If we had to define the work of Andrea Jiapei Li – a Beijing born, New York based design – in short, we would have to point out her use of structural garments and innovative materials. Yet, what gives true value to her creative output, are the meanings and messages hidden underneath layers of material. Although Andrea Jiapei Li studied at Parsons The New School for Design, one of the most important and innovative design schools, and held internships at 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diane von Furstenberg and Edun, her work rose to prominence when she was chosen among eight finalists of the H&M design award for 2015.
Her design aesthetics is characterized by a profound reflection on the meaning of design and the stories it can tell, as expressed, for example, in her latest collection “I am what I am”. The collection speaks about accepting individuality and who you are, both with literal prints, as well as through more subtle features present throughout the collection, with the knot-pieces reminding us of the importance of self-acceptance. Andrea Jiapei Li’s idea and ambition is larger than just making clothes: she is able to unite her design and technical knowledge with an understanding of society, to create not just pieces that are “right in time”, but collections that bring stories and messages to life.
