About

Leren Li is a London-based design historian and researcher. She received her PhD degree from the V&A/RCA History of Design Programme. Her research and practice has been exploring fragility, damage and mending in textiles and everyday objects. Focusing on the Japanese patchwork boro, Leren’s PhD project investigates the traditional repair craftsmanship as a revived cultural phenomenon and excavates the layers of value and meaning embedded in the mending practice through transcultural reproduction in art, design and fashion contexts.

Prior to living and working in London, Leren joined Fashion Studies program at Parsons School of Design, deepening her understanding of sustainable issues in the fashion system as well as individual fashion practices. Her research concentrates on the role that craft and design can play in fashion sustainability. Working with craft makers and designers, she explores the creative possibilities and challenges of reducing, reusing and recycling.

Leren actively collaborates on an international scale, She is the researcher and international programme lead at China Design Museum. In London, She teaches History of British Fashion at New York University London campus. Beyond her academic endeavours, Leren holds the position of founder and chair at the educational charity, London Culture Salon, passionately dedicated to fostering cultural enrichment within the city.