Meet Qiuyi Li | Costume designer for stage and film

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

Hi Qiuyi, why did you pursue a creative career?
As an introvert, I’ve always been drawn to quietly observing people, curious about their behaviors, expressions, and the hidden stories within. My fascination with human nature and the layers of emotion beneath the surface made me passionate about costume design once I began working in this industry. Costume design allows me to delve deeply into each character, exploring their unique inner worlds and bringing their stories to life through what they wear. When I chose this path eight years ago, I didn’t have a clear idea of where it would lead—I just loved watching movies and seeing how the characters’ lives both reflected and diverged from my own experiences. Films and theater continue to offer me new perspectives on life, and through costume design, I can share those perspectives with audiences, making each project a journey into human diversity and connection.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a costume designer, I am drawn to the hidden depths of marginalized characters—their unspoken joys, sorrows, and complexities. I am a sensitive observer, interested in the nuances of human behavior and personal history. The uniqueness of each person is the inspiration for my design, allowing me to create costumes that not only dress a character but reveal the deeper layers of their experience and individuality. In my work, I search for the unique details that set each character apart, even within similar roles. Their profession, age, and race are just labels, but what strikes me more is the choice they make beyond these labels—whether they choose to compromise or rebel, to confront grief or retreat from it.

In my designs, I love experimenting with unconventional fabric combinations and textures to convey the subtle nuances within a character. I also enjoy exploring the use of non-fabric materials, which add dimension and depth to the costume. Because I want my design to convey information to the audience, to make them think, to let the audience understand the character’s past, uniqueness, and change, rather than simply dressing the character in “correct” attire.

Designing costumes allows me to tell the stories of those who might otherwise go unnoticed, using fabric and form to make their lives visible and meaningful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m living in New York, and one of the things I love most about this city is the endless second-hand clothing stores. You can find everything from vintage gems to fast fashion bargains, each shop with its own vibe, so there’s something for everyone. My work lets me explore these spots all the time, and I’m always stumbling upon cool finds. Over time, I’ve gotten to know the style and price range of each store. A few of my go-to places are Garage Vintage Sale, Stella Dallas Living, and Landline Vintage.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m deeply grateful to all the teachers who have guided me along the way; they’ve been essential to my growth. I owe special thanks to Susan Hilferty, who was the first to extend a hand and make it possible for me to study in New York. Her influence has been profound—not only in guiding my design concepts and professional skills but also in inspiring my outlook on life. Susan’s passion, energy, and patience with every student are qualities I deeply admire. Another mentor who has been pivotal to my development is Jim Luigs. I love bouncing design ideas with him because he really understands my vision and always sparks new inspiration. It has been a huge progress for me under their generous guidance.

Website: https://qiuyili.space/

Instagram: nuzziworks_

Image Credits
1. Yiyuan Li
2.Alexandra Chan
3.Ella Bromblin
4.Qiuyi Li
5.Qiuyi Li
6.Qiuyi Li
7.Qiuyi Li
8.Qiuyi Li