Profile: YA-LAN LU – Only Natural Design Competitions

YA-LAN LU

Shih Chien University

Artist Statement: I am a floral designer and bridal beadwork embroidery artist whose practice explores the intersection of nature, materiality, and craft. Rooted in a deep respect for organic processes, my work investigates the poetic potential of natural materials—plant fibers, mineral fragments, and botanical dyes—through slow, tactile methods such as twisting, stitching, and layering. I view making as a form of quiet collaboration with nature, where each thread and fiber records time, memory, and transformation. Rather than imposing form, I listen to what the material wants to become. My creative process values imperfection, transience, and the silent narratives that emerge through the hands. In a world of accelerating speed, I seek to create works that invite stillness—intimate spaces where detail speaks, texture breathes, and viewers are reminded of the quiet power of the handmade.

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From Bark to Garment: Regenerative Design with Tree Fibers

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025

Material Selection and Cultural Context This work employs paper mulberry bark fiber (Broussonetia papyrifera) and organza as its primary materials. Paper mulberry is a plant rich in symbolic meaning within Austronesian cultures, traditionally used to craft bark cloth (Tapa). Its application in this design honors indigenous craftsmanship and embodies the intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge. The use of bark fiber represents both a reconnection with native flora and a tribute to indigenous memory. Organza, on the other hand, is a common material in haute couture, known for its light, translucent, and highly moldable qualities. When paired with the raw, organic texture of bark fiber, it generates a compelling contrast—both visually and tactilely. This dialogue between refinement and nature reflects the project’s core concept: a synthesis of cultural tradition and contemporary craftsmanship. The result is a garment that evokes the visual sophistication and structural precision of classic haute couture, while remaining deeply rooted in cultural narrative.