Zhang Yu began his design career in fashion, but he quickly leapt into the world of theatre—and hasn’t left the stage since! Over nearly two decades, he has designed costumes for theatre, opera, musicals, dance, and traditional Chinese opera—experiences that have shaped his artistic voice and creative approach.

He believes that costume design is a narrative language—one that must speak directly to the heart of the story. Through his work, he hopes to express the beauty and values that unite all humanity.

He never hesitates to take risks or step into the unknown. His restless spirit has led him deep into the mountains to study near-forgotten crafts, scaling cliffs in search of the perfect plant dye, and growing crystals on fabric in midnight labs. Embracing both the designer and the artist within himself, Zhang Yu often blends painting, sculpture, installation art—and sometimes even dreams and hallucinations—into his work. Eccentric and puzzling as he may seem at times, he’s never once failed a show!

Zhang Yu’s work has been featured internationally, including at the 2022 USITT Conference and Stage Expo, the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the 2010 Shanghai Biennale, the 2015 Milan Expo, and the 2010 Kuandu Arts Festival in Taipei. He is now based in New York.