We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Joyce Li ("JL").
Joyce Li is a Parsons School of Design graduate whose work debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2021. Her graduate collection was featured in Vogue Italia, Harper’s Bazaar UK, Schön! Magazine, ELLE Taiwan, Vulkan, and more. Known for her interactive and transformable designs, Joyce invites wearers to personalize each piece, forging a deeper connection with their clothing. Her aesthetic blends sculptural silhouettes, clean construction, and a soft, muted palette to evoke a sense of quiet elegance.
Joyce Li Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Joyce Li.
Joyce Li Design - See Our Moonlight Revels Garments
Joyce Li Design - Monologue Transformative Fashion
Designer Interview of Joyce Li:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
JL : From a young age, I struggled to sit still and focus for extended periods unless I was engaged in artistic activities. I have always found it easier to express myself through images, colors, and forms. My first encounter with sewing was in the third grade when, without any formal instruction, I instinctively picked up a needle and began creating. Using a pair of old socks, I started draping fabric on my Barbie doll, intuitively understanding the concept of front and back garment pieces simply by observing the clothing in my closet. As my skills developed, my projects became more intricate. What began as designing clothes for dolls evolved into crafting stuffed animals from socks. In high school, I created my first life-sized wearable piece using cardboard boxes, eventually progressing to learning pattern-making and sewing my own prom dress. My curiosity for fashion design and construction only deepened over time. I solidified my decision to pursue fashion design in middle school when I independently traveled to California to attend a pre-college program at the California College of the Arts. Immersing myself in the studio, I dedicated long hours to sketching and crafting garments by hand. This experience was transformative, as it marked the first time in my life that I felt deeply invested in something, pushing myself to refine my skills and expand my knowledge in the field.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JL : I enjoy designing clothing that is playful and dynamic. Most of my designs are modular or transformative, allowing them to be altered or adjusted based on personal needs and preferences. This adaptability is what makes my work both unique and engaging. Even if two individuals own the same piece, the way they wear and style it can create entirely different looks and expressions. I love the idea of collaborating with my audience—my designs are only truly complete when they are worn and personalized, becoming an extension of the wearer’s identity.
DI: What is "design" for you?
JL : Design, to me, is the art of creating something that is both functional and aesthetically compelling. It is about addressing common challenges through a creative lens, where even the smallest details can have a significant impact. In fashion, for instance, design has the power to enhance the wearer's confidence and overall sense of self. A well-executed design leaves a lasting impression, fostering meaningful connections and positive associations. Design should be interactive and adaptable, allowing for personalization to meet the unique needs of its users.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JL : Although my background is in fashion design, I do not confine my creative expression solely to garments and textiles. I believe that all artistic disciplines are interconnected, influencing and enriching one another. Much of my inspiration comes from architecture, pottery, and industrial design. When designing a fashion collection inspired by other art forms, I see it as more than just creating clothing—I am also shaping structures, objects, and lifestyles.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
JL : I have many favorites, making it difficult to choose just one. I am inspired by strong design concepts, innovative construction, thoughtful use of color, and unexpected elements in design. I enjoy studying these aspects, drawing inspiration from them, and incorporating them into my own work.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
JL : I can't recall the first design I ever created for a company, but I do remember working on holiday greeting cards, which remains one of my favorite projects. The creative process and the opportunity to design something festive and meaningful made it a truly enjoyable experience.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
JL : I have a deep love for sewing, and if I had to choose just one fabric to work with for the rest of my life, it would be wool gabardine. I am drawn to fabrics with a subtle shimmer, as they add dimension and movement to a design. Wool gabardine strikes the perfect balance—it allows for beautifully structured, tailored garments while also offering a graceful drape. It provides just the right amount of versatility, giving me room to experiment and create with both precision and fluidity.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
JL : I feel most inspired when exploring museums, browsing through vintage shops, or reading magazines that offer insight into a designer's creative process. I love imagining how I would approach a design if given the same materials or theme. Interestingly, some of my best ideas come to me during flights, train rides, or long car journeys—moments when my mind is free to wander without constraint. My creative process often begins with a simple "what if," allowing me to push boundaries and explore unexpected possibilities. Sometimes, I even surprise myself with what I come up with.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
JL : I am deeply passionate about form and silhouette, with a strong focus on creative pattern-making. I love experimenting with fabric, exploring different ways it drapes and moves. Much of my design process involves hands-on exploration—manipulating shapes and textiles directly on a dress form to discover unexpected and intriguing structures. Through this approach, I am able to create designs that feel organic, innovative, and unique.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
JL : Designing evokes a complex mix of emotions—intrigue, inspiration, and challenge. These feelings shift as I progress through different stages of the design process. At times, I am energized by new ideas and possibilities, while at other moments, I am pushed to overcome obstacles and refine my vision. This dynamic flow of emotions is what makes the design journey both exciting and fulfilling.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
JL : The design process often begins with a release of anxiety and self-criticism, which gradually gives way to a sense of fulfillment. As I work through the challenges and refine my ideas, the pressure eases, and I begin to feel a deep sense of accomplishment when the design comes together. This journey from uncertainty to satisfaction is one of the most rewarding aspects of creating.
DI: What makes a design successful?
JL : I believe a successful design should be rooted in universal or relatable concerns and emotions. It should resonate with the audience, prompting them to pause, reflect, and engage. The power of design lies in its ability to provoke thought and evoke a response, creating a meaningful connection with those who experience it.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JL : I consider whether the concept or objective behind the design has been successfully fulfilled. It’s important to assess if the design aligns with the initial vision and effectively communicates the intended message or purpose. A design that meets its objectives is one that has truly achieved its potential.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JL : I enjoy exploring art forms outside of fashion, as I tend to find myself repeating ideas if I’m inspired by other fashion pieces. I strive to create something as original as possible. That’s why I’m drawn to architecture, pottery, furniture, and inanimate objects with intriguing shapes—they offer a fresh perspective and allow me to think outside the box.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
JL : My design process is not linear; it involves a lot of back and forth. I usually begin with a vague idea or research direction. I start by collecting photos and images that I am drawn to, then create collages to explore shapes and textures. From there, I test out ideas in fabric or paper to see how they materialize. As I review everything I’ve gathered, I look for underlying messages or patterns in the things that have captured my attention. Often, I find myself revisiting the internet or browsing through books to refine and consolidate my ideas.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
JL : 1. a ceramic bowl I made myself. 2. an organic-shaped vase designed to hold a flower in its drying state to highlight the life cycle of a flower 3. a hand loom that I turned into a necklace organizer 4. my modular bed frame 5. my peel and stick wall paper
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
JL : Do you know how to sew? Did you have someone make the collection for you or did you make it yourself? Would you wear some of your designs?