Unbound by Convention: Yui Tai and “Open Minded” Fashion

Yui Tai is all about rule breaking. Hong Kong-born, only 22 years old, she has unleashed a voice that undoubtedly will send ripples cascading through the fashion world.

Gifted with a playful imagination, she looks to inspire others and challenge the preconceived notions of womenswear and conventional understandings of a “natural human body structure”. Building her own aesthetic theory, Yui Tai’s openness to new ideas which in turn influences her designing style is both refreshing and novel.

Nee Hao Magazine puts Yui Tai in the hot seat as she reveals her perspective on fashion.

Your “Open Minded” Collection is gorgeous – there’s a variety of shapes and interesting angles present. Can you tell us what inspired it?

My “Open-minded” collection was inspired by the artist Leigh Bowery. In comparison with other styles within the fashion world, I have discovered new possibilities of tailoring to the human body structure and finding my own aesthetic of beauty.

This collection is all about body distortion, through exaggerating volume and unique proportions. I use layers of wadding combined with different materials and leather to create my own view of a surreal silhouette for this collection.

You’re from Hong Kong but you studied in London. Has the fashion from Hong Kong influenced your development?

I was born and raised in Hong Kong. It is a busy, small city, but at the same time, there are many talented people there. It’s difficult for me to point out what influenced me, but I guess all my life experiences as a whole have basically inspired me gradually.

Did you always want to go into fashion?

I loved art lessons and have always been interested in creating little art pieces since childhood. During my secondary schooling, I started to pay attention to the fashion world and discovered my creativity through design. When I am designing, I am totally sinking into what I’m doing; that’s why I am doing fashion.

What is it about fashion that you are passionate about?

Freedom. I enjoy seeing my work inspire people. There are no rules or boundaries in fashion. When I am doing anything related to fashion, I feel this is what my life is about.

Who is your favourite designer and why?

I don’t have a specific one as lots of designers are inspiring! However, I do admire the spirit of both Yohji Yamamoto and Vivienne Westwood.