DESIGNER'S DOORWAY

Luly Yang

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet Luly Yang Fashion Focus Biography

orn in Taiwan, and arriving in the U.S. at the age of ten, Luly Yang’s first career as an adult was in the field of architecture, which fed her love of global travel. Although she began sketching as a young girl in the mid-70s, mostly, she designed clothing for fun and for herself. But, by the late 90s, it was clear her talents were to take on a life of their own.

In 2000, she opened her own studio to do custom bridal designs, and by the next year, she took the natural step of branching out into evening wear. In just a few years, she had a huge fan base, both locally and nationally, enabling her to launch her sixth big collection in 2007.

At the same time, Luly’s business was getting support outside the fashion world. She was given the Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year award and opens her first international store at the Beijing, China Fairmont Hotel in Fall, 2008.

Luly holds a design degree and worked as a fitness instructor for 16 years. Her studio works 50 to 70 custom garments at a time, with custom-made pieces ranging from $2,000 to $25,000.

Today, Luly’s designs are worn by Hollywood stars such as Vanessa Minnillo and political first ladies. Her favorite colors, the colors of the ocean, often end up in her designs. When she’s designing, she doesn’t hear anything. When she wants to listen to something, she craves Brazilian music and all things Latin.