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 convey the beauty and values that unite humanity.

He never hesitates to take the road less traveled or step into the unknown. His restless spirit has led him deep into the mountains to study near-forgotten crafts, scale cliffs in search of the perfect plant dye, and grow crystals for a costume that will dissolve during performance. 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. He is as much an inventor as he is a designer: ever curious, investigative, and fearless in crafting exceptional theatrical experiences.

Zhang Yu’s work has been featured across the U.S. and internationally, with highlights including 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.