Luna Li: Teacher, Dreamer and Fashion Designer

Like many other domestic designers, Luna Li studied overseas but found herself drawn back to China. Before starting her eponymous made-to-measure line in 2009, she worked as a salesperson in a Gucci store as well as an assistant to renowned UK-based designer Ben de Lisi. Her cocktail dresses and wedding gowns have already become favorites of celebrities such as Vicky Zhao and Eva Huang. She recently moved to a new studio location in the Nanluogu Xiang area last year. We asked her about her latest collection, working for Topshop and how to make fairy tales come true.

You just released your new collection at the end of last month. What was the inspiration behind “Bloodstruck”?
I was intrigued by the Maya human sacrifice, the cruel and violent ritual killing intended to lead to a better life.

At what point did you realize you wanted to be a fashion designer?
When I was a little girl reading fairy tales, I realized I wanted to be the person with the magic to make Cinderella’s dreams come true.

What challenges do you face as a Chinese designer? Are there any unexpected advantages as well?
Chinese design is not given enough attention or respect, but our fashion industry is growing unexpectedly fast. People are starting to realize they want to dress nicely and differently.

You worked for Topshop when you a fashion student in London – what was that like?
I was redesigning and customizing vintage clothes for Topshop in Oxford circles. That was when I realized how much I love fashion.

What is the most important tip you picked up from your apprenticeship with Ben de Lisi?
Follow your heart and be honest to yourself.

Tell me about your new studio.
Now I have a bigger space to mess up. It’s in an ancient courtyard in the middle of Beijing – it still feels pretty surreal to me.

How would you describe your brand aesthetic?
My design style is “romantic goth” – it’s meant to express your feminine side but also keep it hidden in some ways.

You used to be a fashion design lecturer at Raffles Education Corporation. What was the most challenging part about the job?
It was fun to teach. The hardest part was getting students to realize who they are and what they love doing. I gave them the freedom to design, and pushed them to think outside of the box.

What’s the first thing you do every morning?
Smile.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Love.

What do you see as the greatest challenge to your career?
To overcome myself. To express my thoughts and feelings through design.

Luna Fashion Design Studio. Mon-Sat 1-8pm. 24 Beibingmasi Hutong, Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (8408 3966) www.lunaqiuyue.com 东城区南锣鼓巷北兵马司胡同24号院

In our April 2012 issue, we mistakenly credited our Style Lead-in photo to Luvon by Liu Lu. In fact, the clothing and image came from Luna Li. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Photos: Courtesy of Luna Li