LISLIE YEUNG

...experimenting and pushing the boundaries of footwear

Born in Hong Kong, Lislie was educated in England and America from the age of 7 as her parents believed in exposing their children to different cultures and experiences. Lislie always had an interest in arts and crafts throughout her schooling and enrolled in Parsons’ BA fashion program in New York. After her BA, Lislie worked in New York for several years, designing women's clothing and shoes for a few different companies. She found a lack of emotional connectivity and meaning in her work and decided to enrol in the MA footwear program at Cordwainers where she was able to experiment and push her boundaries. The final MA collection was based on Albinos and the emotional responses they evoke in each of us. The aim was to capture those qualities and emulate the same mood in the collection, using different textures of white and blush tone materials. A large range of exotics and Solstiss lace materials were used to represent the rarity of albinos and their delicate nature.

Nothing inspires me like…
Innovation, creativity, originality and honesty. I get inspired by anything interesting and exciting. Learning, taking risks and being open to anything is inspiring.

I hope…
To do what I love and have it mean something to someone without selling out. To be true to myself and build a name for myself based on things I believe in.

Cultural influences…
I love travelling and going to places I have never been. I prefer less touristy places where you get a sense of the community and history of a place and culture.

I got where I am...
From following my instincts and taking risks. Stepping out of my comfort zone and keeping focused on what my ultimate goals are in life.

Fashion can sometimes...
Be a little too intense and silly. I respect and love the industry, but it’s not like we are curing cancer... sometimes a little forced, it’s best when great things just happen.

Money makes…
Making decisions so much harder, it can change the route you take. For me it’s always between money/selling out or meaning/being happy with what I do.

Did you know…
My siblings' and my name are created from my mom and dad’s put together. Dad-Basil / Mom- Eileen / Sis- Baleen / Bro- Eisil / Mine ( Sil turned to Lis, Eil turned to Lis= Lislie) I love it!

Love now because…
To love anything and anyone is wonderful and a huge driving force. Love makes the world go round!

Faith in…
Yourself and others; a little faith goes a long way, especially in this industry.

Pain comes from…
Giving something your all and then failing. Losing something important. If there is no pain in my life, then I’m not trying hard enough.

I live East…
Not by choice. I heard many scary things about my neighbourhood before I moved here but love it, it’s easy and the people are more fun.

I wouldn't pay for…
Sex..haha! Child labour, anything that isn’t legit. Blood diamonds…

I'm an emotional retard...
I love being emotional but only in my own privacy. I cried during the trailer of "Precious", "Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution", a lot of shows make me queasy inside, then I snap out of it and get back to work…

My mum...
Is the most inspiring and giving person I know. Unconditional in everything she does. Inspires me to be the best person I can be…

I like making...
Food! When I have the money to buy good groceries, I like to cook. I like using my hand and doing stuff; I used to love watching "Art Attack" as a kid and then making what they taught that day, usually things you can find in the house.

LISLIE YEUNG ON NJAL