Claudia Li Launches “Free Range Kids” Collection
“The starting point of the collection was “We were once all superheroes”. As adults, we tend not to have
TOO much fun. We even feel numb towards certain things, and most of us have lost the “courage”
towards things that are supposed to be exciting and adventurous because of responsibilities, stress, life,
etc. I went to a Christian Girls School, but I never really followed the rules. Somehow I always got into
trouble, but I didn’t care at all about the consequences, because everything was awesome and amusing:
climbing trees, rolling down the hills on a skateboard… “ – Claudia Li
For this collection, Founder and Creative Director Claudia Li was inspired by the energy and amusement
of being a tween. The collection reflects upon Li’s schoolgirl days when she was a free-range kid in New
Zealand; when adventures didn’t mean consequences, and things like opening Christmas presents, and
eating cotton candy at a carnival were still exciting “eye-opening” experiences.
Vibrant colors and energetic patterns are prominent throughout the collection. Signature silhouettes
including the Slouchy Track Jacket are reimagined in a pink and purple Space Jacquard and Midnight
Sequin Floral. Select styles, including the Carnival Skirt and Dress and Balloon Pant, get playful in a
“Christmas Plaid” jacquard, and a lilac seersucker. Intricate hand beaded floral panels in shades of pink
and blue can be found on the Carnival Dress and two-piece bandeau skirt set. Sequins reappear in a
Midnight Floral embellishing a Track Suit fit for a night out and an elegant Teepee Dress. Relaxed
Bowling Shirt and Short Sets are reinvented in Sunflower Pinstripes, and Christmas Plaid. A standout
detail is the Puff Sleeve found on the Marshmallow Bandeau and Wrap Top, wearable and full of
character.
Accessories include hand beaded floral brooches and sandals, beaded earrings made in collaboration
with FRUTA jewelry and Flower Helmet Bags, which can be both worn as a hat or carried as a handbag.
