Scarlett Yang, material and virtual fashion designer from Hong Kong, China. Photography © S. Yang
1.Tell us what you do and your beginnings.
I am a London-based multidisciplinary designer with a focus on sustainability, material tactility and virtual realities. My work involves researching and developing innovative approaches at the intersection of art, design and technology.
With a background in fashion and design engineering (from Central Saint Martins and Royal College of Art), I am very interested in ideas surrounding materiality and tactility, and how we can design materials for sensual experiences and provoke discussions on society and the environment.
2.What are your favorite museums in the world? Why?
They are the Red Brick Art Museum in Beijing, Nezu Museum in Tokyo, Foam in Amsterdam, Sir John Soane Museum in London and the SALT Galata in Istanbul. On my past visits to all of these sites I have really enjoyed the spatial experience; they are all sensual spaces filled with textural architectural details. They help to make the visiting experience extra special, regardless of the work on show.
3.How important are social networks in your business? And which platform do you prefer and why.
Instagram prioritises visual content, so like many other creatives it has been a great way for people to access my projects and find out about events and things showing across the web.
I personally wish there was a social network with a 3D spatial platform so the digital medium could transform the traditional means of immersive experience better – especially during the current time of lockdowns and social distancing. Hopefully in the future this sort of 3D social will be available, helping people to archive, showcase and discuss their work much more effectively.
4.What are your future projects?
I am creating a digital material archive and in October I participated in the latest edition of the Dutch Design Week. I am also working on a digital fashion collection which exists only in a pure data form (not involving any physical materials). This project is currently in development to be virtually worn through AR and CGI in creative productions.
5.To create greater engagement among museums, artists and professionals, do you have any advice for cultural projects such as #MuseumWeek?
XR (VR, AR and anything in between) is a medium with huge possibilities in engaging people across museums, artists and audiences. I would be really excited to see more projects and initiatives experimenting with 3D platforms, tools and content.
Interview by Fabio Pariante, journalist
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Scarlett Yang on social networks: Instagram – LinkedIn – Vimeo
Scarlett Yang is a Chinese multidisciplinary designer. Her design practice focuses on sustainable design: how hybrids converge and intersect, combining bio tactile materials with algorithmic design to explore a combination of natural processes through technology to find new manufacturing methods for the future.
With algae extract and silk cocoon proteins, Yang created a glass-like dress that grows over time and can decompose in water within 24 hours. It is a biomaterial dress that changes shape based on humidity and temperature. The artist is based in London, UK.
