The Metamorphosis: A Unique Design Blending Human and Animal

Exploring Mutation, Evolution, and Atemporal Creativity

Inspired by Charles Darwin's idea that all forms of life are constantly evolving, Yingyi Chen embarked on a journey to explore the transformation of the human form. The result is The Metamorphosis, a design that transcends time and blurs the line between human and animal. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, this design features exaggerated animal skeletons that seamlessly blend with the human body, creating a cross-image of strength, power, and sensuality.

What sets The Metamorphosis apart is its unique visual interpretation of animal anatomy. By building upon existing skeleton structures, the design achieves a natural and organic look, as if these features were inherent properties of the human body. This fusion of human and animal elements creates an atemporal, supreme creature that exists beyond the confines of past and future.

The realization of The Metamorphosis involved the use of degradable plastic, leather, and hair. Biodegradable plastics were sourced from manufacturers, while the hot pressing technique was employed to mold the plastic and incorporate hair, forming a fabric-like material. Leather, obtained from studio leftovers, was recycled and stitched to create various parts of the design. The hair used in the design was sourced from barbershop waste. This combination of materials not only adds to the uniqueness of the design but also highlights the importance of sustainability and recycling in the fashion industry.

The Metamorphosis is not just a static piece of art; it is designed to be interactive and adaptable. Each part of the design, including the arms, hands, front and back ornaments, can be disassembled and reassembled. This allows for ease of wear, freedom of movement, and the ability to replace or add parts in the future. The design encourages a process of constant renewal and evolution, reflecting the ever-changing nature of life itself.

The project to create The Metamorphosis began in January 2020 and was completed in March 2020 in China. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted on human anatomy, evolution, and the transformation of the human form. This research, combined with experimentation and a deep understanding of sculpture, laid the foundation for the realization of this extraordinary design.

The Metamorphosis presented several challenges during its creation. One of the main challenges was capturing the texture of human skin in a futuristic context. Additionally, the intricate details such as the joints of the fingers, the tail, and the bulging parts of the back required meticulous craftsmanship and modeling skills.

With its thought-provoking concept, innovative design, and meticulous craftsmanship, The Metamorphosis has garnered recognition in the design world. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fashion, Apparel, and Garment Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements.

The Metamorphosis is a testament to the power of creativity and imagination. It challenges conventional ideas of fashion and design, blurring the boundaries between human and animal, past and future. Through its unique properties and interactive nature, it invites us to embrace constant renewal and evolution, both in our personal lives and in the world of design.