Whether creating striking couture or innovative uniforms, renowned designer Luly Yang begins with the same foundation: Deep listening and seeking an empathetic understanding of the essence of the person or brand she’s designing for.
Many of Yang’s designs are inspired and informed by nature, beginning with the iconic Monarch gown in 1999 that spurred a career pivot from graphic design to haute couture. “I love watching the seasons change, how nature reveals itself, quietly and without interruption. My last collection, Made in Nature, was rooted in biomimicry. I believe there’s so much we can learn from the way nature lives among us,” she says. “I’ve always felt a deep connection to the ocean. I walk along the waterfront often, which is part of why I chose Kirkland, it’s so beautiful, with public beaches and open walkways. Water is life for me. I have family in Asia, and when I dip my finger into the lake or Elliot Bay, I feel connected to them, and to the rest of the world.”
Remarking on her personal and professional development over the course of her acclaimed career, Yang says, “Over time, we naturally evolve — especially when we’ve dedicated decades to our craft. But what has remained constant for me is the importance of the human touch. At the heart of my work is a desire to design for people, to enhance their lives in meaningful ways. Whether it’s helping someone feel more beautiful, confident, more comfortable, or simply more like themselves, that’s where I find true joy.”
While she loves all of her designs — “They’re like my children,” she says — Yang has special memories of the finale dress from 2008’s 20/20 collection, a stunning black and white optical illusion piece. “It was a first-draft drape, that happens sometimes. I still remember that day in our Seattle studio, just two weeks before the show date. It was brought to life together with our master seamstress, who’s been with us since day one,” she recalls.
“I remember that time vividly, preparing for the show, the tension, the focused energy, the healthy kind of stress. Then the moment it all came to life: Four of us dressed the model backstage. She walked out, and the parachute skirt ballooned as she walked forward and seemed to float down the runway. I loved the volume, the movement, the poetry of it. But what stayed with me most was the process of creating it, not just the gown itself.”
Bellevue Lifestyle previewed Luly Yang’s new experiential showroom, currently under construction.
The Monarch By Luly Yang
Debuting in spring of 2026, the showroom resides on Central Way in Kirkland. Envisioning a lake house feel, Yang is preserving the 12” concrete walls of the original 1940’s building and meticulously retrofitting and curating the space for guests and the community. She says, “I would like The Monarch to tell stories throughout the year. I see it as an art form. I want to invite other artists to come in and collaborate with me in this space.” The Monarch will offer limited-edition and luxury ready-to-wear pieces, bespoke gifting, and the opportunity for clients to select prints, details, and trims to create a personalized “demi-custom” design, where their story becomes part of the piece.