“Till We Meet Again”

New York Fashion Week

Spring Summer 2021

Inspired by her wedding in Hawaii last September, Claudia Li sought to capture the surreal feelings she experienced during one of the happiest moments of her life. The vibrant collection stemmed from Claudia’s desire to bridge the gap between the past (the wedding) and the present, to bring fantasy-like moments she experienced, to reality: “I was so happy at that moment it felt unreal like I was in a daze, but strangely, at the same time, it was the first time where I felt ‘real’.”

As the world entered a global pandemic in March, the idea of incorporating fantasy into reality became a more prominent theme in the collection. Sparklers were used on a rooftop during lockdown to make the prints. Colors got brighter, and the fabrics became more textured and livelier. A half Hollyhock-half Hibiscus flower, exotic florals found in Hawaii, was created and made it into a jacquard. Iridescent lamé fabric was layered with tulle to create the jumpsuit and parka coat. Claudia’s signature slouchy cut shoulder styles can be found in the vibrant dresses, track jackets, and jumpsuits.

Sculpture Artist Kennedy Yanko was chosen to model the collection this season after she and Claudia met at a dinner in February; they connected over their desire to be louder in their industries, as minorities and as women.