On February 16th, fashion designer Claudia Li released her Fall Winter 2022 Ready-to-wear collection titled “Once upon a time.”
Founded in 2015, Li's eponymous brand Claudia Li defines creativity and true craftsmanship by combining the designer's quirky and artistic design aesthetics and an emphasis on details.
With a unique play on silhouettes, prints, colors, and use of materials, the brand has garnered a cult following that dares to stand out from a crowd and craves special fashion pieces.
With her use of original prints and architectural silhouettes, Li paints a story to express emotions and abstract experiences into a tangible collection for today's independent women.
According to the release, The Fall-Winter Collection is an homage to Li’s Chinese heritage. Inspiration was drawn from films by director Zhang Yi Mo and memories of ancient Chinese bedtime stories that Li’s Grandma told her as a child.
A scene from Zhang Yi Mo’s movie ‘Curse of the Golden Flower,’ where the entire palace grounds were covered with chrysanthemums, inspired the prints this season: the Pink Chrysanthemum print, Flower Shower print, and the Jet Li print. ‘Chinese Red’ and ‘Jolly Green’ colors are prominent in the collection, vivid colors of scenes in Zhang Yi Mo’s movie ‘Hero.’
“Traditional Chinese silhouettes were referenced through wrapped dresses, trapezoid sleeves, and high waisted vests. Flowy silhouettes, trapeze shapes, and armor-like structured pieces were prominent throughout the collection.
For the tufted looks, Li worked with artist Sam Crow to create the tufted poncho, skirt, coat, bags, and some of the shoes. Chinese knots were interpreted into macrame honey holder bags, tote bags, and gilets with long fringes,” the release states.