Our Story
Awaylee was founded in 2012 by Wei Li, China’s first internationally recognized independent designer. Rejecting rigid conventions, the brand established a distinct identity—blending elements of Chinese folk art with the warmth, softness, and quiet strength of femininity. Wei Li’s designs reflected this powerful vision, deeply rooted in heritage, environmental sustainability, and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and artistry.
Today, that spirit lives on under the direction of creative director Sue-Ann San, whose personal and professional journey connects with Wei Li’s legacy and bridges Awaylee into it's next chapter.
Born in Malaysia to a family of Chinese heritage and raised in Australia, Sue-Ann’s 20-year career in the fashion industry as an entrepreneur, creative director, and designer has provided a platform to engage with diverse artistic and cultural perspectives, shaping a unique and refined understanding of Australian, American, and Chinese art history, culture, and modern anthropology.
Working closely with collaborator and design director Katherine Kin, the pair explore traditional craftsmanship and time-honored materials, transforming them into contemporary feminine forms through a process of discovery, dialogue, interpretation, and innovation.
Designed in Los Angeles and crafted in China, the brand represents an ongoing exploration of heritage, art, philosophy, and nature, brought to life by a community of artisans through the finest materials and expert craftsmanship.
"The passionate pursuit of excellence is what defines us. We preserve and innovate our craft through collaboration and creativity.” — Sue-Ann San, Creative Director
HISTORY
Building on the extraordinary foundation laid by Wei Li, Awaylee is entering a new chapter — one that honors her vision while expanding its reach into deeper cultural exploration. At the heart of this evolution is a renewed focus on amplifying the symbolism and artistry of Chinese craftsmanship. Through meaningful collaborations with artists who explore traditional techniques and sustainable practices we keep Wei Li’s pioneering approach to design alive and her commitment to sustainability as a central component to the brand’s ethos. In this way, Awaylee is preserving the core elements of its identity while reinterpreting their significance through thoughtful transformation and cultural dialogue. The founding forces of the brand are being elevated into evolved forms, allowing this new direction to extend the appreciation of Chinese art, philosophy, culture, and craftsmanship (started by Wei Li) into a new era. Like all living things, Awaylee has grown. From its youthful beginnings, the brand has matured into a more grounded and intentional expression of its heritage and values.