For more updates about the The BoF 500 subscribe to the Daily Digest newsletter

For more updates about the The BoF 500 subscribe to the Daily Digest newsletter

{alt missing}

Xiao Li

Designer, Xiao Li

The outré knitwear designer was shortlisted for the LVMH Prize in 2015 after producing just three collections.

Biography

Xiao Li’s experimental, over-sized knitwear and humorous, brightly coloured designs won the admiration of important industry figures, such as the late designer Azzedine Alaïa and Carla Sozzani , creator of 10 Corso Como in Milan.

Studying first at the London College of Fashion , and then the Royal College of Art, where she graduated with an MA in womenswear knitwear in 2013, Li began attracting attention back in 2012, when her structured, bubblegum knitted garments won the Pitti Filatti Feel the Yarn competition — an award for innovative knitwear. The following year, Li won both the Loro Piana award for best knitwear collection and the Diesel International Talent Support prize – an accolade that led to a seven piece capsule collection in collaboration with the brand and sold exclusively at 10 Corso Como.

Inspired by modern architectural structures, and the belief that knitwear doesn’t have to be shapeless, Li combined classical techniques with moulded rubber reliefs to create dip-dyed pastel knitwear pieces, decoratively edged with silicone that British Vogue described as “marshmallow chic.”

Originally born in the small Chinese seaside town Qingdao, Li moved to London for her education and in the space of a few short years has firmly established herself as one of China’s most promising talents. In 2014, the year after she graduated from RCA, Li was chosen for Fashion Scout’s Merit Award, which provides new designers with business support and £25,000. In 2015, having produced just three collections, Li was also shortlisted for the prestigious LVMH prize. 

Li shows each season at London Fashion Week, with stockists including Dover Street Market , H-Lorenzo and 10 Corso Como.

Career

Xiao Li

Xiao Li

Designer

2013 - Present

Shanghai, China

Education

Royal College of Art

Royal College of Art

Vital Statistics

Nationality

China

Location
China
Member since
2015

Similar Profiles

Penny Martin

Editor-in-Chief, The Gentlewoman

Coco Capitán

Artist, Photographer

Erdem Moralioglu

Designer, Erdem

Christopher Bailey

Former President & Chief Creative Officer, Burberry


What is The BoF 500?

The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.