Yang Du

Designer name: Yang Du

Origin: Dalian, North China. Du came to London ten years ago to study.

Design background: Du completed a BA in Fashion Print and an MA in Fashion Womenswear, both at Central Saint Martins. She gained experience at Vivienne Westwood, Giles Deacon and John Galliano.

Design signatures: “Fun, sexy, relaxed.”

Career highlight: “Being chosen as a finalist of ITS*7, the international talent support scheme. Showing with On|Off presents at LFW September 2009 and receiving NEWGEN sponsorship were also real highlights for me.”

How would you describe the Yang Du woman? “She loves life and is not afraid to take risks.”

Trademark piece: “The Hippo mini dress.”

What is your brand philosophy? “Be yourself.”

Price range at retail: £180 - £3,000

Autumn/winter 2012 inspirations: “Dinasours and Noah's Ark.”

What does 2012 hold for your brand? “An exclusive collection for Joyce and a presentation in Paris sponsored by On|Off. I’m also working on a feature film in the style of Marcel Grant’s Open My Eyes Close My Eyes I See You, to be shot in Geneva, Berlin and London.”

What is your favourite decade in fashion? “The sixties.”

Where do you go in London to seek artistic inspiration? “London is the place where my inspiration turns into reality: there is always space for new ideas and new possibilities.”