Victor Li Makes Cool Clothes for Everyone—No Boys or Girls Rules, Just Style!

COVER STORY

Mar 9

Written By Douglas Henry Lewis

WITH VICTOR LI

Since his initial brand launch in 2018, Victor has produced Four Collections and Counting!

Photography, Frederic Georges

Words, Douglas Henry Lewis In Conversation with Victor Li

VIEW GALLERY

Craftsmanship isn’t just a buzzword in modern fashion, it’s the foundation of Victor Li’s approach to menswear. At 25, the designer has mastered THE ART of blending tradition with contemporary edge.

Drawing inspiration from his travels around the world, Victor designs with a purpose: to make menswear that’s as sophisticated as it is effortless. His signature suiting defies convention—think collarless blazers with sleek leather trims, wide-leg jersey trousers, and cuffed tailored joggers that embody his vision of elegant, comfortable travel. Outerwear takes things even further, featuring luxurious shearling flight jackets and modern kimono-style wool jerseys, proving that bold design can still feel timeless. Every stitch, every seam, every hand-picked fabric choice speaks to an obsession with detail. The materials are sourced with unparalleled care, the tailoring is sharp, and the fit is designed to flatter without fuss.

For FALL/Winter 2020, the Victor Li brand introduced accessories that elevate the look even further—leather belts, long reversible scarves, and perfectly styled finishing touches that make each outfit feel complete.

With a design philosophy rooted in adventure and art, Victor Li IS LOOKING TO CRAFT a lifestyle.

“I design for the modern man and it’s classic.”

THE LOOKDouble Breasted Two Tone Coat, VICTOR LI FW19 — THE LOOK
VICTOR LI IS WEARING A Double Breasted Two Tone Coat, VICTOR LI FW19

Victor proudly shares that his suiting business is thriving among his clients. As a Parsons graduate, proud Chinese-American, and cultural enthusiast, he recently expanded his label to include accessories and womenswear, ensuring his designs can be enjoyed by everyone.

THE LOOK
VICTOR LI IS WEARING A Double Breasted Two Tone Coat, VICTOR LI FW19

For Victor Li, fashion is a personal expression of culture, experience, and memory. His journey began with a Parsons senior thesis inspired by Chinese paper offerings, a tradition where paper objects are burned as gifts to the afterlife. The concept took on profound significance after his grandmother’s passing, leading him to create an entire collection made of paper, a symbolic tribute to love and remembrance.

THIS sense of storytelling and personal connection became the foundation of the Victor Li brand, built around the idea of a traveling lifestyle. Each collection reflects the colors, textures, and emotions gathered from his global experiences, from India to Japan. These influences translate into distinctive details, like the signature patches from his AW20 collection, directly drawn from his travels. His menswear combines timeless sophistication with a modern twist, elevating classic silhouettes with unexpected flourishes—buckles, layered tailoring, and custom fabrics.

At its core, Victor Li menswear is about craftsmanship and individuality. The brand started with just four production batches in New York, sourcing the finest materials from Italy and France. Even as it grows, Victor remains deeply involved in the process, ensuring each piece reflects his vision of effortless, elevated menswear. With every season, his exploration of heritage, design, and global influence continues to shape the evolution of Victor Li menswear.

THE LOOKTan Corduroy Suit, VICTOR LI FW20 — THE LOOK
VICTOR LI IS WEARING A Tan Corduroy Suit, VICTOR LI FW20

“I believe clothing should be genderless and we are expanding to become a unisex brand.”

THE LOOK
VICTOR LI IS WEARING A Tan Corduroy Suit, VICTOR LI FW20

Victor Li’s approach to design goes beyond just creating clothes—it’s about curating a versatile, modern wardrobe that seamlessly transitions from meetings to dates to everyday life. Initially rooted in crafting a contemporary take on the gentleman’s look, his brand has evolved in response to demand, with more people asking for womenswear and unisex options.

As a result, Victor Li is embracing a gender-fluid approach, incorporating scarves, belts, and bags that enhance the versatility of his pieces. His collections are designed with effortless travel in mind, focusing on a core selection of essentials—the ten must-have pieces you can fit into your suitcase and mix and match wherever you go.

This evolution is reflected in his runway presentations, where female models are now featured wearing his designs, further reinforcing the universality of his aesthetic. With accessories playing a key role in elevating each look, Victor Li is expanding his vision—offering timeless, functional pieces that transcend gender and adapt to any lifestyle.

“I think sustainability is a direction that should be carried in every stage of the creative process.”

THE LOOK
Embroidered Carrot Suit, VICTOR LI FW20

Sustainability is also a big part of his brand’s mission. Through VTR Brooklyn, launched in 2019, Victor is developing new styles made from recycled materials. He believes in designing timeless, long-lasting pieces, avoiding fast fashion trends that quickly fade. The most exciting part of his journey? Learning, growing, and building something meaningful.

Editor’s Note: this transcript has been edited for brevity.