Interview
Shiqi Xu
Shiqi Xu is an womenswear/couture designer based in New York City. She loves to explore her own stories and emotions and analyze how social issues affect individual behavior to gain design inspiration. Her design language is romantic and poetic. She believes that designing a collection is like writing a poem - delicate, subtle, yet with a lingering aftertaste. With experiences of living and studying in different countries, including London, New York, and Shanghai, Shiqi values the tradition and culture of her background in China. She likes to experiment with different materials and traditional crafts and convert them into modern fashion. As a graduate who received four consecutive years of dean's scholarship from Parsons School of Design with a BFA in Fashion Design, she has worked for both top brands and designer brands, including Dior, Celine, and Mingma. These experiences have helped her cultivate a well-rounded understanding of the luxury fashion market in China and New York.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My name is Shiqi Xu. In Chinese, "诗" (SHI) embodies poetic meaning, and "绮" (QI) represents the beautiful woven silk. Because of this, I believe that in my past life, I was a beautiful fabric, and in this life, I am destined to be a fashion designer. I was born and raised in China. From a very young age, I discovered my passion and talent for fashion and art. I was always captivated by the stylish adults around me and secretly observed my mom while she dressed up. Later on, I came across the fashion design reality show "Project Runway," where I realized that to study fashion further and pursue my dream, I needed to study abroad. That's when Parsons became my dream school. In 2023, I successfully graduated from the Parsons School of Design with a BFA in Fashion Design with honors. My journey in the art world has already begun, as I have worked for brands like Dior, Celine, MGF Sourcing, and the independent designer brand MING MA, among others. Now, I aim to make a lasting impression in the art and fashion world by launching my namesake brand, SHIQI XU.”
What inspires you?
“I am someone with a rich emotional palette, so I love delving into my own stories and emotions. I believe that exploring inward is a subject for every artist and, in fact, every human being. In my past collections, I have explored my own fears of aging, our family's dining table culture, and my fascination with looking into mirrors, etc. Beyond that, I also analyze how social issues impact individual behavior to derive design inspiration. Therefore, each fashion collection is not only a dialogue with my own soul but also a profound conversation with the external world.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Fortunately, as a fashion designer, each collection can be a brand-new theme, reflecting either my recent interests or long-contemplated ideas. However, the timeless themes I consistently explore are femininity and vulnerability. The English pronunciation of my name is “SHEKEY,” standing for “she is the key,” serving as the consistent design philosophy. I aim to focus on women to delve into the possibilities of fashion. I believe that femininity, on a silent level, is inherently delicate, yet vulnerability does not imply weakness - it holds a unique charm of its own.”
“I am someone with a rich emotional palette, so I love delving into my own stories and emotions.”
How would you describe your work?
“My design language is romantic and poetic. I perceive the crafting of garments, wearable art, as akin to composing a poem - delicate, subtle, yet leaving a lingering aftertaste. My work is dedicated and brimming with craftsmanship. I aspire for the wearer of my garments to experience a moment, a truly remarkable and special moment when adorned in my creations.”
Which artists influence you most?
“As a fashion designer, one of the artists who profoundly influences and inspires my work is Daniel Roseberry, the creative director of Schiaparelli. His avant-garde approach to fashion and ability to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation have been a guiding force in shaping my design philosophy. I admire the way he fearlessly pushes boundaries, creating pieces that are not just garments but intricate works of art. Roseberry's visionary perspective encourages me to explore new realms within the fashion landscape, allowing his influence to manifest in the unique and artistic expressions of my own designs.”
What is your creative process like?
“Actually, my creative process is quite challenging, a mix of both fun and pain, all stemming from the uncertainty inherent in the artistic journey. I aim to challenge myself, creating something new and different. Typically, after determining my inspiration and theme, I engage in a multitude of experiments - whether it's repeatedly sketching, pattern-making, or fabric development. With experimentation comes the inevitable possibility of mistakes, and facing failure can be truly disheartening. However, when unexpected and positive outcomes arise, it brings immense joy.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“As a fashion designer, I see an artist's role in society as a cultural influencer, challenging norms and shaping narratives. In the evolving landscape, I anticipate a stronger emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and individual expression within the fashion realm. Artists will continue to act as mirrors, reflecting and interpreting societal changes, driving positive transformations in our collective consciousness.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My recent exhibition is currently on display at the iidrr gallery in New York City. In addition to this, my previous collections have garnered attention through online exhibitions, including CFDA Runway 360, NOT JUST A LABEL, Parsons BFA Fashion, Arts Thread, etc. Currently, I am diligently preparing for my upcoming presentation and showcase at the New York Fashion Week.”
