Ying Lai

Inspired by the ingenuity of rural life, this project transforms discarded materials into new design possibilities. Growing up in southern China, I saw how my elders repurposed waste—turning stones and old mattresses into functional chairs. Their resourcefulness shaped my design philosophy. Through silhouette studies, patchwork, and mannequin experiments, I explored gestures, bindings, and stacking inspired by these objects. Using second-hand fabrics and old garments, I tore, reconstructed, and reimagined them—giving new life to the unwanted. My work reflects a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the quiet wisdom of making do.