Joyce Li

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Joyce Li ("JL") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

JL : 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.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

JL : 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.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

JL : 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!

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

JL : 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.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

JL : 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.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

JL : 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!

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

JL : 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.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

JL : 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.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

JL : 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.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

JL : 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.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

JL : 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.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

JL : 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.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

JL : 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.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

JL : 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.