Spring 2012 Haute Couture: Yiqing Yin's Animalistic Elegance

Presenting amidst the historic décor of the ancient Couvent des Récollets, Yiqing Yin’s first official haute couture show as an invited-guest during Couture Week strongly impressed.

Demonstrating that she can balance experimental, yet wearable designs, the young Chinese-born designer alternated free flowing elaborately-draped creations in silk and jersey with more sculptural designs that used micro-pleating and crystal embellishment to create interesting 3-D effects.

Some of her silhouettes dared to bare some flesh with asymmetrical cut-outs that created a sensual silhouette while still remaining restrained. "Animality without being provocative," was how she described her collection.

The promising designer excelled with her constructions utilizing fur as she introduced shaved fox fur in few designs.  White fox fur was delicately meshed onto white tulle and lace for a short dress, while a fur coat with matching hat had thick silver fox pelts stitched together in a symmetrical, organic pattern to form what looked like the totem-like face of an animal, creating a memorable look.

As Published in Couture by Designaré – Vol 2 (April 2012)