From a young age I have shown a unique style of painting, photography and design. Constantly exploring myself and maintaining a rebellious spirit is the main thrust of my artistic pursuits. I went to Jiangnan University to study Fashion Design and began to pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer. My major in undergraduate studies was Fashion Design and Technology, which is actually an engineering major. Therefore, in addition to mastering the techniques of design, pattern making and garment making, I am also skilled in draping and fabric manipulation. I will get my master’s degree at SAIC in May this year.
Cut & Mend, 2021
Look 1, womenswear by Yichen Li.
Cut & Mend, 2021
Look 2, womenswear by Yichen Li.
Cut & Mend, 2021
Look 3, womenswear by Yichen Li.
Cut & Mend, 2021
Look 4, womenswear by Yichen Li.
Cut & Mend, 2021
Look 5, womenswear by Yichen Li.
Last year I saw a news about bullying in a middle school. The news reminded me of some things I have experienced when I was in primary school. When I was young, I had black and long hair, and I liked to tie my hair very high. One day in class, a boy sitting behind me cut my hair with scissors. I was sad for a long time after this. My parents were very angry when they heard about it, but the teachers and the parents of the boy thought it was just a joke. The little boy was too naughty. He did it because he just wanted to get my attention. And I never got a formal apology from the boy.
Joke, this word appears too often in daily life, but I really hate this word. This word always allows people to put the blame on the victim, trying to cover up mistakes with age and jokes. I combined some experiences in my childhood, hoping to show the real hurt and pain caused by these “jokes”, because these happened in my childhood, and I am still healing myself today.
In this collection, I use some manipulation like smocking, shirring, triangle hand sewing on the rough edges. The unique digital print pattern highlights the painful feeling of memories. I hope that people can understand that being young and being naughty is not an excuse to cover up mistakes, and that physical or mental harm can never be explained by “joke.”