Designer Feature: Meng Yu

Meng Yu, BA Womenswear Graduate, London College of Fashion. 

This designer really did it for me. Her pieces ticked every box. Inspired by photographs of flowers as they began to wither, Yu’s work is based on a pure, natural and unadulterated notion which she represents in a sharp and futuristic way. “As the petals dry and fade, the accidental beauty of the flower emerges”. Yu focuses on “finding occasional and accidental beauty in everyday life”. – A charming concept to hold on to.

Did she have a muse? Frida Kahlo. An admiration for the way Kahlo dressed became an inspiration for Yu, evident in the structural components of the collection; with the long flowing skirts and bold ruffled sleeves. – All typical of traditional Mexican dress. Yu uses delicate fabrics to create beautiful structures, with exaggerated gathering at the seams.

With a neutral colour scheme and subtle pastel tones, I am drawn to Yu’s use of spilt paint and brush strokes, conveying the idea of accidental beauty. She very cleverly intertwines the traditional Mexican style of dress, with the concept of a decaying flower; resulting in a crisp, contemporary and avant-garde collection.

One talented designer and one tremendous collection; we can expect plenty more from this remarkable fresh imagination.

Instagram: @_mengmengyu

Show Photographer: Roger Dean