In conversation with Siying Qu, founder of PRIVATE POLICY NY

Siying Qu, founder of PRIVATE POLICY NY / Photo: Thaddeus McAdams

Founded by Haoran Li and Siying Qu, two Chinese designers who met at The New School’s Parsons School of Design, PRIVATE POLICY is a brand that is dedicated to bringing the rebellious and fierce spirit of New York to the world. Their statement pieces have been seen on some of the world’s biggest celebrities like Dua Lipa, Bretman Rock, Hailey Bieber, Maluma, Kendall Jenner, and Bella Hadid. PRIVATE POLICY’s conscious pursuits include sustainability and gender fluidity. The brand’s design process is modeled after newspaper outlets by focusing on one social topic each season.

PRIVATE POLICY’s SS23 theme focuses on ‘Capturing PEACE for All’. Their NYFW show’s vision included a spiritual tie-in from the story of Noah’s Ark that emphasized humanity and how we can do our part in keeping our world safe and protected through mindful sustainability.

Here, Qu answers questions about the brand and her favorite Asian people, places, and things.

What's the inspiration behind your SS23 collection? 
The latest collection is inspired by Noah's Ark and an exploration about the meaning of PEACE. We want to emphasize the process to Peace and envision Peace for all beings on Earth. So we named the collection ‘Capturing PEACE for All’.

What does gender fluidity mean to you?
PRIVATE POLICY NY is all about genderless fashion, and we use fashion as an outlet as a form of self-expression, the clothes we wear do not identify us. It is an expression of freedom.

In three words, how would you describe PRIVATE POLICY?
Unconventional, Conscious, Rebellious

Tell us about your partnership with DIAGEO for Genderless Fashion.
We partnered with DIAGEO during AAPI Heritage Month and were super excited to continue our partnership with DIAGEO and its family of brands during NYFW. Our Noah’s Ark (Capture the Dove, Hope After Disasters) Spring/Summer 2023 which encapsulates self-expression and seeing no gender in fashion, celebrates the Fluidity is Freedom. DIAGEO recognizing PRIVATE POLICY and lending their platform to amplify our brand and other designers who create Genderless Fashion is honorable.

What role do you think fashion plays in the intersection of politics, equality, and social justice?
Fashion is a huge part of life and society. It is a major outlet for self-expression. We can use fashion as a way to voice our demands for equality and social justice. Also, fashion is powerful as an industry, we do have the responsibility to support and embrace positive changes and call for politics that are bettering lives.  

What is your favorite Asian snack?  
Chacha Brown Sugar Sunflower Seeds at the moment. 

Sriracha or chili crisp?
Chilli Crisp

What's your favorite Asian restaurant in NYC?
Uluh in LES (link)

Who is your favorite Asian musician at the moment?
Keshi

If you could have any notable Asian person wear your designs, who would it be?
Michelle Yeoh, because she is a legend.

What's a non-profit or charity you'd encourage people to support?
Send Chinatown Love (link)

Photos from PRIVATE POLICY’s SS23 NYFW show

Photos: Thaddeus McAdams