstructing the various elements of Eastern culture that I have been exposed to, and integrating them with my own aesthetic and fashion philosophy, I am gradually developing my own distinct design language

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would highly recommend visiting Guizhou, China, as it offers a unique landscape and rich culture. One can explore the breathtaking mountains, rivers and fields, or delve into the fascinating world of mysterious ethnic group cultures.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to my parents for their unwavering support and encouragement that have kept me going. Secondly, I need to thank all the amazing people that I have come across in my life, who may not be artists or designers, but have inspired me and helped me grow in different aspects. I strongly believe that I have shouted out to them in person. Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to this platform for providing me with the opportunity to share my story with more audiences

Website: yinanmao.com

Instagram: yinan_mao

Image Credits
Credits: Garment: Yinan Mao Accessories: Yinan Mao Photographer: Steven Zhan and Patrick Model: Kyra Ehle and Payton