What makes an It girl? Sure, she’s got style, but she also boasts a unique point of view and an empowered, individual spirit that shines through everything she does. These women just have something else about them — you get it, we get, and Sportsgirl gets it, too. So we’re giving our favourite Australian It girls a pen and a platform to share what it means to live life their way.



Yan Yan wears Floral Crinkle Wrap Dress ($89.95) and Biker Jacket ($149.95).

On How Her Asian-Australian Background Shapes Her Work

Growing up, I was often insecure and confused about my culture and identity as an Australian-Chinese girl — it's so confusing when you're trying to figure everything else out as an adolescent. It was important for me to have an outlet where I was able to feel confident, safe and connected to both cultures, and I found this through fashion. I was very much influenced by both East and Western fashion publications, where both cultures would interlace through imagery and writing. "Fitting in" and taking pride in your identity is always hard, especially for young women and men who experience racism. I guess what I'm really saying is that I hope the perspective I bring into the Australian fashion scene is more than just a pretty outfit, that it's a representation of Australian-Chinese identity — an identity I am proud of, and something that can inspire other young women and men to be proud as well!

'Fitting in' and taking pride in your identity is always hard, especially for young women and men who experience racism.

On What it Really Takes to "Make It" in Fashion

I don't think people realise what my previous work experience is and how I actually got to where I am. . . With the internet, social media and the rise of social media "celebrities," I think there is often this misconception that success can happen overnight — which makes sense, because everything is so much more accessible. But I feel like the days of interning, hard work, long hours, and that hustle element are often forgotten because we see everything through rose-coloured shades. And this goes for everyone in the creative industry! All this hard work people put in sometimes just doesn't get enough credit, there's no air time on how they got there. I think it's something that we should talk about more, to educate the next generation.

On How to Create Good Social Media Content

I've always been quite real with what I portray on social media, or at least I've tried to be! Even with the brands I work and align with, everything I do, I strive for as much honesty as I can. Because I've kept my internet and real-life persona as one, I think young women can relate and connect to me more easily. And I don't bite! I also don't like precise planning or having expectations. I prefer to be creating with the flow, I think that's where the best work comes from. . . Try not to force the funk!

I feel like the days of interning, hard work, long hours, and that hustle element are forgotten when you see everything through rose-coloured shades.

On Stopping to Smell the Roses

I absolutely love my job — it's pretty special having the ability to connect and inspire people from around the world! But my least favourite part is how fast-paced everything can be. In the middle of all the chaos and rush, I always force myself to stop and really appreciate where I am and what I'm doing in that exact moment. I take that time to reflect, because if I don't I'll forget the special moments. Even though I love good company, there's nothing I enjoy more than spending days by myself.