Meng-Yuan Li
Founder of I.A.N Design
Hello, I’m Meng-Yuan Li, a 2009 graduate of Shih Chien University’s Fashion Design Department and the founder of I.A.N Design, a sustainable fashion brand I established in 2009. My career started with designing for two fashion companies. My first job at Han-Dong Fashion Company, a streetwear brand in Wufenpu, taught me a lot about the local market. After that, I joined Yin-Li Fashion, designing menswear. These experiences sparked my passion for sustainability and led me to start my own brand while balancing work, study, and entrepreneurship. I focused on plant-based dyeing techniques and eco-friendly apparel, concepts I first explored in my graduate thesis.
Over the past 15 years, I.A.N Design has grown, and in 2023, we became Taiwan’s first B Corporation fashion brand, recognized for our commitment to sustainability. The journey has been challenging but fulfilling, and I aim to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion, eventually taking it to the global stage.
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Educational Highlight
One of the most impactful experiences at Shih Chien was the fashion week the department organized. It wasn’t just a showcase; it was a chance to connect with the real market, test our designs, and push our creativity under real-world pressure. It taught me how important it is to link creativity with business sense, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.
My advice? Master the basics, whether it’s pattern making or computer-aided design. Dive deep into what you love, but also get real-world experience before you fully pursue further studies. That balance will give you the insights and resilience you need to grow. And don’t be afraid to take risks while you’re young—you have the energy and can afford to lose a little, but you’ll gain a lot.
See what others have to say....
Alexander Wu
Department Director
Shih-Hsun Lee
Tailor
Wei Lin
Model & Educator
