Living Textiles

A New Narrative in Fashion

By McKenna Mears | Photography by Maude Arsenault

Ying Gao is revolutionizing the fashion landscape with her unique approach to interactive fashion design. Based in Montreal, Canada, she brings her creative concepts to life—almost literally—through garments that embody movement and emotion. Her creations are more than just clothing; they are animated pieces of art that reflect the fluidity of water and the dynamism of nature, sparking conversation.

Gao’s captivating work has gained recognition worldwide and has been showcased in various exhibitions. She encourages individuals to embrace creativity and think beyond traditional fashion. Her designs illustrate that clothing can go beyond functionality, inspiring the imagination.

2 5 2 6 

One of her standout collections, 2 5 2 6, exemplifies this philosophy. In this collection, Gao draws inspiration from non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the metaverse, resulting in garments that twist, breathe, and bloom—simulating the essence of virtual clothing. The name 2 5 2 6 signifies the hours she meticulously dedicated to crafting these pieces, from initial sketches to final stitches.

While these garments can be worn, they are more conceptual than practical, inviting viewers to engage with fashion on a deeper level. Gao challenges the idea that all fashion needs to be utilitarian; instead, her work encourages thought and creativity. This collection highlights the growing connection between technology and humanity, blurring the lines between digital and physical realms.

In creating these two polymorphic garments, Gao has also developed a new soft material that combines glass, precious metals, and silicone, pushing the boundaries of textile innovation. As a designer, she explores the notion of intangible garments and the virtual body, considering the implications of fashion in a digital age. Gao’s interactive fashion design in the 2 5 2 6 collection redefines our perception of clothing and opens up new possibilities at the intersection of art, technology, and personal expression.

PURPLE SKIN

In a world where fabric often tells a familiar story, Ying Gao’s Purple Skin invites us into a narrative of transformation. These garments go beyond conventional roles, becoming dynamic objects of fictional design where Gao’s artistry truly shines. Crafted from an artificial “skin,” Purple Skin is not just a piece of clothing but a living entity that evolves with its wearer. Through complex construction methods, Gao has infused materials like silicone, glass, and 20-micron poly with life, creating a texture that bends and reshapes. Each configuration evokes the delicate folds and fragility of human skin.

“This imitated skin can take on different configurations and fall under various material frameworks,” shares Gao. “Through this fluidity, the skin re-appropriates a given material’s properties, becoming it, but also taking on new meanings.”

PAPER WORK

Another notable collection by Gao features materials such as recycled dry-cleaning bags, kraft paper, and recycled pattern paper, emphasizing her commitment to sustainability.

Packaging can serve as a protective layer, keeping dust at bay and preventing damage while bringing together various elements. Gao explains, “Paper Work garments position the idea of a protective covering as a virtue that draws on an ambivalence: Is it a hindrance? Is it an eventuality trapped in the heart of a concept, rendered obsolete? In the contradiction lies completeness.”

The Paper Work series—crafted from years of collected pattern papers and dry-cleaning poly bags—showcases a thoughtful approach to upcycling, transforming discarded materials into meaningful designs.

Through her collections and interactive fashion projects, Gao encourages us to see garments as living, breathing (sometimes literally!) entities—art that connects with our experiences and emotions. In her world, clothing becomes a platform for exploration and thought. As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, she reminds us that fashion is as much about storytelling and self-expression as it is about practicality.

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To view more of Ying Gao’s work, visit www.YingGao.ca and follow @livingpod on Instagram.