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 centres on the material and visual cultures of East Asia, with a particular focus on transcultural design, fashion, and the intersections of craft and contemporary practice.
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 at New York University London campus and Kingston University. 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.