Fashion Design School of Design
Yijie Liu

Hello, my name is Yijie Liu, and I’m a Y4 student in Fashion Design. My design philosophy focuses on the integration of practicality and cultural storytelling. I enjoy blending traditional elements with contemporary structures to express both aesthetic perspectives and emotional depth.
My portfolio centers around themes such as “humans and nature” and “culture and journey.” One of my key inspirations comes from the documentary “Paths of the Soul,” which portrays Tibetan pilgrims on their spiritual journey. I explore the needs of long-distance travelers through functional design, incorporating weather-resistant, durable materials and considering details like storage, flexibility, and protection during movement. At the same time, I draw from traditional Tibetan garments for color palettes, forms, and symbolism.
Hope you enjoyed the show. 🙂
Works

The Path of soul
This project was inspired by the documentary Paths of the Soul, which follows a group of Tibetan villagers on a pilgrimage to the sacred Mount Kailash. Their journey, marked by perseverance and hardship, reminded me of the pilgrims I once saw in Tibet and sparked the idea of combining traditional Tibetan clothing with modern outdoor wear. I drew parallels between these pilgrims and long-distance hikers, both needing durable, waterproof, breathable, and functional garments. Inspired by Tibetan silhouettes and their practical use of clothing, such as wearing garments “half on, half off” for temperature regulation and using clothing for storage, I explored how features like drawstrings, zippers, and multifunctional pockets could enhance outdoor gear. I also experimented with draping and mixed fabrics to replicate the Tibetan silhouette while keeping functionality. I referenced the vivid color schemes of Tibetan prayer flags and local garments to add cultural depth and visibility. My chosen muse is Lhakpa Sherpa, the woman who has summited Everest most often. Her strength and love of the outdoors inspired the collection’s spring/summer aesthetic—combining gorp-core style with practicality for adventurous consumers who value performance and cultural storytelling in their everyday outdoor wear.