Lii Spring 2027: Zane Li Blends Sportswear with Chinese Heritage

Zane Li's Lii label, a finalist for the LVMH Prize and CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, presented its Spring 2027 menswear collection in a Marais showroom. The collection emphasizes high-contrast black and white alongside soft pastels, moving from the brand's usual sharp color palette. Li reworks wardrobe staples like windbreakers and T-shirts with minimal adjustments, inspired by cultural observations from his trips to Asia—such as sweat scarves and towel hats from communal bath rituals, and mint-green leggings worn by girls. Key pieces include tiered patchworked shirts with tails, envelope-like patch pockets, shorts with buttoned side vents, and bags modeled after Japanese children's collapsible backpacks. The collection blends references to Raf Simons' Jil Sander years and American sportswear with Li's Chinese heritage. Li is only the second Chinese designer to reach the LVMH Prize semi-finals, following Rui Zhou in 2021. His brand also won the Fashion Trust US Prize in ready-to-wear. The Paris heatwave suggests sweat scarves will be essential by next year.