Xiaoyu Zhu

Xiaoyu is a cross-disciplinary designer and artist from China who specialises in soft materials. Her work encompasses interactive installation art, fashion, and textiles. By combining electronic technology, sensing techniques, laser cutting, and traditional knitting, she explores the subtle resonance between humans, nature, and technology.

Her team and she are continuing their collaboration with the Imperial College London's PhD Laboratory on the project Intelligent Health Monitoring Clothing System for the Elderly.

In 2023, she showcased her works during London Fashion Week and was awarded First Prize Postgraduate Student Bursary by the UK Textile Society.

In 2022, She brought the sponsorship of yarn company Shi-Kwan to RCA, and her works were exhibited at Clerkenwell Design Week

My final project name is RESONANCE

I can feel the vibration of nature in heaven and earth.

I yearn for the state in Chinese Taoist thoughts,

feeling nature within and self without, to a subtle bliss.

Can humans resonate with the nature and universe?

I want to create such a breath.

Let my textiles be birds, waves, forests,

Chirruping, flying, floating, drifting,

As you breathe.

I focused on exploring the resonance between humans, nature, and technology.

I utilised sensing, motor technology, and laser cutting while building upon the traditional logic of knitting cycles.

Through mathematical calculations, my textile manifests the vibrations of nature.

The movement of the human body serves as a trigger, demonstrating the potential physical and spiritual resonance between humans, nature, and technology.