Huili Jin / LICC 2024 Winner

 

 

In conversation with Huili Jin, LICC Winner in the Non-Professional USE (Product) category, she shares the inspiration behind Escape and what makes her award-winning design truly unique. She also reflects on how clothing can profoundly influence our state of mind and the emotional experience it creates.

 

 

 

The theme of psychological detachment is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s fast-paced work environment. What do you think makes Escape stand out in addressing this issue in a unique way?

Escape stands out in addressing the increasingly relevant issue of psychological detachment in today’s fast-paced work environment by uniquely combining functional innovation in garment structure with aesthetic elements such as prints and color palettes. This dual approach not only offers physical comfort and practicality but also delivers emotional value and a means of personal expression through design.

What makes Escape truly distinctive is its attention to subtle, often overlooked issues in women’s everyday lives—such as the balance between comfort and style, or the physical discomfort caused by hidden pressures. By thoughtfully responding to these needs, Escape supports the wearer not just functionally, but also emotionally, offering a moment of mental retreat and self-connection through clothing.

It is this integration of utility and emotional experience that sets Escape apart, making it a design that carries both warmth and strength in a uniquely compelling way.

Your design connects with the idea of ‘escapism’—in a practical sense, how does Escape help people break away from the pressures of their workday?

Escape connects with the idea of escapism in a practical way by enabling a quick transition between workwear and casual wear, helping the wearer physically and mentally step away from the demands of the workday. People often experience entirely different states of mind depending on what they’re wearing, and Escape is designed with a deep sensitivity to this often overlooked source of pressure.

By acknowledging and addressing the subtle yet real psychological impact of clothing on our daily lives, Escape allows wearers to reclaim a sense of control and comfort—creating space for relaxation, self-expression, and detachment from the rigid structure of the professional environment.

What role did the materials and textures you chose for Escape play in creating an immersive experience for the user?

The materials and textures chosen for Escape play a crucial role in creating an immersive experience for the user by reinforcing the contrast between work and leisure states. For the workwear aspect, the fabrics are more structured and wrinkle-resistant, reflecting a sense of formality and readiness. In contrast, the leisure pieces use lighter, softer materials paired with playful and relaxed prints, instantly signaling a shift in mood and environment.

How important is the user experience for you, especially when designing a product that serves both functional and emotional needs?

User experience is extremely important to me, especially when designing a product that aims to meet both functional and emotional needs. Throughout the design process, I actively seek out and engage with my community to test the pieces, gather feedback, and understand their real-life experiences.

Their insights help me evaluate whether my approach is truly effective—not just in terms of functionality, but also in how the design makes them feel. This collaborative, user-centered process ensures that my work remains grounded, responsive, and genuinely supportive of the people it’s made for.

You’ve taken a very thoughtful approach to design by considering the psychological state of users. What kind of feedback or responses have you received so far from people who have used Escape?

I’ve received some very encouraging feedback from people who have experienced Escape. Several users mentioned that they really appreciate the concept and find the design meaningful, not just in its aesthetic or functionality, but in how it draws attention to their own psychological shifts throughout the day.

Some even shared that wearing Escape made them more aware of their mental and emotional states, helping them recognize when they needed to pause, disconnect, or simply take care of themselves. This kind of response reinforces my belief that design can go beyond appearance—it can support emotional awareness and well-being in everyday life.

Considering the growing awareness of mental health in the workplace, do you see this design as part of a larger trend toward more thoughtful, well-being-oriented design products?

Yes, absolutely. I see this design as part of a larger and growing trend toward more thoughtful, well-being-oriented products. Functionality in fashion design has often been overlooked, but considering that clothing acts as a second skin—something that stays with us throughout the day—it plays a much more intimate role in our lives than we tend to acknowledge.

The development of functional aspects in clothing is a direction that deserves far more attention, especially as we become more conscious of how our environment, routines, and even what we wear impact our mental health. Designing with well-being in mind isn’t just a niche—it’s becoming an essential part of how we define meaningful, responsible design today.

What were some of the challenges you faced when trying to convey the abstract concept of ‘psychological detachment’ through a physical object?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was that psychological detachment is a deeply subjective and abstract mental state, not a clearly defined or universally understood condition. Because of this, it was difficult to find a concrete, reliable way to represent or address it through a physical object like clothing.

I explored approaches used in psychotherapy and mental health research, hoping to find a framework, but quickly realized that psychological detachment is still considered more of a phenomenon than a clinical focus, and hasn’t been fully developed as a target for treatment.

This made it especially challenging to decide how to approach it through design, and what methods or touchpoints would be most effective. Finding that entry point—where design could genuinely engage with such a subtle mental experience—became the most complex and demanding part of the project.

Winning the LICC award is a significant achievement. What does this recognition mean to you, and how does it influence your future design endeavors?

Winning the LICC award is a tremendous form of recognition and affirmation for me. It reinforces my belief that I’m on the right path and gives me greater confidence to continue pursuing this direction in my work.

Moving forward, I’m even more committed to exploring the functional potential of clothing, and how it can go beyond aesthetics to support people’s real, everyday needs—both physically and emotionally. I hope that my designs can eventually reach and help a broader range of people, offering not just garments, but meaningful experiences that resonate with their lives.

How do you see the intersection of design and mental health evolving in the future? Are there any particular trends or ideas you’re excited to explore next?

I believe the intersection of design and mental health—and more broadly, human well-being—is a fascinating and deeply valuable area to explore. As designers, we have the ability to shape experiences that go beyond surface-level aesthetics and truly support people’s emotional and physical needs.

One project I’m currently working on focuses on helping wheelchair users overcome challenges related to dressing independently. It addresses not only functional obstacles but also the psychological impact of independence and self-expression. I’m particularly interested in supporting their autonomy and dignity through thoughtful design solutions.

What message do you hope users take away from their interaction with Escape and its role in supporting their well-being?

I hope that users take away from their interaction with Escape a sense of relief and awareness—that the design helps them disconnect from the pressures of their workday and create space for emotional and mental well-being.

Ultimately, my goal is for Escape to effectively support certain groups of people, providing them with something that truly improves their daily experience. But even more importantly, I value feedback from the community. It is their insights and experiences that form the foundation of my design process, helping me understand what works, what can be improved, and how I can better serve their needs.

View the winning project of Huili Jin here.