Vivian Li

Medium: Textile 
Location: Surrey
Member Since: 2024

ABOUT

At LeafFiligree, I redefine fashion through the art of skeletonizing leaves, transforming nature’s intricate designs into eco-friendly textiles. This process begins with carefully selecting and preserving leaves, focusing on their delicate, lace-like structures. By removing the internal tissue while retaining the detailed network of veins, each leaf reveals a pattern reminiscent of fine lace.
Picture the delicate filigree of lace, with its elaborate, openwork patterns, mirrored in the translucent, vein-laced structure of a leaf. I turn these patterns into wearable pieces and home decor. This visual harmony between leaf veins and lace inspires my work, where nature’s designs are magnified and adapted into high-fashion fabrics.Together with a combination of botanical and mineral dyes,The result is a piece that captures the ethereal beauty of nature’s lace, offering both visual allure and sustainable elegance.
Each creation is crafted to highlight the delicate artistry of leaf veins, turning them into sophisticated garments and decor items that embody nature’s grace. At LeafFiligree, I blend nature’s intricate patterns with expert craftsmanship, celebrating the natural world while committing to environmentally conscious fashion.

ARTIST STATEMENT

As the founder of LeafFiligree, my journey began with a passion for music and dance, which evolved into a deep love for fashion. With 30 years of sewing experience, I’ve combined artistic expression with technical expertise. Growing up in a biodiversity-rich southern city, I was immersed in nature’s intricate beauty. This environment shaped my belief that nature is my atelier, inspiring me to weave its elegance into every design. At LeafFiligree, "Nature as Atelier" means that nature is not just an influence but the foundation of my creative process. Like a traditional atelier where designers bring ideas to life, I see nature as my studio—where every leaf, vine, and organic pattern becomes the blueprint for my designs. This approach honors the natural world as both muse and partner, drawing on its elegance and intricate details to craft garments that reflect a deep connection to the environment.
Rather than merely mimicking nature, I work with it, incorporating its forms and principles into each piece. By treating nature as an active collaborator, LeafFiligree goes beyond aesthetics to embrace sustainable fashion.
Every stitch is crafted with a focus on nature’s forms, pushing for fashion that respects and works in balance with the environment. By turning to nature, I believe we can create timeless, eco-conscious designs without compromise.