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She Builds

Ruwei Yu

Profile picture of Ruwei Yu
My name is Yuri, and I am a designer who works across disciplines, often integrating architecture, art history, and social concerns—especially women’s rights—into my creative practice. In my project She Builds, I explored traditional Chinese woodworking techniques such as mortise-and-tenon joints, and combined them with innovative bag constructions like a fully expandable whole shoe gusset. Through these methods, I aim to challenge conventional craftsmanship and find new ways to express structural beauty.

Deeply inspired by both Eastern and Western design philosophies, I enjoy translating cultural elements into contemporary fashion accessories. As a feminist, I focus on understanding and responding to the real needs of women, striving to design products that empower and serve them in their daily lives.

My name is Yuri, and I am a designer who works across disciplines, often integrating architecture, a...
She Builds is more than a design project—it’s a cultural manifesto. By fusing Haipai architectural motifs, 1930s female pioneers, and traditional Chinese symbolism with modern craftsmanship (CNC, 3D printing, and laser-engraved leather), the work redefines “heritage” as dynamic rather than static. Modular functionalities adapt to women’s multifaceted lives—commuting, socializing, traveling—mirroring their negotiation between tradition and autonomy. The bag becomes a vessel: carrying both professional ambition and generational memory, it declares, I build, thus I belong. This is not a rejection of the past, but its evolution—where technology and history collaborate to build belonging.

Final work

whole shoe gusset bag, lacer engraving, black color

Commuter Handbag

A bag designed to support the work needs of professional women. As the weight of items increases, the bag gradually opens and has a larger capacity. And the leather carving technique is used inside the bag to make the entire luxury piece perfect in both external and internal details.
CNC wood, leather,

Evening Bag

According to the different scene needs of women, the dinner bag meets both the aesthetic and functional requirements in terms of appearance. Can accommodate large capacity settings such as mobile phones, powders, lipsticks, and napkins. There are also handles for various wearing styles obtained through measurement. The combination of wood and leather also achieves a blend of Chinese and Western styles in the theme.

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She Builds

She Builds is more than a design project—it’s a cultural manifesto. By fusing Haipai architectural motifs, 1930s female pioneers, and traditional Chinese symbolism with modern craftsmanship (CNC, 3D printing, and laser-engraved leather), the work redefines “heritage” as dynamic r...

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