Victor Li Spring/Summer 2020
Victor Li Spring/Summer 2020
Victor Li Spring/Summer 2020
DESIGNER OF THE DAY

Designer of the Day: Victor Li

Victor Li’s ready-to-wear collections, tailored for the worldly male traveler, feel subtle, youthful, and down-to-earth—no surprise given the 24-year-old China native cites his own closet as chief inspiration. The globetrotting menswear designer translates lifelong artistic interests into detail-driven pieces, made primarily from Japanese and Italian fabrics, that balance casual functionality with the sophistication of a seasoned jetsetter.

Victor Li’s ready-to-wear collections, tailored for the worldly male traveler, feel subtle, youthful, and down-to-earth—no surprise given the 24-year-old China native cites his own closet as chief inspiration. The globetrotting menswear designer translates lifelong artistic interests into detail-driven pieces, made primarily from Japanese and Italian fabrics, that balance casual functionality with the sophistication of a seasoned jetsetter.

Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.

Age: 24

Occupation: Menswear designer.

Instagram: @victorli

Hometown: China.

Studio location: New York.

Describe what you make: Menswear that is inspired by travel, for the next generation of gentlemen.

Victor Li Spring/Summer 2020
Victor Li Spring/Summer 2020

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: I value each piece within the collection equally, but I have a special affinity for my very first collection. It’s sentimental for many reasons, the main being it represents where I started and how much I’ve grown.

Describe the problem your work solves: When I started, the industry was mainly serving the streetwear demographic, which is still true. While streetwear is fun and accessible, I’m trying to provide an alternative for young men who share my aesthetic and sensibilities. 

Describe the project you are working on now: I’m currently developing my Fall/Winter 2020 collection, which is slightly more elevated from my previous collections. I’m incorporating more functional design choices as it relates to travel, without compromising the inspiration. 

Victor Li Spring/Summer 2020
Victor Li Spring/Summer 2020

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: Yes! Prior to the holiday season, I’m planning a special drop. Stay tuned!

What you absolutely must have in your studio: I need lots of snacks. Hi-Chews, gummies, chocolate, chips, etc are all on my desk at some point in the day. 

What you do when you’re not working: Scouting restaurants, playing video games, trying to help my cat lose some weight…

Sources of creative envy: Rei Kawakubo.

The distraction you want to eliminate: My phone and social media.

Victor Li
Victor Li Spring/Summer 2020

Concrete or marble? Concrete.

High-rise or townhouse? High-rise.

Remember or forget? Remember.

Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.

Dark or light? Light.

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