Interview with Su, An-Li: Designing Disappearing Space — A Dialogue Between Form, Function, and Sustainability

 At the recently concluded Future Art & Design Award UK Spring 2025, fashion designer Su, An-Li was awarded the Platinum Prize for her innovative sustainable design project, Disappearing Space. Recognized for its sophisticated integration of zero-waste techniques and origami-inspired construction, the piece stood out among this year’s submissions for its conceptual depth, structural originality, and commitment to environmental responsibility.

With over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry and a growing focus on sustainability, Su’s practice blends traditional craftsmanship with forward-thinking design systems. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on responsible fashion, the emotional role of garments, and how structure, sustainability, and storytelling converge in her award-winning work.

Please give us a brief introduction about yourself and your creative background.

Hi, I’m An-Li — a designer focused on creative sustainable fashion, with a postgraduate background in fashion design from Shih Chien University in Taiwan. I am committed to publishing academic research in this field and was selected as a 2024 finalist in the Redress Design Award, one of the world’s leading sustainable fashion competitions. My work blends Eastern folding philosophies with Western modular thinking, crafting garments that tell stories while achieving zero-waste design.With over 15 years of hands-on experience in the fashion industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the pollution caused throughout the design, production, and retail processes. These experiences have strengthened my belief that good design should be intelligent, emotional, and responsible. Lately, I’ve been exploring how origami-inspired technology can reimagine not only how we design, but also how we communicate through everyday wear. I’m not just designing clothes — I hope to build systems, emotions, and futures.

What inspired you to pursue a career in creative / art / design?

Becoming a fashion designer has been my dream since I was a child. I was always fascinated by how clothing could express a person’s personality, mood, or story without saying a word. Over time, that childhood dream evolved into a deeper passion — not only for design itself, but also because, as a child, I longed for a way to express my inner world more personally and freely. That early dream still drives me today — now with a clearer purpose and a more responsible vision.

Can you describe the creative process behind your work and what motivates you to create?

My creative process often begins with observing everyday movements and material behavior — how fabric folds, how the body responds, and how clothing lives in motion. I translate these observations into design through origami-inspired folding and modular construction, allowing form and function to coexist with minimal waste. What motivates me to create is the desire to communicate — not just visually, but emotionally and structurally. Creating interesting structures continually fills me with inspiration and creative energy. Through these explorations, I find not only design solutions, but also a deep sense of joy.

What was the most exciting or challenging part of creating the work you submitted to the competition?

The most exciting — and also most challenging — part of creating my competition piece was developing a zero-waste pattern using origami-inspired folding, all without dismantling the original garment structure. Each folded component had to serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose, which required careful planning and creative experimentation. Transforming these folded elements into a new modular silhouette — while preserving the fabric’s integrity — pushed me to completely rethink traditional garment construction. And in the end, that became the most rewarding part.

How would you describe your creative style and the key characteristics that define your work?

My creative style is defined by a balance between structure and space. I often create spatial silhouettes that extend from the body, using geometric forms to shape a unique visual language. I hope these shapes not only bring a sculptural quality to the garment, but also contain functionality — allowing the piece to move with the body and adapt to daily life. This fusion of aesthetics and function is, I believe, the key characteristic of my design.

What has been your experience participating in the competition? Were you satisfied with the process and results?

Participating in this competition allowed me to receive valuable comments from a panel of experts. Their feedback provided powerful encouragement and insightful guidance, giving me more confidence and a clearer sense of direction in my design journey.

Where do you see the future of the art and design industry heading in the next 5-10 years?

In the next 5–10 years, I believe the art and design industry will move toward deeper integration with AI technology, greater sustainability, and more emotionally intelligent design. Designers will need to create not only visually compelling works, but also systems that are adaptive, sustainable, and socially responsive.

Follow the artist: https://www.instagram.com/anli_designer/?igsh=MTExbzlhNWk0eWR3bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#