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Traces of the Steppe

jiayi Fan

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Jiayi Fan, a textile designer from China based in London, weaves personal experience and cultural identity into her practice. Through knitted fabrics and experimental materials, she explores the subtle interplay between people, everyday life, and space.

Jiayi Fan, a textile designer from China based in London, weaves personal experience and cu...

Rooted in my identity as a member of the Hui ethnic group, this project reflects on the gradual disappearance of our nomadic heritage in the face of rapid urbanization. As traces of our culture fade from the cities we now inhabit, I turn to the migratory history of my ancestors to explore themes of memory, movement, and loss. This work serves as a quiet act of remembrance and a call to reflect on our shared responsibility in preserving cultural identity.

Final work

Traces of the Steppe—Knitted Shoe Collection(2025) : Horsehair  Wool  Leather  Wood
Traces of the Steppe—Knitted Shoe Collection(2025) : Horsehair  Wool  Leather  Wood
Traces of the Steppe—Knitted Shoe Collection(2025) : Horsehair  Wool  Leather  Wood
Traces of the Steppe—knit Collection(2025) : Horsehair  Wool  Leather  Wood  3D print

Research and process

Knit Sample
Process

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Traces of the Steppe

Rooted in my identity as a member of the Hui ethnic group, this project reflects on the gradual disappearance of our nomadic heritage in the face of rapid urbanization. As traces of our culture fade from the cities we now inhabit, I turn to the migratory history...

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