Hong Kong is a city where silk meets steel; where echoes of the past bends to fit the rhythm of the present. Jessica Ng, founder of JESSICA, and Grace Choi, the creative force behind Yi-ming, sat down to explore heritage, innovation, and empowerment. Grace has channeled her deep-rooted passion for oriental design into a global mission—one that empowers women by reimagining traditional garments like the cheongsam. By blending cultural heritage with contemporary relevance, she’s crafting a narrative that resonates across borders, making the past accessible and meaningful in the present.

From Catwalk to Creation: Grace’s Fashion Evolution
Grace Choi’s journey into fashion design melds varied experiences. Before founding Yi-ming, she made her mark as a runway model, walking for legendary designers like Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang, and Hermès. Those years on the catwalk were more than glamorous moments—they were a masterclass in aesthetics, fit, and the transformative power of clothing, skills that have proved crucial in her work today. Off the catwalk, Grace sharpened her organizational prowess and creative vision by founding and running Gorgeous Productions, an event management company. This blend of artistry and pragmatism gave her a holistic foundation, enabling her to design pieces that resonated with people on emotional, cultural, and practical levels.

Her transition into fashion design felt natural, sparked by a sharp observation: the underrepresentation of rich oriental culture in modern fashion. Seizing this opportunity, she launched Yi-ming to bridge that divide. “I was inspired to create Yi-ming to promote our rich oriental culture in a modern context,” she says, reflecting on the gap she saw at the time. “I wanted to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fashion.” Her ambitious yet clear goal was to celebrate heritage, empower women to embrace their identities proudly, and make oriental fashion accessible and relevant today.

 “You’re trailblazing—making a difference in your sector. In your case, it’s about fashion and being a voice for Chinese culture,” Jessica said. The sentiment underscores the significance of Grace’s multifaceted background within her work—not only as a designer, but as an advocate and role model for women striving to balance their personal passions with professional ambitions.

For Grace, the leap into design was deeply personal. Growing up in Hong Kong, she developed a love for the cheongsam, captivated by its elegance and the cultural stories it told. Yet she noticed a disconnect: younger generations often dismissed it as a costume, relegating it to the past. “When people think of oriental fashion, they often associate it with special occasions like weddings or ceremonies,” Grace explained. Determined to shift this perception, she envisioned Yi-ming as a brand that could breathe new life into these designs, making them accessible and versatile for everyday wear.

Reimagining the Cheongsam: Tradition with a Modern Twist
At the heart of Yi-ming lies a philosophy of balance—honoring tradition while embracing modernity. For Grace, the cheongsam is more than a garment; it’s a representation of elegance, femininity, and cultural pride, a timeless emblem she chose as the cornerstone of her brand. By reinterpreting it for modern wearers, she’s not only celebrating her heritage but sharing it with a global audience, inviting them to hear its story.

“Chinese elements can appear old-fashioned, but they shouldn’t,” Jessica noted. While the techniques and shapes of traditional Chinese clothing hold an inherent beauty, interpretations vary from person to person. Grace echoed the sentiment, emphasizing accessibility as her guiding principle. “We incorporate Eastern techniques into more modern clothing,” she explained. By offering ready-to-wear options in standard sizes, Grace encourages women of all shapes and backgrounds to incorporate these pieces into their daily lives.

Yi-ming’s signature East-meets-West aesthetic is a testament to Grace’s skill in balancing these worlds. Traditional elements like the collar, Chinese knots, and front lapel cutting remain sacred, while innovative silhouettes and materials bring a fresh perspective. “Today’s women lead busy lives, so I prioritize comfort and functionality in my designs,” she notes. Stretchy, comfortable fabrics and a range of sizes make her garments practical yet elegant. “Accessibility is crucial,” she asserts. “I believe everyone should have the opportunity to wear and appreciate traditional garments like the cheongsam.” This approach transforms the cheongsam from outdated relics into a fresh, timeless part of modern fashion.

Finding Inspiration: Grace’s Creative Spark
Grace’s creativity thrives on the unexpected, drawing from the world around her. “Traveling is one of my greatest sources of inspiration,” she shares. From the neon lights flickering across Hong Kong streets to patterns etched onto mundane objects like air conditioner units, Grace finds beauty in the everyday. Once, she spotted a pattern that captivated her. “I took a picture of it,” she said, “and months later, I tweaked it slightly to create one of our signature prints.” This knack for finding beauty in the everyday highlights her unique approach to design—one rooted in curiosity and adaptability.

Her journey hasn’t been without hurdles. In her early days, traditional tailors pushed back against her modern innovations. “They would say, ‘This can’t be done,’” she recounted. “But we persisted because we knew innovation was key to reaching a broader audience.” Balancing respect for tradition with the demands of modern consumers required patience, negotiation, and countless iterations. Yet, Grace viewed these obstacles not as setbacks, but as opportunities for growth. “Each challenge teaches you something,” she reflected. “It pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you evolve.”

Motherhood and Self-Care: A Balancing Act
As a mother of two young children, Grace navigates the delicate balance between nurturing her family and pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams. This dual role has taught her invaluable lessons about time management, self-care, and the critical importance of prioritizing her mental well-being to sustain both her personal life and professional growth.

“When I was your age, I devoted all my energy to the kids,” Jessica, a mother of three, reflected. “During the COVID season, we spent a lot of time together. Then I started looking for me time.” This resonated deeply with Grace, who admitted that she too had faced similar struggles. 

“There are moments when it feels overwhelming,” she shared candidly. “If you’re a mom, you know how it is—when your kids cry or get hysterical, you feel frustrated.” But rather than striving for perfection, Grace focuses on finding balance. “Sometimes, you need a small break—when you come back refreshed, it’s better for the kids,” she said. “If your home environment is positive, it fuels your energy to perform better at work—and vice versa.”

Her realization came after years of overextending herself, often at the cost of her own health. “Many moms take on too much, myself included,” she reflected. Recognizing this, she began carving out time for herself—whether through a rejuvenating facial, a brisk run, or simply a quiet moment of reflection. “I’ve realized that balance isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about recognizing that balance is necessary,” she said. “Taking care of yourself is important.” These small acts of self-care have become her lifeline, sustaining her through the demands of motherhood and leadership.

Grace also leans on community. “Sometimes, you simply can’t handle everything,” she explained, sharing how she occasionally babysits for other struggling moms. “I think mutual understanding and assistance are essential.” This spirit of support reflects her belief that balance is a collective effort, not just an individual pursuit.

Fashion as Empowerment: Yi-ming’s Mission
Yi-ming is empowerment stitched into every seam. “The cheongsam represents elegance, femininity, and cultural pride,” Grace said. “It is a timeless garment that embodies the beauty of our heritage. By choosing the cheongsam as the focus of Yi-ming, I aim to honor its history while reinterpreting it for modern wearers.” Her designs celebrate individuality and connect wearers to their cultural roots.

Beyond clothing, Grace envisions Yi-ming as a platform for community and connection, especially among women. “Through Yi-ming, I strive to educate others about our heritage while creating pieces that resonate with a global audience,” Grace shared. One of the ways Grace fosters these connections is through workshops, which highlight the importance of cultural heritage in fashion. “I wanted to create pathways for young people to explore and express their cultural backgrounds with pride,” Grace explained. 

Collaborations amplify her reach. Her groundbreaking partnership with Disney—where Yi-ming became the first brand to create a cheongsam-inspired category for Disneyland—merged traditional design with Disney’s iconic characters, introducing oriental culture to a global audience. Another triumph was her mahjong-inspired collection. At the time, incorporating game motifs into high fashion was unconventional, even risky; but Grace trusted her instincts. “I wanted to create something fun and uniquely tied to Hong Kong culture,” she explained. Fans embraced it, wearing the pieces to mahjong games and sharing joyful photos. “It’s heartwarming to know that our designs bring people together and spark happiness—that’s what keeps us going.”

Pioneering the Future: Grace’s Vision for Yi-ming
A former model turned entrepreneur, Grace harnesses collaboration to fuel innovation. Under her leadership, Yi-ming has grown beyond evening gowns into a lifestyle brand, offering resort wear, accessories, and children’s lines as she adapts to community needs. Projects like the Botanic Fantasy collection, which blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital printing, showcase her commitment to pushing boundaries. 

 “You incorporate the oriental techniques into more modern clothing, so it’s not just for show; it's more wearable for different occasions,” Jessica noted—a forward-thinking approach that inspires through designs and initiatives, positioning Grace as a catalyst for change and sparking connections that ripple beyond the runway.

Beyond the Runway: Amplifying Impact
Grace Choi’s influence reaches far beyond the runway. Through her designs, she empowers women to express themselves with confidence and authenticity, encouraging self-assurance by connecting wearers to centuries of heritage in every stitch. “If you feel comfortable, you’ll have confidence,” Grace asserts—a philosophy that strikes a chord with professional women balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities.

She also champions education as a tool for empowerment, weaving oriental touches into everyday wear to introduce younger generations to their cultural roots. “Social media plays a role in making traditional garments appealing to younger audiences,” she acknowledges. Platforms like Instagram amplify her reach, showcasing the beauty of oriental design and inspiring individuals worldwide.

A Legacy of Harmony and Hope
Grace’s journey with Yi-ming is a masterclass in balancing tradition with modernity, motherhood with career, and creative expression with business acumen—a harmony between her brand philosophy and personal ethos. By bridging disparate worlds, sparking innovation, and uplifting women, she redefines what it means to honor one’s heritage in a fast-evolving world.

Looking ahead, she sees a future where fashion serves as a unifying force. Yi-ming will expand collaborations, planning partnerships with artists and brands to promote intangible heritage, art, and culture while advancing sustainability. “We’re exploring sustainable practices and expanding our digital presence,” Grace reveals. Educational programs and workshops aimed at empowering young designers and artisans are also in the pipeline, nurturing future talent.

Her ultimate goal is a legacy of appreciation and innovation. “Through Yi-ming, I envision a world where fashion celebrates diversity and empowers women to rise, express their stories, inspire and uplift one another, and create lasting societal impact,” she explained. In her hands, the cheongsam transcends cloth, becoming a symbol of unity, creativity, and enduring empowerment.