Path To Success

Meet Yueqi Qi, The Chinese Designer Behind Blackpink Lisa's Stand-out Solo Stage Outfit At Coachella 2023

- JAMIE LEE

For 30-year-old Chinese fashion designer Yueqi Qi, fashion has always been about taking the initiative to pursue what she wants. From the age of eight, Qi already knew she wanted to be in fashion, because of the craft activity kits her mother gave her to play with. "I also watched fashion programmes on TV," she recalls. "This inspired me to cut my grandmother's pyjamas and sew them into a new garment. It was the first piece I ever made."

When Qi discovered that Central Saint Martins was one of the world's most prestigious fashion schools, she knew she had to study there. But in order to do that, the designer had to first attend a foundational art school before applying. Her efforts paid off and at the tender age of 17, Qi made the leap and moved to London. Not only did she speak little to no English, it was her first time living away from her family. Unsurprisingly, the experience made Qi grow up quickly.

In her third year at Central Saint Martins, where she would eventually attain a Bachelor's degree in knitwear, Qi got her first big break: an internship at Chanel's embroidery ateliers. "It was very inspiring to be there and learn from so many skilled workers who have been working for many years in the couturier," says Qi, of her time spent with one of the world's largest luxury fashion houses, an eye-opening experience that taught her the persistent and meticulous spirit of craftsmanship. The designer also got a chance to further develop beading techniques that would later influence her graduation collection.