Fatopia: A Celebration of Body Diversity in Fashion

Size Inclusive Fashion Line by C'est D. by Doyeon Yoni Yu

With 2.1 billion people, or 30% of the world's population, being overweight, the need for size inclusive fashion is more relevant than ever. In the US alone, 67% of individuals are beyond size 16. However, society often discriminates based on size, leading to a gap in the fashion market. C'est D. by Doyeon Yoni Yu aims to bridge this gap, empowering individuals to love their bodies and stand against fat stigma.

The unique aspect of this fashion line is its celebration of body positivity and inclusivity. It redefines the concept of 'fat', challenging societal norms and prejudices. The collection is designed unapologetically for all body types, providing choices that are often missing in the fashion industry.

The realization of this design involved exploring digital fabric prints, laser cutting techniques, and diverse textiles. The patterns, created based on body shapes, are printed on different fabric weights such as silk duchess, organza, and silk twill. This exploration of new shapes, techniques, and textiles broadens the fashion industry's perspective towards all sizes.

The collection, created in size 6 and size 18, was launched during New York Fashion Week S/S 19. The design process involved working with ten participants, including the designer, sharing stories about societal limitations on body diversity and overcoming body insecurities. This interaction with the audience, sharing and being shared, is a key element of the collection.

Despite facing negative comments and skepticism from those who believe fashion is privileged to certain sizes, C'est D. by Doyeon Yoni Yu remains committed to breaking this prejudice in the fashion industry. Her designs celebrate all types of bodies, sizes, and colors, liberating individuals from a fat-phobic society and promoting body equality.

The collection "Fatopia - The Celebration of Flesh" was awarded Silver in A' Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. It is a testament to the collection's strong technical characteristics, splendid artistic skill, and level of excellence.