10 Questions with Shiqi Xu

Shiqi Xu is a womenswear/couture designer based in New York City. She graduated with honors from the Parsons School of Design in 2023. Shiqi loves delving into her own stories and emotions, analyzing how social issues impact individual behavior to find design inspiration. Her design language is romantic and poetic. She sees designing a collection as akin to writing a poem—delicate, subtle, yet leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Having lived and studied in various locations worldwide, including London, New York, and Shanghai, Shiqi values the traditions and culture of her Chinese background. She enjoys experimenting with different materials and traditional crafts, transforming them into modern fashion. As a graduate who received the Dean's Scholarship from Parsons School of Design for four consecutive years, she has worked for top brands, including Dior and Celine. Her designs have gained recognition in major fashion publications such as CFDA Runway 360, Vogue, and Not Just a Label. These experiences have contributed to her developing a well-rounded understanding of luxury fashion.

@shiqixu_

ARTIST STATEMENT

Her name is Shiqi Xu. In Chinese, "诗" (SHI) embodies poetic meaning, and "绮" (QI) represents the beautiful woven silk. Because of this, she believes that in her past life, she was a beautiful fabric, and in this life, she is destined to be a fashion designer.

The timeless themes she consistently explores are femininity and vulnerability. The English pronunciation of her name is "SHEKEY," standing for "she is the key," serving as the consistent design philosophy. She aims to focus on women to delve into the possibilities of fashion. She believes that femininity, on a silent level, is inherently delicate, yet vulnerability does not imply weakness—it holds a unique charm of its own.

INTERVIEW

Let's start talking a little about yourself. You left China and moved to the US to follow your dream to become a fashion designer. What motivated you so much to take such a big step? 

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. Most of the brands she loves are from abroad. 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 also when Parsons became my dream school. I was then accepted by my dream school! That's why I moved to NYC. 

Tell us more about your studies and work experiences. What are the experiences that shaped the designer you are now? 

Since my college days, I've been in New York for almost five years now. The energy of New York, with its fast-paced urban lifestyle, influenced my focus on functional yet chic pieces that seamlessly transition from day to night. Besides, I once studied for a short period at Central Saint Martins. In London, I immersed myself in the city's avant-garde fashion scene, where I developed an appreciation for unconventional styles and experimental design elements. Also, I've been working in Shanghai for a short time. Shanghai is a fusion of tradition and modernity, which inspired me to blend classic craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. The multiculturalism embedded in these cities has infused my designs with a rich tapestry of influences, resulting in collections that resonate globally while telling a story that reflects the intersections of cultures and experiences.

Despite your young age, you have already worked with important brands like Dior and Celine. What did you learn from these experiences? 

During my gap year, I had the privilege of working at the Dior Haute Couture exhibition and showroom event, where I played a significant role. I was responsible for the unpacking, exhibition setup, and assisting guests in trying on over a hundred couture dresses. This experience allowed me to have hand-on experience of studying intricate details and structures of Mr. Dior's haute couture dresses. Also, I had the opportunity to participate in fitting meetings with the French atelier, where I was deeply captivated by the meticulous attention to garment details and the emphasis on the wearer's experience in high-end clothing. This experience solidified my determination to specialize in the design of couture evening dresses in my future pursuits.

How do you design your pieces? What are your influences, and who is your ideal customer?

My target customer consists of individuals who, like me, have a keen understanding of fashion, love artistic living, and enjoy dressing up for events or activities. Therefore, during the design process, I often personally try on my creations. If I find that I would appreciate wearing them on important occasions, then I consider the design successful. My creations are heavily influenced by haute couture techniques such as lace appliqué, embroidery, and hand-sewing. I aim for my garments to be both exquisite and durable over time.

Do you have any role model or figure you particularly look up to when it comes to style and design? 

I want to elaborate on the beauty of various body shapes. I love couture because it allows everyone to wear clothes that perfectly complement their physique. Besides, I appreciate the beauty of feminine features such as the chest and hips. 

In your statement, you mention how you explore femininity and vulnerability in your work. How do you incorporate these elements in your design? 

In terms of femininity, I am drawn to the inherent strength that exists in subtlety and grace. I aim to celebrate the multifaceted nature of women, embracing their softness and resilience.
Vulnerability, in my perspective, is not synonymous with fragility but rather an authentic and powerful expression of openness. It's about being true to oneself and embracing imperfections. This theme manifests in my collections through thoughtful silhouettes, delicate fabrics, and intricate detailing that evoke a sense of intimacy and emotional connection.
Overall, the narrative of my collections unfolds as a celebration of the strength found in vulnerability intertwined with the timeless essence of femininity. These themes are not just design elements but integral aspects of the story I aim to tell with each piece, creating a cohesive and meaningful narrative that resonates with the modern woman.

In recent years, we have seen a growing interest in a more sustainable fashion. Do you find that the fashion world is really concerned about the environment, or is it just a trend? 

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable fashion. I believe the fashion industry is genuinely becoming more concerned about the environment, and it's not just a trend but a lasting goal. From my school days to the present, I've been educated and motivated to prioritize sustainability in clothing design. While some may use sustainability as a marketing gimmick, as fashion designers, we should be aware of the irreversible impact fast fashion has on the world and strive for true sustainability.

Have you ever thought about starting your brand? Or would you like to work for bigger, more established brands? And if so, would you lean more toward street style or luxury fashion?

Actually, I am in the process of launching my own eponymous brand: SHIQI XU. I've always felt that working for oneself is something to take pride in, but I'm also open to exploring any exciting opportunities that come my way.

What do you wish to accomplish this year, both in terms of career goals and personal life? 

For my brand, Shiqi Xu, I aim to connect with customers who appreciate and resonate with it, expanding its presence to reach a wider audience. I also intend to engage in more non-profit clothing art projects. On a personal level, I wish for the health and well-being of my family and plan to explore new and interesting experiences.

Finally, are there any shows or publications where our readers can find your work?

My collections have garnered attention through prestigious online publications, including CFDA Runway 360, NOT JUST A LABEL, and Arts Thread. Also, I am diligently preparing for my upcoming presentation and showcase at the New York Fashion Week.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.