Yina Hwang's Utopia: A Journey of Self-Embracement

Unveiling the Silver A' Design Award Winner in Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design

Yina Hwang's journey to create Utopia began with a personal exploration of societal expectations of perfection. Raised in a Korean society that demanded aesthetic perfection, Hwang's asymmetrical face made her feel inadequate. This societal pressure restricted her freedom of thought and expression. However, during her travels in 2018, she experienced a pivotal moment of self-embracement. This moment served as the inspiration for Utopia, a collection that aims to break down the wearer's restrictions and encourage freedom of expression.

The unique properties of Utopia lie in its abstract yet functional design. Hwang began the design process by distorting her physical appearance using surgery tape. This distortion led to collages, which in turn inspired the prints and silhouettes of the initial prototypes. Every print and fabric used in the project is original, with PU leather, Satin, Power Mash, and Spandex forming the base of the fabrics.

Utopia is not just a collection of garments; it's a collection of stories. Some of the garments can transform their shapes by attaching or detaching fabric panels using snaps, adding an interactive element to the design. This feature allows the wearer to adapt the garment to their personal style, further emphasizing the theme of self-expression.

The creation of Utopia was not without its challenges. Hwang had to experiment with different fabrics to achieve the desired print results, as each fabric reacted differently to the printing process. She also had to navigate the technical aspects of sewing different fabrics. However, her perseverance paid off when Utopia was presented at the New York Fashion Week in February 2020.

Utopia's success is a testament to Hwang's innovative approach to design. Her collection is a celebration of diversity and self-empowerment, inspired by the underground music culture where people of different backgrounds, shapes, colors, genders, and sexualities are embraced. This design was awarded Silver in the A' Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Award in 2020, a prestigious recognition for designs that showcase outstanding expertise and innovation.

Yina Hwang's Utopia is a powerful reminder of the beauty of self-acceptance. Through her innovative design and personal journey, she encourages wearers to embrace their unique beauty and express their individuality freely. It's not just a fashion collection; it's a movement towards self-empowerment and freedom of expression.