Yanyi Pu

Profile

I am a PhD student in the School of Design, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. Before starting the PhD, I completed a Master’s degree in Fashion at Kingston University London, School of Art. Before this, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Apparel Design from Jiangnan University, School of Textile and Clothing, in China.

Research interests

My research explores the modern reinterpretation of Hanfu (traditional Han Chinese clothing) from a design perspective, with a particular focus on cultural sustainability. I am interested in how traditional clothing can be meaningfully translated into contemporary fashion through designer-led approaches.

Current areas of interest include:

• The revival and reform of Hanfu design
• Cultural sustainability in fashion
• Designer cognition and cultural decision-making
• Design frameworks for culturally embedded clothing
• The intersection of heritage, identity, and modern functionality in dress

My PhD project is situated within broader discussions on sustainable fashion, intangible cultural heritage, and the role of design in cultural transmission.

Qualifications

• MA in Fashion, Kingston University London, UK
• BA in Fashion and Apparel Design, Jiangnan University, China