Award-Winning Designer Jianming Li to Lead NW Unicorn's U.S. Footwear Market Expansion

Award-winning designer Jianming (Nicolas) Li has been selected as Lead Designer for NW Unicorn LLC, positioning the company for significant market expansion in the United States footwear industry. Li will play a critical role in launching two distinct brands at major industry events: PIGYPIGY, a children's barefoot footwear brand, and BLACK CICADA, a minimalist footwear project.

At the Footwear Show New York Expo (FSNYE) in December 2025, Li will oversee PIGYPIGY's U.S. market debut, presenting the 2026-2027 product line and engaging with key retailers and industry buyers. The expo, aligned with FFANY Market Week, represents a crucial platform for establishing brand recognition and market positioning.

Subsequently, Li will serve as Footwear Design Director for the BLACK CICADA project at the Barefoot Shoe Expo in May 2026. This global event, dedicated exclusively to barefoot and anatomical footwear, will showcase Li's technical innovation and design expertise across over 120 international brands.

Li brings significant credibility to these roles, having received multiple prestigious design awards, including the 2024 Global Footwear Award and the 2025 IDA Design Award. His work has been featured in prominent fashion publications and showcased at international fashion weeks in Paris, Shanghai, and Guangdong.

NW Unicorn LLC President Wayne Alan Hsu emphasized the strategic importance of Li's appointment, stating that his leadership will establish new standards for creativity and commercial success in the U.S. footwear market.