Before starting his eponymous label, Patrick Li worked for some of fashion’s most established designers of avant-garde. Names such as Hussein Chalayan and Viktor & Rolf, and as a graduate of Royal College of Art’s MA Womenswear course, he is a true master of his craft. The pieces he creates are sculpted from his imagination, giving us an insight into Li’s world of expression. One we can’t wait to see more of.

Patrick Li will be showcasing his SS15 collection at London Fashion Week, but we caught up with the designer before the fashion season rush to find out more about the man behind the clothes.

When did you decide on a career in fashion?
Growing up I was always drawn to art and crafts, anything creative. I knew that it was something I was good at and felt great doing. Although fashion was not something that crossed my mind at first, it was the stimulating images in glossy fashion magazines that drew me in. I took a foundation course in art and design and tried out different disciplines in alternative creative areas. As a result I came to study fashion and have never looked back.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is visual and a medium of self expression.

What attracted you to London as a place to start your brand?
London is one of the most creative and exciting cities to live and work in, I have liked it ever since my first visit. There are less boundaries and rules about fashion in London, which gives it the edge over other fashion capitals. It helps promote creative start-ups.

Your designs are heavily detailed and intricate. What inspires them?
The inspiration is drawn from various elements of research, mostly from visual imagery, which I then develop from there. I have taken quite a relaxed and free approach when beginning to gather thoughts and inspiration for AW14. Instead of focusing on a singular theme, I listened to 90’s and early millennium electronic tunes, and looked at abstract black and white photography of urban objects and city landscape. I was especially inspired by the composition of repetitive patterns and regimented lines in the images. The aluminum chain details were developed from there.

What are your favourite materials to use?
I tend to work with different contrasting materials every season, however, there are always silks in my collections.

Describe the Patrick Li design ethos in three words…
Modern, clean and graphic.

Your SS14 collection was very light with flashes of neon, whereas AW14 is very dark and broody. Can we expect another bright collection for SS15?
SS15 will be light and a bit more playful. Spring/Summer is always light for me, whereas Autumn/Winter needs a stronger and more protective feel.

patrick-li.com

Tags: LFW, Patrick Li