Ying Cai

Born in Canton, China, Ying Cai is an American designer living and working in New York City. She was born into a family with four generations in the clothing business. She developed her skills in design and sewing by watching her mother sketch, draft patterns, and sew her family's wardrobe. At the age of 12, she began professional ballet training and at age 17, she received a full scholarship to study at the Beijing Dance Academy. Eventually she made her way to the United States to pursue a Master of Fine Arts at Shenandoah University . It wasn’t long before she found her way back to her family’s roots, fashion design.

She launched her eponymous label in 2015. Her early career as a ballerina has heavily influenced her awareness of proportion and informed an effortless attitude evident in her work as a designer. Her designs are simple yet elegant while letting women express their personality through color. “Since I was a child, I instantly respond to color, conveying energy and personality to me. I often find color inspiration from nature. It’s unexpected and seamlessly harmonized at the same time…” Pairing proportion with color has become the identity of the Ying Cai brand.

The designer also puts focus on quality and the finish of each piece. With the intent of creating a true luxury brand, she strives to find the best quality fabrics to reinforce the aesthetic of the brand. Cai believes the inside of the garment is just as important as the outside, a standard the designer believes is at the heart of her brand.

Ying Cai debuted her second collection in February 2016, in Hollywood, CA. Pieces from the collection were worn by Fox producer Heliya Alam at the 2016 Oscar Red Carpet; model and actress Dustin Quick at 'The Man Who Saved The World' premiere during the Atomic Age Cinema Fest on April, 2016 in Los Angeles; actress Elise Luthman at the 37th Young Artist Award as nominee and presenter which broadcasted on PBS in March, 2016.