Lotus on Water: A Fusion of Orientalism and Contemporary Fashion

A Unique Womenswear Collection by Suyeon Kim

Inspired by the designer's name, Suyeon, which means "lotus flower on the water" in Chinese characters, the Lotus on Water collection explores the fusion of oriental moods and contemporary fashions. With a focus on architectural silhouettes, creative construction, and a vibrant color palette, Suyeon Kim has created a truly distinctive and captivating womenswear collection.

Each look in the Lotus on Water collection represents the lotus flower in different ways. From petal-inspired draping to floating flower-inspired hand beading and screen printing, Suyeon Kim has captured the essence of the lotus flower's beauty and symbolism. The use of natural and transparent fabrics further enhances the collection, connoting purity and the serene nature of the lotus flower and water.

One of the standout features of the collection is the meticulous attention to detail and unique embellishment techniques. From hand sewing and hand beading to feather embellishment and print cutting, each piece is a work of art. The use of layering adds depth and dimension to the designs, creating a multi-layered effect that mirrors the complexity of life itself.

Technical specifications for the Lotus on Water collection include a bust measurement of 32 inches, waist measurement of 24.5 inches, and hip measurement of 35 inches, making it suitable for a wide age range of women. From casual to special occasions, the collection offers a range of styles, from girlish and lovely to luxurious and elegant.

The Lotus on Water collection was developed at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and was completed in November 2017. Suyeon Kim's presentation in New York showcased the collection's unique blend of orientalism and contemporary fashion.

Throughout the design process, Suyeon Kim conducted extensive research on Korean traditional clothing and art, incorporating elements of orientalism into her feminine, architectural, and contemporary designs. The collection serves as a reflection of the designer's personal journey to discover her true identity and express it through her work.

Despite the creative and technical challenges faced during the creation of the collection, such as working with delicate organza fabrics and perfecting three-dimensional shapes, Suyeon Kim's dedication and skill shine through in every piece. The collection features her own distinctive hand beading designs, showcasing her expertise in couture techniques.

The Lotus on Water collection is a testament to Suyeon Kim's talent and creativity. With its unique blend of orientalism and contemporary fashion, it offers a fresh and captivating perspective on womenswear. Suyeon Kim's vision and attention to detail have resulted in a collection that is both visually stunning and conceptually rich.

Image Credits: Photographer Ssam Kim, Model Alexandra Waterbury, Hair and Makeup Hiroto Yamauchi

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Suyeon Kim, 2017.

Awards and Accolades: The Lotus on Water collection was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fashion, Apparel, and Garment Design category in 2018. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Suyeon Kim
Image Credits: Photographer Ssam Kim Model Alexandra Waterbury Hair and Makeup Hiroto Yamauchi
Project Team Members: Suyeon Kim
Project Name: Lotus on Water
Project Client: Suyeon Kim


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