Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shiqi Xu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shiqi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Yes, I am very happy to be able to pursue entrepreneurship and persist in my endeavors in fashion design. However, it must be acknowledged that this path comes with significant challenges, as the majority of people may not choose it. There is often questioning from others, and at times, a sense of loneliness and self-doubt creeps in. Nevertheless, the freedom it offers is unparalleled, ensuring that every minute is dedicated to working for oneself, bringing immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

Of course, I have experience working in an office job at a fashion company, which could be considered a “regular job” by many. Initially, everything was exciting, and I enjoyed what I did. However, as the tasks became repetitive, and I couldn’t find new and fresh challenges, I realized that I was not suited for that type of work. I thrive on constantly being in touch with and learning new things.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Shiqi Xu, a womenswear/couture designer based in New York City. I graduated with honors from the Parsons School of Design in 2023.

SHIQI XU is my luxury womenswear brand (spanning across ready-to-wear and couture eveningwear). The vision of SHIQI XU lies in the inheritance of Eastern culture, subtle storytelling, Western haute couture craftsmanship, the use of exquisite high-end fabrics, and a touch of sophisticated elegance.The English pronunciation of the Brand name is “shekey,” standing for “She is the key,” serving as the consistent design philosophy throughout the brand.

As a designer, I have a deep passion for delving into my own stories and emotions, analyzing how social issues impact individual behavior to find inspiration for my designs. My design language is characterized by its romantic and poetic essence, as I see creating a collection as akin to writing a delicate and subtle poem that leaves a lingering aftertaste.

Having lived and studied in various locations worldwide, including London, New York, and Shanghai, I hold great value in the traditions and culture of my Chinese background. I enjoy the process of experimenting with different materials and traditional crafts, transforming them into modern fashion expressions. As a proud recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship from Parsons School of Design for four consecutive years, I have had the opportunity to work with top brands, including Dior and Celine. My designs have been recognized in major fashion publications such as CFDA Runway 360, Vogue, and Not Just a Label. These experiences have contributed significantly to my well-rounded understanding of luxury fashion.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, is the ability to translate my thoughts, emotions, and unique perspective into tangible creations. It’s a deeply fulfilling experience to see my ideas materialize and evoke emotions or connections in others. The process of bringing imagination to life, whether through visual arts, design, or any creative medium, provides a sense of accomplishment and a profound connection with both self-expression and the audience.

Moreover, receiving praise from strangers who approach me to commend my work is incredibly gratifying. Some express having encountered my creations before, leaving a lasting impression on them. Others convey admiration for my fashion designs and express interest in maintaining further contact. These encounters reinforce my belief that my creations not only satisfy me personally but also have the power to move and resonate with others.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Consistency in posting is paramount. It involves adhering to a regular schedule to sustain engagement and draw in more followers. In my real-world experience, I organically showcase my creations on Instagram. I firmly believe that as long as I keep creating, there will always be new and exciting content to share. Each post is akin to planting a seed; you never know what opportunities it might yield—whether it’s a chance for a magazine feature, a collaboration with a celebrity donning my designs, or a heartfelt compliment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shiqixustudio.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shiqixu_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiqi-xu-b7892a1a1?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: https://runway360.cfda.com/designers/shiqi-xu https://www.notjustalabel.com/shiqixu

Image Credits
Fashion Designer: Shiqi Xu Photographer: Ramona Wang Director: Min Soo Park Model: Faith Vaughn MUA: Erdan Li