Today we’d like to introduce you to Kuai Li.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I studied industrial design for my undergraduate degree at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. After graduating, I worked as a design director for a travel product brand. I always incorporate elements of art and fashion when designing products and participate in the entire visual creative process. After working for several years, I decided to start learning English and prepare a portfolio to apply for a master’s degree program in fashion design. Consequently, I moved to New York City. Last year, I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology’s graduate fashion program. During my first year of graduate studies, I began consistently sharing my designs on social media platforms. Soon, many stylists approached me for collaborations, mostly for fashion magazine projects. Currently, my main collaborations involve working with celebrities and events.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been smooth, especially for someone like me who started as a beginner in a different field. I lacked basic clothing skills at the outset, so I was very panicky, particularly facing the demanding academic requirements. I would spend double or triple the time my classmates did in the production stage. The only way I could reinforce my training was by constantly draping. By the end of the first semester, I had probably conducted hundreds of draping experiments, as I considered it a positive aspect. I wasn’t constrained by traditional clothing design methods; instead, my work still incorporated many materials and structures from industrial design. Creating industrial design models is my forte, so once I mastered the basic tools, I easily translated my ideas into reality.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I work in fashion design and have my own eponymous brand, QUINE LI. I excel at merging fashion design with art, with the goal of creating timeless and iconic pieces. I began gaining recognition when I collaborated with Kylie Jenner to launch her first mascara collection. What sets me apart is likely the artistic qualities and craftsmanship I inject into my creations.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Don’t be afraid to share; boldly showcase your ideas. Believe in the power of belief if you have faith in fashion design.
Contact Info:
- Website: quineli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quine_li_/
Image Credits
Siqiao Meng
Joao Pedro Assis
Tommy Wu
Chris St Lawrence
Kevin Wang
Fang Chenzhibo
Kaia Shi
Emma Deegan
Qianqian Dong
Veronica Zweiback
@thandiroe
@grracetaylorrr
@isabelpilled
@nathangrossmakeup
@grracetaylorrr
@quine_li_
