At Tokyo Fashion Week, YUEQI QI unveiled her Spring/Summer 2025 collection, titled Gilded Speed. The collection was a bold collision of influences—wrought iron, rattan furniture, and sportswear aesthetics— blending diverse elements into a singular visual language. It reflected the power of a new generation of designers: those unafraid to fuse heritage and invention, creating an aesthetic that is at once grounded and entirely their own.
If you had to define YUEQI QI’s aesthetic in three words, what would they be?
Anti-tribal, Femme, Deluxe.
What inspired the Spring/Summer 2025 collection?
This collection is called “Gilded Speed”. It tells the story of a society that’s been forced outdoors: people dressed extravagantly, walking quickly, constantly in motion. It centers around the tension between wrought iron and mesh fencing. To me, ironwork is a medium of contradiction—something forged by brute strength yet capable of becoming something beautiful. There’s also a close relationship between wrought iron and sport; think of the gridded metal fencing in American football stadiums or the mass-produced railings surrounding athletic fields…These industrial structures are functional, affordable, and deeply embedded in public spaces. Yet, when recontextualised, they become symbols of both constraint and elegance.
Clothes are meant to help people express their true, whole selves.
Yueqi Qi
What is the core message you want to communicate through your designs? What kind of female image are you trying to build?
I spent a lot of time reflecting on wrought iron as a medium: its function, form, and the metaphors it suggests. Wrought iron and wire mesh represent a perfect fusion of structure and utility: one leans toward aesthetics, the other toward pure functionality. I see this kind of harmony echoed in the relationship between haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion. Striking that balance is the life’s work of a designer. During casting, I sought women who radiated a vivid inner life—women whose personalities could bring their own world to the runway. One model, Idaishe, asked how I wanted her to walk. I told her to simply be herself, to tell her own story. Clothing, after all, is meant to help people express their true, whole selves.
You recently showcased your new collection at Tokyo Fashion Week and have received a lot of love in Japan— what are your thoughts on this? How do you create designs that resonate with people?
The reason I keep returning to Japan is the people. I truly appreciate those who support my brand— there are so many loyal customers here who seem to understand what I’m trying to do, and I’m always deeply grateful for that. Over the past few seasons, I’ve also built an incredible team, from production and PR to hair, casting, makeup, photography… The more I work with this core group, the stronger our connection becomes. As for creating designs that resonate, honestly, I started by simply making things I love— because I believe that if something speaks to me, there must be at least one other person out there who will love it too.
Your designs often feature elements of Chinese aesthetics. Why is that important to you? In your view, how should “Chinese elements” be thoughtfully integrated into contemporary fashion?
I use the character “愛” (“ài”), which means “love.” I’ve included it in my work since the beginning of the brand because I want my designs to express love. I’ve never deliberately tried to incorporate Chinese elements— they naturally emerge because they’re part of who I am. Regardless of intention, my identity will always be a part of my creative expression.
What’s next for the brand? What can we expect from the upcoming collection?
I’m currently in the research and design phase for the new collection. There are some ideas I want to continue exploring more deeply, but I’ll also be introducing fresh elements. Next season, you’ll see a completely new side of YUEQI QI.
Photography: Tak Sugita
Text & Styling: Kyle Tang
Model: Manami Kinoshita@Tokyo Rebels
Casting & Production: Marina Fairfax
Makeup Artist: Tomoki Negoro
Hair Stylist: Hirokazu Endo
Fashion Assistant: Ayu Oga
Editor
Kyle Tang
