Feminisculine: Empowering Women Through Fashion

CHAE YOON YOO's Award-Winning Ready to Wear Collection

YOO's inspiration for this collection stems from a variety of social issues, including gender discrimination, sexism, and male chauvinism. The designer's intention is to question why women are often treated as minor roles in society, why they are sexually targeted, and why they are perceived as weaker compared to men. Through her designs, YOO seeks to empower women and challenge these societal norms.

The unique properties of this collection lie in its bold silhouettes, inspired by 1980's power shoulder and men's wear patterns. By incorporating these elements, YOO aims to make women feel stronger and more empowered. The collection is made using a variety of techniques including bonding, hand sewing, and machine sewing, and utilizes materials such as double-sided wool, blended cashmere, and polyesters.

The collection was created in New York between January and May 2016 and was later exhibited at the El Museo del Barrio in New York in July 2016. The garments are designed in US size 2, EU size 34, and are available in contrasting colors of white and black. The fabrication of these garments was a significant challenge for YOO, who had to experiment extensively to achieve the perfect customized bonding fabric.

YOO's designs are a response to the gender discrimination that still exists in the 21st century. Despite seeming progress, women are often not recognized as major members of society, particularly in Asian cultures where male chauvinism is deeply rooted. Through her collection, YOO aims to change this narrative and promote gender equality. Her designs serve as a statement that women are strong and should be treated equally.

YOO's "Feminisculine" collection has been recognized for its innovative approach to fashion and social commentary, earning the Golden A' Design Award in 2017. This award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.