Today we’d like to introduce you to Yinglun Zhang.

Hi Yinglun, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey as a fashion designer and dancer began with a passion for combining movement and fashion. After graduating from Parsons School of Design in 2022, I founded IO Studio to create garments that embody the essence, movement, and performance of clothing as well as a philosophy of living.

To expand my influence, I leveraged social media to advocate for intentional living, slow living, and living philosophy. This allows me to connect with a broader audience and share my living philosophy in a meaningful way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, with many changes along the way. From developing my brand to working at Thom Browne and having my own exhibition to influencing on social media, each experience has taught me to take it slow and keep learning.

Timing was crucial when I got the chance to work at Thom Browne, a brand I admired. I decided to immerse myself in that experience fully. Fortunately, I got the job and worked on NYFW, the Met Gala, special projects, and Paris couture shows.

In April, I had my exhibition in Chelsea, exploring live performances, paintings, and sculptures. These experiences expanded my perspective beyond fashion, enriching my brand and my perception.

In September, I started creating content on social media to reach a wider audience, promoting intentional living, slow living, and a thoughtful, conscious lifestyle. Through my fashion and online presence, I strive to inspire others to live more intentionally and mindfully.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work as a fashion designer and content creator centers on using fashion and utilizing social media to make an impact and inspire people in their approach to living, wellness, and well-being.

My specialty lies in integrating the fluidity of dance with fashion, creating garments that move with the body and transform into a performance. This approach allows me to explore fashion in an abstract, artistic, and philosophical manner, treating each piece as a work of art. I’ve been fortunate enough to develop my brand IO Studio since 2022, which focuses on intentional and mindful clothing and living.

Through my designs, I aim to connect with wearers on a deeper level, hoping to inspire a conscious and thoughtful approach to life, evoking a sense of presence and mindfulness both within the fashion world and beyond. Although there may be differences in aesthetics, I strive to ensure that the same foundational roots and concepts guide both aspects of my work and I hope that this shared vision can inspire others to live with their own intentions and values, to slow down and focus more on their inner selves.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
To me, risk-taking embodies embracing uncertainty and being open to change. Every step forward represents an opportunity for growth, even amidst the unknown. For example, stepping into content creation was a significant risk. It required a substantial commitment, yet the outcome remained uncertain – there was no guarantee of gaining an audience or seeing growth. However, I hold onto the belief that as long as my ultimate goal remains clear, the path forward becomes less daunting. Regardless of the chosen route, each experience is a valuable lesson, guiding me toward my destination. Every challenge, setback, and success is a valuable lesson that guides me forward. They’re all part of the journey of learning and growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studio-i-o.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio____l___0/

Image Credits
campaign photos by Boyang Hu