This week, New Zealand Fashion Week returned to Shed 10 for the eagerly awaited runway presentation of international New Zealand designer Claudia Li. The show debuted Li’s latest collection, A Different Place and Time, marking her first runway in New Zealand in three years after nearly a decade of showcasing at New York Fashion Week. Claudia reflects, “It feels like both a return and a new beginning; a breath held between inhale and exhale, a moment of grounding before stepping forward again.” Style director, Louise Hilsz, shares a true talent.
Claudi Li “A Different Place and Time” runway show at NZFW25
Chinese-born, New Zealand–raised Claudia Li grew up surrounded by creativity—her father an art dealer and her mother a singer. This vibrant environment fueled her love for visual arts and fashion. She pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts, followed by studies at Central Saint Martins in London, and earned an MFA in Fashion Design and Society at Parsons in New York.
Before launching her own label, Claudia sharpened her skills with industry heavyweights like Brandon Maxwell at Haus of Gaga and J.W. Anderson in London. In 2015, she made her bold debut at New York Fashion Week, instantly capturing attention with sculptural, emotionally resonant designs.
Claudia Li collection available in store at The Shelter
Claudia's designs tell stories. Often, she sculpts directly in three dimensions before translating her ideas to sketches, creating garments that are both bold and intimate. Her 2019 NYFW show exclusively featured Asian models, celebrating representation beyond tokenism.
After years on the relentless fashion calendar, Claudia deliberately slowed her output to focus on sustainability and craftsmanship. She sources fabrics from artisanal mills across Italy, France, Spain, and Japan, producing small-batch collections in New York, Italy, and New Zealand.
Aotearoa remains a central source of inspiration. Her AW21 collection, Homecoming, drew from teenage memories and youthful glamour, combining playful prom-inspired silhouettes with practical fabrics. Her NZFW 2025 collection, A Different Place and Time, marked a personal and creative homecoming, featuring collaborations with local talent to highlight community and connection.
Claudi Li “A Different Place and Time” runway show at NZFW25
Today, Claudia Li blends cultural heritage, emotional storytelling, and architectural design to create fashion that resonates globally. Her work embodies intentionality, sustainability, and artistry, cementing her status as a designer shaping the future of fashion.
“A Different Place and Time” will be instore and online from December 2025.
With International acclaim and New Zealand roots. She’s one to watch.