At just 24 years old, Zane Li is making waves in the fashion industry with his brand Lii, blending cultural influences and modern styles from his journey from Chongqing to New York.
The ever-evolving landscape of fashion is being shaped by emerging talents, one of whom is Zane Li, a 24-year-old designer gaining prominence with his brand, Lii. Originating from Chongqing, a bustling metropolis in central China that has transformed significantly over the years, Li’s journey in the fashion industry exemplifies a blend of cultural backgrounds and modern inspirations that resonate with today’s trends.
Li’s passion for fashion was ignited in his childhood, largely influenced by his mother, who owned a beauty parlor and had a keen sense of style characterized by luxurious materials such as fur and iconic fashion elements like high heels and structured silhouettes. In reflecting on his formative years, Li recalls, “She loved fur, she loved a hard shoulder and she wouldn’t go out without a heel.” Her style and encouragement played a pivotal role in his decision to pursue fashion as a career.
In 2019, Li left Chongqing for New York City to enroll at the Fashion Institute of Technology, marking his first journey outside Asia. With a longstanding admiration for American fashion—particularly iconic brands like Calvin Klein and Helmut Lang, which he explored through digital platforms and film—Li was eager to immerse himself in the American fashion scene. Upon arriving in New York, he noted a stark shift in prevalent styles, with athleisure becoming the norm. This prompted him to infuse elements of nostalgia into his designs, highlighting a pre-eminence of elements from the ’90s style.
Li debuted his brand, Lii, with a women’s wear collection that revisited classic American attire. He offered a fresh perspective on staple pieces, such as ringer t-shirts and pencil skirts, by incorporating innovative cuts and modern silhouettes. The brand’s distinct aesthetic quickly garnered attention from retailers, with online fashion platform Ssense showcasing his designs.
Lii’s recognition was amplified when actress Greta Lee wore a white dress from the collection, notable for its soft, flowing folds, at this year’s Independent Spirit Awards. This moment not only spotlighted Li’s work on a larger stage but also underscored the brand’s commitment to reviving and reinterpreting fashionable lines from an earlier era for contemporary audiences.
As emerging talents like Zane Li continue to break into the fashion industry, their stories reflect not only personal narratives but also the broader trends of cultural confluence and innovation in style.
Source: Noah Wire Services
