We recently connected with Jacelin Yiting Jiang and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacelin Yiting, thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Growing up in Guangzhou, I was always drawn to the interplay of history and subcultures. My fascination with merging contrasting aesthetics—heritage and rebellion, structure and fluidity—became the foundation of my design work.

When conceptualizing my MA collection, Harajuku reverie, I wanted to challenge traditional menswear by integrating the grandeur of 17th-century European court attire with the expressive energy of 90s Harajuku fashion. The biggest challenge was translating this idea into reality—how to balance historical silhouettes with modern materials while maintaining wearability.

I spent months experimenting with construction methods, replacing rigid corsetry with technical textiles, incorporating 3D-printed accessories, and developing knitwear techniques that mimicked historical detailing. Seeing these elements come together confirmed my belief that fashion is not just about aesthetics, but a medium for storytelling and self-expression. That moment of realization made all the challenges worth it.

Jacelin Yiting, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jacelin (Yiting Jiang), a fashion designer originally from Guangzhou, China, now based in London. My work explores the intersection of historical influences and contemporary subcultures, with a particular focus on blending structured tailoring with unconventional materials. I specialize in menswear, and my approach is deeply rooted in material exploration, silhouette manipulation, and an emphasis on visual storytelling.

I first became interested in fashion through my exposure to diverse cultural aesthetics growing up in Guangzhou—a city historically shaped by global trade and cultural exchange. This background allowed me to develop a fascination with both traditional craftsmanship and avant-garde streetwear, which later became the foundation of my design identity. I pursued a BA in Fashion Design at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, where I refined my technical skills, and later completed my MFA in Menswear at the University of Westminster, where I pushed the conceptual boundaries of my work.

My latest collection, Harajuku reverie, reflects this duality, merging the grandeur of 17th-century European court attire with the expressive, rebellious energy of 90s Harajuku street fashion. I challenged traditional menswear by incorporating structured silhouettes with modern material innovation—experimenting with 3D-printed accessories, technical textiles, and unexpected knitwear techniques. The result is a balance between restraint and boldness, history and modernity, function and fantasy.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to craftsmanship and material experimentation. I don’t just design clothing; I construct narratives through texture, form, and contrast. Whether it’s reconstructing historical tailoring with contemporary sportswear fabrics or embedding personal emotion into each garment, my designs are about more than aesthetics—they offer a new perspective on masculinity, identity, and self-expression.

I’m most proud of how my work has resonated with audiences. Seeing my designs featured in Vogue China, Pap Magazine, and Nasty Magazine affirmed that there is a space for this conversation in fashion. More importantly, I’m proud of how my work encourages people to see fashion as a means of personal storytelling.

For those discovering my work, I want them to know that my designs are about more than just garments—they’re a fusion of heritage and innovation, a space where the past meets the present, and where self-expression is limitless.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the core of my creative journey is the pursuit of redefining masculinity and self-expression through fashion. I aim to challenge conventional menswear by merging historical elegance with contemporary subcultures, creating garments that balance structure with fluidity, tradition with rebellion.

I see fashion as more than just clothing—it’s a medium for storytelling, identity exploration, and emotional connection. My designs reflect a dialogue between the past and present, where historical silhouettes are reconstructed with modern materials and techniques. Whether through 3D-printed embellishments that reinterpret baroque ornamentation or technical fabrics replacing traditional tailoring methods, I strive to push the boundaries of how menswear can be perceived and worn.

Ultimately, my mission is to create work that resonates on a deeper level—pieces that invite the wearer to explore their own sense of identity, challenge preconceived notions of menswear, and embrace fashion as a form of personal expression.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a designer is the ability to materialize abstract ideas into tangible creations. Seeing a concept evolve from research, sketches, and fabric manipulation into a finished garment is an incredibly fulfilling process. Each piece carries a narrative—whether it’s a reinterpretation of historical silhouettes or an exploration of personal experiences—and witnessing how people connect with those stories through clothing is deeply meaningful.

Another rewarding aspect is the constant push for innovation. Fashion is an ever-evolving dialogue, and I thrive on experimenting with new materials, techniques, and construction methods. Whether it’s integrating 3D printing into traditional tailoring or using knitwear to mimic historical embellishments, the process of discovery and problem-solving keeps me engaged.

Lastly, seeing my work resonate with others—whether through publications, runway presentations, or personal interactions—makes all the challenges worthwhile. When someone finds meaning in my designs or feels inspired to express themselves differently through fashion, that’s when I know my work has impact beyond aesthetics.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacelincheung/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacelinc24

Image Credits

‘Harajuku reverie’

Photographer: @da_daoss
Designer: @jacelincheung
Makeup&Hair: @infiio_00 @yoghwrt
Photo assistant: @sasha_andreya
Styling assistants: @casey_sy05 @randai85 @byers_ililll Models: @geegobillot @alexchanszeming @xxchengxinxx
@lucyasherratt