Meet Fu Huili, a 26-year-old designer from the Li ethnic group turning Hainan’s tropical rainforest into a fashion playground 🎨. Combining retro ‘90s aesthetics with centuries-old Li brocade techniques, Fu’s work is a vibrant nod to her heritage—and Gen Z’s love for sustainable style.
Nature’s Color Palette 🍃
Fu and her mom trek through Hainan’s lush forests to gather plants like indigo and fig bark, transforming them into natural dyes. \"Each color tells a story,\" she says, pointing to a gradient skirt inspired by rainforest sunsets 🌅.
Bridging Generations ✨
As a certified inheritor of Li brocade—a UNESCO-recognized craft—Fu’s designs modernize intricate patterns once woven for tribal ceremonies. Her latest collection? Crop tops paired with hand-dyed wrap skirts, blending Y2K nostalgia with cultural pride.
Why It Matters
Fu’s TikTok-friendly creations (#CraftTok anyone?) are making waves among eco-conscious youth, proving tradition can be trendy. She’s part of a growing movement: 72% of Gen Z shoppers now prioritize culturally rooted brands, per 2024 fashion reports 📈.
