Charles Li, a former designer at Calvin Klein, played a pivotal role in the brand’s latest Spring 2024 collection in New York. Featuring prominent model Kendall Jenner, the collection was brilliantly captured in Vogue Scandinavia. Li’s expertise and creative vision contributed to the collection’s success, showcasing the iconic blend of modernity and timeless style that Calvin Klein is known for.
Drawing from his experiences at Calvin Klein, Li has embarked on RAGNARÖK, a personal creative project. Inspired by a diverse range of artworks from various media, Li’s collection embodies the concepts of fate and prophecy, illustrating how one’s inner battle with these forces is a journey of self-discovery and the quest for true identity.
In Norse mythology, RAGNARÖK is the prophesied apocalypse that leads to the end of the word and the demise of gods. It is a series of cataclysmic events, including a great battle between the gods and their enemies, natural disasters, and the submergence of the world in water. Despite knowing their fate, the gods do not actively seek to prevent RAGNARÖK, but rather prepare for it, accepting their destiny with a sense of resignation and honor. Following this fate, a fresh, pure new world will emerge from the destruction of the old one. Li believes that only when one truly embraces their shortcomings after intense self-reflection and inner struggle, will they attain the strength to find their true identity.
Throughout Li’s personal experience as part of the LGBT+ community, he understands that queer individuals often embark on a transformative odyssey; their path to uncovering their true identity is fraught with inner struggles as they grapple with societal expectations and personal doubts. This process of introspection and isolation is akin to the storm of RAGNARÖK, where the old world must fall to make way for the new one that is characterized by authenticity and self- acceptance.
Li’s vision comes to life through the rigorous research of garment and architectural construction, the selection of female-empowering colors, as well as luxurious fabrics and materials. High-end Italian lambskin leather and exquisite feather trims are featured prominently.
Li expresses his unique take on female empowerment with new silhouettes highlighting dramatic crinoline style hip shape and board shoulders. On his final look in RAGNARÖK, the remarkable black feather cropped jacket features a heart-shape Elizabethan collar laying on top of an elongated, raised shoulder, adding a strong supernatural, surreal emotion.
Charles Li has amassed considerable work experience with major fashion houses, from Calvin Klein to BODE. Li’s experience spans from mainstreams to luxury segment, covering both men’s and women’s fashion. Currently working as both a freelance designer and consultant in New York City, Li is actively engaged in a variety of projects with well-know brands. This diverse exposure allows Li to delve into various aspects of the fashion industry, refining his skills and uncovering his unique niche along the way. Through this hands-on approach, Li is steadily carving out his unique position in the industry, leveraging his diverse background to stand out as a versatile and insightful professional.
As Li reaches a pivotal moment in his career with RAGNARÖK, his dedication to exploring the frontiers of women’s haute couture shines brightly. His unwavering commitment to challenging the conventional limits of fashion and weaving these innovative ideas into his designs is poised to captivate and inspire fashion aficionados around the world. This milestone not only signifies a significant leap in Li’s professional journey but also reinforces his role as a visionary in the fashion industry, pushing towards a future where the boundaries of creativity and expression are continually expanded.
