Ying Zhou

I am Ying Zhou, a Fashion Design undergraduate at the University of Southampton, dedicated to translating cultural narratives and personal emotions into tangible garments. My design philosophy centers on storytelling through material experimentation, using texture and detail to articulate complex psychological themes. My portfolio reflects a diverse range of inspirations and a willingness to challenge material boundaries. In my collection "Future," inspired by the rebellious energy of 1980s Chinese rock and Basquiat, I worked extensively with genuine leather. I created a full leather jacket to embody the "Hard Rock" spirit, demonstrating my ability to handle heavy, durable materials to convey a specific historical attitude. In contrast, my project "Medusa" explores the fragility of anxiety. Here, I utilized leather in a completely different way—as localized accents. I crafted leather fragments to mimic organic scales, juxtaposing them against softer fabrics to visualize the tension between protection and vulnerability. This experience highlights my adaptability in using the same material to achieve vastly different emotional effects. Complementing my creative work, I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate, allowing me to rigorously develop concepts from mood boards to technical realizations. My background in visual merchandising further informs my perspective on how garments communicate with an audience. I am eager to bring this narrative depth and material versatility to a forward-thinking design team.