Meet Bonan Li | Fashion designer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonan Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
“As an artist with a distinctive vision and approach to fashion design, launching my own business grants me the freedom to express my creativity without limitations. This independence encourages me to explore unconventional ideas and concepts that defy the conventional norms of the fashion industry. Starting a business is about translating my creative vision into tangible reality. It’s about establishing a platform where my artistic voice can resonate, be appreciated, and be celebrated by like-minded individuals who share my passion for fashion and design.
Moreover, beyond artistic expression, my business endeavors are driven by a deeper purpose: to champion the strength and beauty of elderly women, challenging prevailing stereotypes in the fashion industry. Through my designs and initiatives, I aim to empower and celebrate the resilience of women of all ages, reshaping the narrative of beauty and inclusivity in fashion. By embracing diversity and advocating for positive change, I aspire to create a community where every individual feels seen, valued, and empowered

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey into the realm of art has been deeply influenced by my upbringing and personal experiences. Growing up under the influence of my father’s fascination with traditional Chinese culture and the spiritual essence of landscape art, I developed a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and beauty. However, it was witnessing my mother’s battle with breast cancer and the profound changes in her body that truly reshaped my perspective on existence and aesthetics.

Raised in a middle-class household, I found solace and familiarity in utilitarian textures like water-repelled cotton and washed denim. Yet, it was the transformation I witnessed in my mother’s body that forced me to confront the deeper meaning of life and beauty. These experiences became the forge upon which my artistic vision was shaped.

Upon training in fashion design techniques, I realized that fashion could serve as a powerful platform to express my worldview and redefine conventional notions of beauty. Inspired by authentic voices in the fashion industry and drawing from both Eastern and Western cultures, I found resonance in Abstract Expressionism and the philosophical insights of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, particularly his emphasis on the body as the primary vehicle for understanding the world.

My vision of beauty is one characterized by fluidity, integration, dialectics, and transient discontinuity. I believe that beauty is not static or perfect, but rather constantly evolving and multifaceted. It is in this dynamic interplay that each fleeting moment encapsulates the emotional depth of women’s subjectivity and the evolution of identity consciousness.

My brand, Bonan Li, aims to embody this vision by challenging traditional notions of femininity and inviting viewers to transcend stereotypes. Through my art, I seek to celebrate the strength, resilience, and transformative power of self-discovery in an ever-changing world.

The journey to where I am today has not been easy. I have faced numerous challenges, both personal and professional, but it is through these challenges that I have grown and evolved. Whether it was overcoming self-doubt or navigating the complexities of the fashion industry, I have learned the importance of resilience, perseverance, and staying true to my authentic voice.

Ultimately, my story is one of defiance and self-discovery, a testament to the power of art to inspire change and redefine societal norms. I hope that through my brand and my art, I can inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness and celebrate the beauty of imperfection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

During my exploration of the area, one standout location that I highly recommend is Grace Farm. Grace Farm, nestled in the picturesque landscape of New York, is not just a destination but an experience. It’s a place where nature, art, and community converge to create a truly enriching atmosphere.

Grace Farm offers a unique blend of serene natural beauty and thought-provoking art installations, making it a haven for both relaxation and inspiration. The sprawling grounds provide ample opportunities for peaceful walks, contemplation, and connection with the environment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother. She embodies the essence of a traditional Chinese woman, devoting most of her life to nurturing her children and ensuring their well-being. Several years ago, she faced a daunting battle with breast cancer. Despite the challenges, her unwavering positivity and resilience served as a beacon of strength for me as we confronted cancer together.

My mother’s courageous spirit and unwavering determination in the face of adversity inspired me to confront life’s harsh realities with grace and fortitude. Her beauty, forged through the crucible of life’s challenges, illuminates my understanding of both life and beauty itself.

Her journey has taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, love, and the enduring power of the human spirit. I am profoundly grateful for her love, support, and unwavering belief in me, which have shaped me into the person I am today. She is truly deserving of this recognition and acknowledgment in my story.

Website: https://bonanliny.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/li_bonan_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonanli/

Image Credits
Photographe: Hao Zeng