The Transparent City: A Fashionable Reflection of Urban Architecture

Seo Ah Lee's Award-Winning Collection Inspired by Cityscapes

Seo Ah Lee's avant-garde sportswear collection, The Transparent City, brings the geometric structures of urban architecture to life. The collection, which won the Silver A' Design Award in 2019, is a testament to Lee's innovative approach to fashion design.

Inspired by the concrete walls and sharp cuts of window frames in city buildings, Lee's collection is a unique blend of masculine and minimal aesthetics. The designer's fascination with the patterns formed by buildings through transparent glass windows is beautifully expressed in her work. The collection comprises two men's apparels and one women's apparel, each piece reflecting the distinct geometric patterns of the urban jungle.

Lee's collection stands out for its unique use of materials and construction techniques. The garments are made from lamb's leather and organza, a fabric developed by Lee herself. The organza, inspired by window frames and geometric lines of buildings, adds a unique touch to the collection. The designer's choice of leather, which allows for embossed detailing, helps bring the three-dimensional structure of buildings to life in her designs.

The Transparent City was conceived and brought to life in New York City in 2012. Lee's creative process involved taking several photos of buildings in the city to visualize her transparent city concept. The geometric shapes of the buildings provided the stylistic lines for her designs. The collection was presented at the Mercedes Benz fashion week in August 2012.

Creating the three-dimensional lines of leather was a significant challenge for Lee. However, her determination and innovative approach led to the successful realization of her vision. The collection, which reflects the designer's unique interpretation of urban architecture, is a testament to her creativity and technical prowess.

The Transparent City is more than just a fashion collection; it is a reflection of Lee's innovative approach to design and her ability to draw inspiration from her surroundings. The collection's success at the A' Design Award is a testament to her talent and dedication. As Lee continues to push the boundaries of fashion design, the world eagerly awaits her next creation.

Copyrights for The Transparent City belong to Seo Ah Lee, 2019. The collection's visual content credits go to Jiyoun Lee and Seo Ah Lee. The design was awarded Silver in the A' Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Award in 2019, a prestigious accolade awarded to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Seo Ah Lee
Image Credits: #ID: 81041: Jiyoun Lee / Seoah Lee / Seoah Lee, The Transparent City, 2012
Project Team Members: Designer, pattern maker, construction : Seo Ah Lee
Project Name: The Transparent City
Project Client: Seo Ah Lee


The Transparent City IMG #2
The Transparent City IMG #3
The Transparent City IMG #4
The Transparent City IMG #5
The Transparent City IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant