Brooklyn, New York, United States
Michelle J. Li is a Chinese-American Costume Designer and Multidisciplinary Artist. She is motivated by process and seeks to explore the playful tension found within the in-betweens of identity. Her designs have been seen worldwide in films premiering at renowned festivals like Sundance, Tribeca, TIFF and SXSW. In 2024, Michelle was also the youngest costume designer in recent history to make a Broadway debut. Recent narrative work include designing Amy Wang’s daring body horror SLANTED and Richard J. Hind’s fresh reimagining of COME FROM AWAY for Paper Mill Playhouse. Michelle has also led educational costume design workshops at the high school + university level in addition to being a panelist for professional symposiums like the Motion Picture Association’s New York State Creativity Summit. A few career highlights include Emma Seligman’s indie breakout SHIVA BABY, Molly Gordon’s award-winning mockumentary THEATER CAMP, and season 3 of Comedy Central’s AWKWAFINA IS NORA FROM QUEENS. Select commercial clients include VOGUE, GLAMOUR, ALLURE, NYLON, SIXTWENTYSIX, AMPERSAND and AMAZON. Michelle is based in NYC + a proud member of USA 829.
Costume Designer for The Signature Theatre's NY premiere production of Playwright in Residence Lauren Yee's KING OF THE YEES.
Costume Designer for Paper Mill Playhouse's musical production of COME FROM AWAY, re-imagined and directed by Richard J. Hinds.
Costume Designer for feature film MAGAZINE, written and directed by Alexandra Pechman.
Costume Designer for Ogunquit Playhouse's musical production of COME FROM AWAY, re-imagined and directed by Richard J. Hinds.
Costume Designer for ALLNIGHTER, written by Natalie Margolin and directed by Jaki Bradley.