2025

Design Awards Silver Winner - Joyce Li

Slow Ceremony

Entrant Company

Joyce Li

Category

Clothing & Accessories - Womenswear

Client's Name

Country / Region:

United States

While traveling in Japan, I was struck by how deeply the values of order and ritual are embedded in the culture. It led me to reflect on how the act of following a set sequence—especially when repeated—can be inherently therapeutic. Personally, I find comfort in repetitive, hands-on processes such as crocheting, hand embellishing, or sewing. There is something about the rhythmic motion, or perhaps the accumulation of repeated actions, that helps ease my anxiety. It may be the slowness of these acts that provides a sense of grounding.

The Japanese tea ceremony exemplifies this philosophy—a holistic ritual where every movement is intentional, and the process of serving and savoring tea becomes a meditative experience. Inspired by this, I began to wonder: what if dressing could become a similar form of ritual? A deliberate, mindful act where the process of putting on clothing slows the mind and centers the self.

In this collection, I explore repetition and slowness through design. The garments feature multiple layers and closures that require time and attention—buttons and straps replace zippers to encourage an unhurried engagement with the clothing. There are no shortcuts. Dressing becomes an intentional act, a form of slow art.

The color palette is also carefully considered. Muted and low in saturation, the colors are chosen to avoid visual distraction and to promote a sense of calm. Shades of beige, sand, sage, and golden brown evoke a quiet, grounded atmosphere that supports the meditative quality of the dressing ritual.

I envisioned this dressing experience as a morning meditation—one of the first actions of the day that sets the tone for what follows. By focusing on ourselves, caring for ourselves through the act of dressing, we cultivate mindfulness and begin the day with clarity and calm.

More Silver Winners
2025
Design Awards Winner - IGL SPORTS LLC / INNOVATIVE(GROUP) LIMITED - Travel Hoop

Entrant Company

IGL SPORTS LLC / INNOVATIVE(GROUP) LIMITED

Category

Outdoor & Sports Equipment - Sports Equipment

Country / Region

United States

2025
Design Awards Winner - Meiqing Tian - Clip Chair

Entrant Company

Meiqing Tian

Category

Furniture - Seating & Comfort Furniture

Country / Region

United States

2025
Design Awards Winner - Chongqing Nengneng Technology Co. ,Ltd. - Smart Internet-Connected Electric Optical Flipper

Entrant Company

Chongqing Nengneng Technology Co. ,Ltd.

Category

Baby, Kids & Children - Health

Country / Region

China

2025
Design Awards Winner - Azzurro Living - Olympus Swivel Club Chair

Entrant Company

Azzurro Living

Category

Outdoor & Sports Equipment - Garden Furniture

Country / Region

United States