Interview with Joyce Li
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…
Interview about Monologue Transformative Fashion Design Interview
Design Legend Interview
14 March 2025
I received my Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design from the renowned Parsons School of Design. My journey in fashion began at the age of 16 when I started learning pattern making and design. Since graduating, I have gained experience working with esteemed brands, including Oscar de la Renta, Jenny Yoo, Monique Lhuillier, SemSem, and Marcella.
I've always loved working with my hands—it’s when I feel the most relaxed and in my element. At some point, I thought to myself, wouldn't it be amazing to turn what I love into my profession? That realization led me to pursue design, where I can create, experiment, and bring ideas to life every day.
My mom was the first to suggest that I try fashion, even before I really knew what it meant. I must have been around 9 or 10, making little outfits for my Barbies out of old socks and scraps of fabric. When she saw what I was doing, she thought I might have a talent for it. The moment I heard the idea, I remember thinking, That has to be the best job in the world!
I want to design clothing that is customizable and adjustable, giving people the freedom to make each piece their own. I believe that fashion serves as a powerful medium for self-expression and exploration. My goal is to create garments that make the wearer feel truly special and authentically themselves. My goal is to create a more interactive relationship between the wearer and the designer, where pieces can be adapted in different ways to suit each person’s style and individuality.
I believe that a great designer should be both experimental and curious. It’s easy to fall back on what we know and design within our comfort zone, but that can limit creativity. Staying curious and embracing the unexpected—like those wild ideas that pop into your head at 3 AM—can lead to something truly innovative. Not every experiment will be a success, but there’s always value in exploring new possibilities and seeing where they take you.
I wish I had more time to create something special for my parents. They’ve always been my biggest supporters, and it would mean so much to me if they could experience and enjoy my designs firsthand. Being able to give back to them in a meaningful way through my work is something I truly hope to do. It would be so special—and honestly, so cute—if I designed matching sets for them!
I could see myself doing so many different things. I've always wanted to be a boba barista, crafting and serving fun bubble tea. Or, I could be studying industrial or packaging design, exploring ways to use more environmentally friendly materials while reducing waste—without sacrificing creativity or visual appeal. No matter what I do, I love the idea of blending functionality with thoughtful, innovative design.
I want to create something meaningful and purposeful—designs that not only serve a function but also bring joy to the people who wear or use them. Whether through customization, thoughtful details, or innovative elements, my goal is to make design a personal and uplifting experience for everyone who interacts with it.
I’m still on my design journey, continuously learning and evolving. I don’t have an ultimate destination just yet, but my focus is on growing as a designer every day—pushing my creativity, refining my skills, and staying open to new ideas and experiences.
I understand that fashion is a highly commercialized form of design, but it saddens me to see how often creativity is overshadowed by mass production and profit-driven replication. The rapid cycling of trends has led to excessive waste and pollution, taking a toll on both the environment and the integrity of design. As designers, we often don’t have the time to create something truly special and meaningful because we’re constantly producing to meet demand. I wish we could slow down—shift our focus toward valuing craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and quality over sheer quantity. Fashion should be about longevity and artistry, not just fleeting trends.
I’m always curious about what goes on inside a designer’s mind—how they see the world, what inspires them, and how they arrive at their designs. If I could have a superpower, I’d love to step into different designers’ shoes for a day, experiencing the world through their eyes and understanding their creative thought process. It would be incredible to learn how they interpret ideas, translate inspiration into design, and bring their visions to life.
I’m grateful to have won this award and for the opportunity to share my designs with a wider audience. I hope people enjoy learning about my work and find inspiration in it. Fame is such a tricky concept—it’s something that requires constant effort to chase and maintain. I try not to let it define me, but instead focus on the joy of creating and the journey that comes with it.
My favorite color is pink, and if I had to pick the best place on earth, it would definitely be my bed. I love to nap and dream because my dreams are always so vivid and interesting—they often become a source of inspiration for my designs. When it comes to dessert, nothing beats carrot cake. Fall is my favorite season, not just for its beautiful color palette but also for the perfect weather—ideal for layering and, of course, wearing trench coats.
Back in school, I often stayed up late to finish my design projects. No matter how well you managed your time, there was never quite enough to perfect every detail. I was so caught up in my work that I didn’t even realize my friends had planned a small birthday surprise for me. They bought a cheesecake from the deli next to school, lit candles, and even used push pins to spell out "21" on the pattern-making table. It was a reminder that while dedication to my craft is important, the moments shared with friends are just as meaningful.
Designer Interview
7 March 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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?