Meet the designers: Joseph Li
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In the frame: Wing Shya
When you are asked to take over Shanghai Tang’s womenswear department, where do you even begin? The House of Tang considers themselves a bit of a Chinese ambassador to the world retail market, but instead of oriental embroideries, Li uses shapes to juxtapose the different eras of Chinese fashion.
A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Li was trained by Louise Wilson, who geared each one of her students towards their individual strengths. “It was only when I started working that I saw what I had learned in the classroom,” says Li.
Now Li works in collaboration with Joanne Ooi, Shanghai Tang’s creative director. “It is so important to have someone to throw ideas around with,” explains Li, “and so important to have that support.”
Finding its inspiration in works by Chinese artists such as Lu Shengzhong, Li’s latest Imperial collection showcases beautiful pieces from different eras of Chinese clothing. Made of black, grays, and jade green, the pieces are modern, wearable, with nostalgic romanticism. In fact, the designer is seeing a lot of black on this season’s catwalks. “It’s the economy,” he says. “Everyone’s playing it safe. But we make up for it in accessories.”
Li’s limited collection will be available from Shanghai Tang in October.
Read also:
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See also:
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In the frame: Wing Shya
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