Huijun June Li
Born and raised in South China, Huijun June Li finished her BFA at the School of the Art Institute this year after presenting her graduation collection at The Walk last May. Entitled “Growing Young,” her work was inspired by Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara and a young-at-heart friend who teaches art to children. She used puffy soft fabrics with creamy and pastel colors, materials that look “delicious” and evoke desserts—soothing foods that make June feel “happy like a child.” Her designs are definitely sweet, but not saccharine; her shapes are contemporary, irregular and geometric, balancing the light candy-colored materials she used.
Best of Chicago 2014