Today we’d like to introduce you to Chen Xu.
Hi Chen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Rather than following seasonal trends, La Libre focuses on original silhouettes and narrative-driven collections. Rooted in the freedom of Miami and the quiet elegance of French aesthetics, each piece is developed with versatility and longevity in mind…
As a founder who has lived, studied, and worked across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., I was constantly navigating new cities, identities, and expectations. Fashion became both my language and my armor — a way to feel grounded while remaining fluid.
I started La Libre to design pieces for women who live between worlds: creative, independent, and unafraid of change. The brand focuses on timeless silhouettes, thoughtful details, and versatility — garments that move easily from day to night, from one city to another, and from one phase of life to the next.
From the streets of Miami to Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, La Libre always hold the belief of free spirits will lead you to wherever you need to be. What began as a local project grew organically through community, storytelling, and direct conversations with customers internationally. I’ve been involved in every part of the process, from design and sourcing to branding, photography, and e-commerce. Along the way, La Libre evolved beyond clothing into a broader lifestyle concept — one that celebrates freedom, femininity, and self-definition.
Today, La Libre continues to grow as an independent brand rooted in creativity and intention. It represents not just what we wear, but how we choose to live: freely, courageously, and on our own terms.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building La Libre has not been a smooth or linear journey. As an independent, founder-led brand, one of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the realities of production, funding, and global logistics. Launching and growing the brand while navigating different markets, time zones, and supply chains required constant adaptation and problem-solving.
Another challenge was building visibility and trust without relying on traditional industry backing. Without large investors or established fashion networks, I had to take on multiple roles — from creative direction and brand strategy to production coordination and digital marketing — while staying true to the brand’s vision.
There were also personal challenges in building a global brand while living between countries, cultures, and systems. However, these obstacles ultimately shaped La Libre’s identity. They strengthened my ability to lead independently, make intentional decisions, and build a brand rooted in resilience, flexibility, and long-term vision rather than short-term trends.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work as a fashion creative director and founder, specializing in building narrative-driven, founder-led fashion brands. Through La Libre, my work sits at the intersection of design, culture, and lifestyle, with a focus on original silhouettes, intentional aesthetics, and storytelling rooted in lived experience.
I am best known for creating versatile, feminine designs shaped by a global perspective. Influenced by Miami’s spirit of freedom and the quiet elegance of French aesthetics, my work reflects movement, independence, and modern womanhood. Rather than following trends, I focus on developing a cohesive design language that balances fluidity with structure and emotion with function.
What I am most proud of is building La Libre independently from concept to execution. I lead every aspect of the creative process — from design development and visual direction to brand identity and editorial storytelling — allowing the brand to remain authentic and closely connected to its audience.
What sets my work apart is its authorship. La Libre is not just a fashion label, but a creative platform shaped by cross-cultural experience and intentional design. Each collection reflects a personal yet globally informed vision, offering women pieces that adapt across cities, roles, and phases of life.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to grow La Libre as a globally minded, founder-led creative brand. I plan to further develop future collections that deepen the brand’s design language while expanding its presence through editorial storytelling, curated collaborations, and selective international markets.
In the coming years, I’m also interested in exploring La Libre beyond clothing — using it as a creative platform that connects fashion with culture, visual storytelling, and lifestyle experiences. This includes working more closely with photographers, artists, and creatives to produce meaningful content and projects that reflect modern femininity and freedom of expression.
Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, my goal for La Libre is to build with intention — prioritizing authenticity, longevity, and creative independence. The future I’m planning for is one where La Libre continues to evolve organically while staying true to its original vision.
Pricing:
- Ready-to-wear pieces typically range from $120–$380
- Limited collections and statement pieces may vary by design
- Current collections are available through our official online store
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lalibre.shop
- Instagram: lalibreofficial
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lalibre-global/
Image Credits
Photographer: Kui Xu
