Yvonne Lin, the visionary behind YIBRI, has created a brand that resonates far beyond the realm of fashion. Drawing inspiration from the concept of vibration and the connection it fosters, Yvonne’s approach merges timeless design with contemporary sensibilities. In this interview, she delves into the philosophy behind YIBRI, how her diverse life experiences shape her vision, and the values that guide her brand's evolution. Discover how YIBRI blends aesthetics with authenticity, offering more than just clothing—it’s an invitation to a like-minded community.

Nicolle: What inspired you to choose the name "YIBRI," and how does the concept of vibration resonate with your design philosophy?

Yvonne: The name "YIBRI" is inspired by the word "Vibri," meaning vibration in Esperanto. To me, vibration is a metaphor for how we connect with the world and each other. YIBRI reflects my inner world as a designer, embodying my energy and beliefs. I hope it attracts like-minded individuals who resonate with similar values, forming a community that amplifies our strengths and creates something greater together. As a sensitive and intuitive person, I experience the world through how it makes me feel. I often connect with people based on the energy they give off. I believe everything we do carries energy, and when that energy is positive, it attracts others aligned with it. For me, positive energy is essential in both work and life.

My designs are not just about aesthetics or function, but about creating a deeper connection, authenticity, and harmony. YIBRI is my invitation for others who share these same ideals to join a broader, like-minded community. Together, by sharing our energy, creativity, and intuition, we can create a ripple effect—growing stronger, more connected, and building something truly meaningful. Whether it’s through design or personal interactions, I want to cultivate an environment where positivity, intuition, and shared energy are at the heart of everything we do. Ultimately, YIBRI is about creating connections that transcend the surface, fostering a community built on deeper, more meaningful vibrations.

Nicolle: How do you envision YIBRI fostering a sense of community among people who share similar energy and beliefs?

Yvonne: Community has always been important to me, especially considering my background. I was born in China, moved to Canada, spent about ten years there studying, and then moved to London, so I’ve lived almost equal parts of my life in each place. For me, finding a sense of belonging after moving and settling in different places has always been important. Many of my friendships have formed through shared interests and mutual passions.

There’s an instant connection when you discover someone who appreciates the same artists, designers, or ideas. I envision YIBRI fostering community in much the same way—by sharing what resonates with me, I hope to attract others who share similar tastes and values. YIBRI is meant to be a space where people who connect on an aesthetic and energetic level can come together, exchange ideas, and grow collectively. YIBRI is about more than fashion; it’s about creating a deeper connection with my audience. I want to learn from the people drawn to YIBRI—their lifestyles, what they seek in their daily lives, and what they desire for special occasions.

Through this exchange, we can build something meaningful together. Ultimately, I see YIBRI as a platform where shared energy and creativity lay the foundation for a vibrant, evolving community.

Nicolle: Can you elaborate on how your designs merge timeless elements with contemporary fashion, and how this reflects your personal vision?

Yvonne: One of the things I’ve realized about clothing and design is that I don’t want my pieces to carry too much historical weight. While I do appreciate history, I prefer not to dwell on the past, both in my life and in my creative process. For me, history can feel heavy and restrictive, making it harder to break free and create something new. That’s why staying rooted in the contemporary is so important to my work—not necessarily chasing the "new," but focusing on the "now."

In my designs, I try to strip away the sense of past or future and return to the essence of what clothing means. I prioritize form and functionality, aiming to create pieces that are timeless in their simplicity and purpose. My designs don’t need to follow trends, because I don’t follow trends much myself. Instead, I want my work to resonate with the present moment—something relevant and wearable today, without being tied down by the constraints of a specific era or fashion cycle.

This approach reflects my personal vision, which is about embracing freedom in the present. My goal is to create clothing that allows people to express themselves authentically, without feeling the pressure to conform to any particular trend or time. By merging timeless elements with a contemporary mindset, I aim to offer designs that are versatile, adaptable, and free from the weight of fashion history, while remaining firmly grounded in the here and now.

Nicolle: Your mission emphasises creating a wardrobe that embodies style, function, quality, and purpose beyond trends. How do you balance these elements in your collections?

Yvonne: For me, the most important aspect of designing clothing is creating something that is both wearable and practical, while still being beautiful. I design pieces based on what I would want to wear myself. In my second collection, "HOMECOMING," I focused on the concept of home and comfort. I wanted a coat that felt cosy and light, which led me to use 3M Thinsulate for a quilted coat. It’s incredibly warm and lightweight, even though the insulation is invisible from the outside. This is where style meets function, with thoughtful craftsmanship behind it.

I live a busy lifestyle, and I believe many people do as well. So, I always consider how clothing can support daily activities without getting in the way. When designing, I think about the weight, care of fabrics, functional sleeves, and well-placed pockets. I imagine how people will wear the pieces and what activities they’ll be doing in them. My goal is to create clothing that enhances the wearer’s lifestyle, turning it into an asset rather than a limitation. In my new collection, 25SS, we pleated this textile so that is beautifully wrinkled. The idea was to design a shirt that can be pulled straight out of a suitcase and still look great, reflecting the needs of a real, mobile lifestyle where perfect ironing isn’t always practical. Ultimately, I strive to balance style, function, and quality, creating pieces that are purposeful, easy to wear, and free from the pressure of trends.

Nicolle: You mention celebrating the human form's inherent contradictions, such as fragility and resilience. How does this theme manifest in your designs?

Yvonne: The contrast between fragility and resilience is something I find deeply intriguing in the human form, especially in the people I meet and work with. I’m fascinated by the unexpected interplay of these qualities, but I don’t look for them to meet in the middle. Instead, I love when they coexist at opposite ends, each retaining its full intensity. Perhaps this comes from the Gemini side of me, embracing both extremes without diluting either. In today’s world, we often need to be tough, constantly juggling multiple roles while keeping our vulnerabilities hidden.

Yet, I believe there’s immense power in embracing that vulnerability, being soft and honest while also maintaining the hard shell that protects it. Both qualities, strength and softness, are equally charming to me. I want the women who wear my pieces to feel that balance between strength and softness, to tap into their authentic feminine energy. That genuine, gentle strength is incredibly powerful, and I strive to reflect this duality in my work, celebrating both the toughness we need and the equally important softness. Stylistically, I love to explore the contrast between masculine and feminine elements.

The interplay of softness and hardness is a constant theme in my designs. I often combine men’s and women’s wear cuts, blending boxy, structured silhouettes with body-hugging shapes. I also experiment with contrasting materials, pairing soft, delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon with heavier, rugged textiles such as linen and denim. This fusion of opposites—whether in design or fabric—mirrors the contrast of fragility and strength that I find so compelling in the human form.

Nicolle: As YIBRI continues to grow, what values or principles will remain central to your brand's identity and evolution?

Yvonne: As YIBRI continues to grow, I want it to evolve into a lifestyle brand that extends beyond fashion. The values that define YIBRI—such as craftsmanship, collaboration, artistic authenticity, and self-development—are deeply connected to my personal journey. I’ve always believed in the importance of creating art that reflects genuine personal expression, and I’m passionate about collaborating with other artists and creators to bring fresh ideas to life.

Collaboration is essential to YIBRI’s growth, as it allows the brand to engage in a broader artistic and cultural dialogue, not just showcasing individual pieces but telling a larger story. I envision YIBRI as a brand that grows alongside both myself and my audience, developing its own unique character and personality over time. While YIBRI evolves, it will always stay true to its core values, continuously expanding in its expression and reach.

As YIBRI continues to evolve, Yvonne Lin remains committed to the values of craftsmanship, collaboration, and authenticity. Her designs reflect a balance of strength and softness, mirroring the duality of the human experience. YIBRI is more than a fashion label; it’s a space for connection, shared creativity, and personal expression. For those seeking a brand that celebrates individuality and community, YIBRI is a place where style meets meaning, and where every piece tells a story of connection and vibration.

Find them on Instagram at yibri_official or via their website: www.yibri.co.uk
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Nicolle Knapova is a little bit of everything. She is a freelance translator, content creator and social media executive for The C Word Mag. She loves indie music and is always browsing through Spotify to find the next amazing artist to obsess over. Her love for storytelling means she’s always writing something and she’s not afraid of any genre. Her biggest dream is to be a published author. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly.

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