After several years assisting across editorial, commercial, e-commerce and film/TV, Tianyun Lan understands how the fashion world really works behind the scenes, from call sheets to creative direction.

Now balancing assisting with leading her own independent styling projects, she's carving out space for herself in a fashion world that moves fast but still rewards strong perspective. And with fashion week energy still in the air, her evolution feels perfectly timed.

How would you describe your personal style in three words?

Genderless, intuitive, balanced.

Working across editorial, commercial, e-commerce, and film gives you such a varied perspective. Which space excites you most creatively and why?

Definitely editorial. It offers the most creative freedom — often with fewer constraints than commercial or e-commerce work. When I get to pitch the direction and build the story, it allows me to experiment more boldly. Even when collaborating with a publicist or director, there's still room to explore and reinterpret a concept. Other spaces often come with a clearly defined vision, but editorial invites imagination and risk, and that's where I feel most alive creatively.

Having assisted stylists like Deborah Watson, Briana Andalore and Nico Amarca, what's the biggest lesson those experiences taught you?

Organisation and adaptability. Assisting is very different from leading your own set — you're stepping into someone else's system. On larger teams, there are often more differences than similarities, so clear communication and respect for workflow are essential. I also learned how much preparation shapes creativity: the smoother the logistics are, the more room there is for creativity. I always recommend assisting to anyone entering the industry, it's fundamental.

You've styled artists like Jeremy Zucker, Sunkis and Rei Brown. How does styling musicians differ from other clients?

Musicians are often deeply creative in how they see themselves visually. They usually have strong preferences and evolving identities, so styling becomes more collaborative. I take time to understand their personal language, what makes them feel powerful, vulnerable, experimental. When their aesthetic differs from mine, it becomes even more exciting. I ask a lot of questions and treat it like a creative dialogue. The final look is usually a blend of both our worlds.

You're currently based in New York. How has living there influenced your style and creative process?

New York completely reshaped my creative process. I studied fashion design here and worked across multiple sectors of the industry, so my perspective matured alongside the city. It's incredibly stimulating — visually, culturally, emotionally. There's always something unexpected happening. In the beginning, it felt overwhelming. But over time, I learned to filter that energy into inspiration.

Where do you currently find inspiration, whether in fashion, art or just everyday life?

It's wonderfully random. Beauty exists everywhere if you're attentive. It might be a stranger's sock pairing, a photobook I revisit, a poster on a wall, a friend's reel, or even in a nicely decorated restroom. Inspiration doesn't need to be grand.

How do you approach sustainability when styling or sourcing looks?

Sustainability has always been part of my practice. I still carry fabric scraps from when I first started sewing — they've traveled with me to countless sets because you never know when a draped solution is needed. I prioritize sourcing secondhand and redistributing pieces once they've served their purpose. I'm also intentional about supporting brands that consider longevity and material impact. Styling doesn't have to mean excess when it can be about extending the lifecycle of garments. The last thing we need is another disposable shirt.

Do you ever swap, borrow or share clothes with friends?

Absolutely! Swapping keeps fashion communal and circular. Many pieces in my styling wardrobe began as exchanges with friends. I'm grateful to my friends who let their favorite pieces become part of new stories.

If you could swap closets with any creative or celebrity, who would it be?

FKA Twigs. Her style is fearless and constantly evolving. Nothing ever feels safe or predictable.

What's one item in your closet you'll never part with?

I have a huge collection of Issey Miyake Pleats Please pieces. I travel with at least one wherever I go. They always work and are adaptable to almost any setting.

In a city where fashion week sets the pace for what's next, Tianyun's approach feels refreshingly grounded. While the fashion world often celebrates constant newness, she's more interested in longevity, secondhand sourcing and extending the life of garments beyond a single moment. Even during fashion week chaos, her commitment to thoughtful styling proves that the fashion world doesn't have to run on excess.

As the fashion world continues to evolve, creatives like Tianyun remind us that sustainability, collaboration and community deserve a front-row seat at fashion week and beyond.