2025 | Professional

French Fashion Awards Gold Winner

The Form of Power

Entrant Company

Xinyi Chen

Category

Haute Couture - Avant-garde Couture

Client's Name

Country / Region

United States

This apparel design celebrates the complexity and multidimensional allure of modern women, moving beyond traditional, monotonous stereotypes of femininity. Rooted in the context of feminist discourse, the design innovates in material use and tailoring to fully express the diversity of feminine qualities. It also underscores women’s awareness, control, and freedom of expression over their own identities.
The design seamlessly blends modern minimalism with structuralism, highlighting the unique beauty found in the contrast and harmony between sharp lines and soft materials. Classic black, as the dominant color, conveys an upscale sense where strength meets grace. Further inspired by architecture and artists, it uses multidimensional mirroring to reflect that women can flexibly adapt to complex societies while retaining their inner depth.
The material selection is particularly ingenious and thoughtful, combining leather, suiting fabric, velvet, and tulle—four distinct materials that contrast yet coexist in the design, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of femininity. In terms of tailoring, the high slit paired with tulle fabric strikes a perfect balance between bold confidence and subtle mystery. Drawing inspiration from the power suits of the 1980s, the broad shoulder silhouette contrasts sharply with a cinched waistline, showcasing both female strength and graceful curves while reflecting the authority and leadership of modern women. The tulle fabric at key body contours adds layers to the garment, creating a dynamic visual flow that enhances its overall elegance. To further accentuate the unique charm and social standing of women, the asymmetric cuts disrupt traditional symmetrical patterns, symbolizing women’s courage to challenge societal norms and pursue independent self-expression.

Credits

Xinyi Chen
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