Meet Lihsing Wang

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lihsing Wang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lihsing, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

To keep my creativity alive, I focus on balancing exploration and reflection. As a designer at Tory Burch and the founder of Utopia, I’m constantly surrounded by diverse sources of inspiration. At Tory Burch, I collaborate with talented teams across various disciplines, and the fast-paced nature of the fashion world pushes me to stay innovative, blending functionality with beauty. This keeps me sharp and agile as I explore new ideas.

With Utopia, the creative process is more introspective. It’s a space where I can think about the future, curate exhibitions, and bring together like-minded individuals from art, design, and technology. By engaging with global designers and thinkers, I’m able to see the world from different perspectives, which fuels my creative vision.

I also make time for personal projects, as they help me step outside my routine and experiment with new techniques and ideas. Whether working on an exhibition or designing a product, I make sure to take breaks, travel, and observe the world around me. This keeps my creative energy flowing and allows me to continually evolve my design approach.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I wear two creative hats that intertwine in exciting ways—one as a designer at Tory Burch and the other as the founder of Utopia, an art and design community based in NYC. My journey has been all about merging innovative design thinking with impactful experiences that push boundaries and inspire others.

At Tory Burch, I focus on designing products that strike the perfect balance between elegance and function. Working at such a renowned brand has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with talented teams and develop pieces that resonate with people on a global scale. Fashion is a dynamic field, and staying ahead of trends while maintaining timeless appeal is a challenge I embrace daily.

On the other hand, Utopia is where my passion for creating an ideal future comes alive. Utopia is more than just a platform—it’s a movement where art, design, and technology intersect to inspire new ways of thinking about the future. One of the most special aspects of Utopia is its focus on community, and our mission is to encourage critical conversations about how we can reshape the future for the better. From exhibitions to panel discussions, Utopia brings together voices from around the world to share their visions of what’s possible.

Currently, Utopia is expanding with some exciting projects. We recently curated the 40×40 Ecotopia Exhibition, showcasing innovative designs that focus on sustainability and AI. We’re also planning more events that merge smart technology with art and design, exploring how these intersections can improve urban life and create a more harmonious balance between nature and cityscapes. I believe this ongoing exploration of how design and technology can reshape our future is what makes Utopia unique and exciting.

Through both my roles, whether it’s creating fashion or curating thought-provoking exhibitions, I’m driven by a passion for making an impact that transcends industries and cultures. I’m always eager to explore new collaborations and push the boundaries of what’s possible in design and creative expression.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities and skills have really shaped my journey: adaptability, collaboration, and visionary thinking.

First, adaptability has been key, whether in the fast-paced world of fashion at Tory Burch or while curating exhibitions at Utopia. Things move quickly, and being flexible has helped me stay ahead of trends and embrace new ideas. My advice is to stay open to change and be ready to evolve. The creative world is constantly shifting, and those who can adapt will thrive.

Second, collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. At Tory Burch, every product is the result of teamwork—designers, marketers, and production specialists all working together. Utopia is even more collaborative, with artists and innovators coming together to share their visions. For anyone starting out, I recommend seeking opportunities to work with others and learning from different perspectives. The best work comes from collaboration, and it can lead to unexpected and exciting results.

Finally, visionary thinking has been crucial in both my design and curatorial work. At Tory Burch, I aim to create pieces that will resonate in the future, not just today. With Utopia, I focus on exploring how art, design, and technology can shape a better future. I encourage anyone early in their journey to stay curious, think beyond the present, and push the boundaries of their field. A forward-thinking mindset can set you apart and help you create something truly impactful.

In short, adaptability, collaboration, and visionary thinking are the foundations of my journey, and I believe they are essential for anyone looking to make their mark in the creative world.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played an important role in my development is “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin. The book dives deep into the mindset and philosophy behind creativity, and it really resonated with me, both as a designer at Tory Burch and in my work with Utopia. It emphasizes that creativity isn’t just about making things, but about how we see and interact with the world.

One valuable takeaway from the book is the idea that inspiration comes from being open to everything around you. Rubin talks about how important it is to observe, listen, and absorb the world with curiosity. This mindset has helped me see inspiration in unexpected places—whether it’s the materials I’m working with in fashion or the diverse voices I engage with while curating exhibitions.

Another impactful concept is embracing the unknown and being comfortable with uncertainty. Rubin encourages creators to trust the process, even when the path isn’t clear. This has been especially useful when I’m working on complex projects, reminding me that creativity often thrives in ambiguity. It’s about letting go of control and allowing the process to unfold, which can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

The book also stresses the importance of staying true to your unique voice. It reminds me that the best work comes from authenticity, not from trying to follow trends or fit into what’s expected. This philosophy has been a guiding principle in both my personal and professional work, giving me the confidence to push boundaries and create from a place of honesty.

In essence, “The Creative Act” has taught me that creativity is more about being than doing, and that’s a mindset I carry with me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.utopiaevent.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utopiacollab.inc_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/utopiacollaborationlnc/

Image Credits

utopia team