The “Between People” jewellery series, crafted by Monica Yan, is making waves in the international cultural scene. This collection, rooted in the traditional Pankou craft, showcases how human connections imprint on both our bodies and imaginations. As the founder of CQ London, Yan is spotlighting Chinese intangible cultural heritage through her innovative work, which is gaining attention across academic and public platforms.
In April 2026, Yan was invited to Queen Mary University of London to deliver a guest lecture on contemporary innovations in Chinese intangible cultural heritage. This marked a groundbreaking moment as it was among the first instances where this cultural practice was introduced as a methodological approach in a Western educational institution. Following this, the series will be featured at the FIVE LEAF Conference on Law and Aesthetics from June 1-2, 2026, hosted by the Centre for Commercial Law Studies at Queen Mary University. With participation from scholars and practitioners worldwide, this conference will see “Between People” included in its official catalogue, potentially leading to publication through Routledge.
Monica Yan’s work will also be prominently featured in August 2026 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where she will curate the Intangible Cultural Heritage section during Chinese Culture Week. This festival is one of the largest arts gatherings globally, and the inclusion of an ICH strand signifies a new era of presenting Chinese heritage within an international arts forum. This approach allows for a dialogue between traditional Chinese practices and contemporary global arts.
Monica Yan’s cross-cultural expertise is backed by over a decade of experience bridging Chinese and Western cultural contexts. Holding two master’s degrees from University College London and the University of Westminster, Yan began her career in high-end industries across Europe and Asia, later shifting her focus to long-term cultural practice. Since 2016, her work has delved into Chinese dance, traditional dress, and intangible heritage craft, aiming to integrate Chinese aesthetics into Western life as authentic emotional experiences rather than mere cultural spectacles.
Through her brand CQ London, Yan has showcased her qipao culture at significant events such as London Fashion Week in 2024 and 2025, and London Craft Week in 2026, establishing it as the only Chinese qipao brand to be featured across these platforms. Her efforts continue to redefine how Chinese intangible heritage is perceived and appreciated in the global cultural landscape.
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