The Form of Power Hoahoa Kākahu Whakaari by Xinyi Chen

The Form of Power Hoahoa Kākahu Whakaari by Xinyi Chen is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Rino in Hoahoa Kākahu, Āhua me te Kākahu Competition Category.

RinoKākahu· 2025

The Form of Power Hoahoa Kākahu Whakaari

by Xinyi Chen

Client: Xinyi Chen

A' Design Award Rino Winner in Kākahu Category

58,935

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #170275

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About The Form of Power Hoahoa Kākahu Whakaari

I roto i te hapori e hurihuri tere ana, kei te huri haere te āhua wahine ki tētahi ariā kanorau ake. Ka whakawhānui atu i te hōpara hōhonu o te ātaahua, ka whakatuma māia tēnei kākahu i ngā tikanga ira tawhito. I tētahi taumata whānui ake, ka whakaatu i tētahi pūnaha uara kawe katoa, kanorau mō te tuakiri wahine, e whakatairanga ana i tētahi māramatanga hapori whānui ake mō ngā tuakiri wahine matatini, ā, e whakatenatena ana i ngā wāhine kia tautuhi rātou anō i te ātaahua. I tua atu, ka whakamahia te hiako whakahōu me te weraweta tāngaengae pai, me ngā mahere hoki ki te whakawhanake i te tūru pīrori, e whakataurite ana i te whakaaturanga hoahoa me te haepapa taiao.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Rino

Ko The Form of Power Hoahoa Kākahu Whakaari te toa o te A' Design Award Rino, he whakaaetanga whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa pai e whakatutuki ana i ngā hiahia ngaio me te ahumahi e tūmanakohia ana mai i ngā mahi kua hoahoatia pai. Ko ngā toa Rino e whakaatu ana i te pukenga nui, te tohungatanga teitei, te māramatanga mātanga me te kaha auaha o ō rātou kaihanga. E tūmanakohia ana ko The Form of Power Hoahoa Kākahu Whakaari he mahi whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he whaihua, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Rino e whakakotahi ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa o te ahumahi, ā, he āhuatanga hangarau pūkenga tōna e hono ana ki te mōhio me te pūmanawa. E whakahonoretia ana a The Form of Power Hoahoa Kākahu Whakaari mō tōna tōtika, ā, i hoahoatia hei whakapai ake i te kounga o te oranga me te āwhina i te ao kia pai ake.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This apparel design highlights the complexity and multidimensional charm of modern women, breaking away from the traditional, monotonous stereotypes of females. Set against the backdrop of feminist trend, the design features multiple unique innovations, including materials and tailoring, to fully express the diversity of feminine qualities. It also redefines the essence of female power, with a focus on the awareness, control, and freedom of expression over their own identities.
Dimensions & Packaging: Maxi Dress: (Size XS) HPS: 53 inch,
Mini Dress: (Size XS) HPS-29 inch,
Cropped Outerwear: (Size XS) HPS: 13 inch,
Bodysuit: (Size XS) HPS: 29 inch,
Pants: (Size XS) INSEAM: 30 inch
Tags: apparel design, feminist trend, modern minimalism, broad shoulder silhouette, asymmetric cut, fabric compatibility, conflict and harmony, sustainable development
Production Technology: Leather, suiting fabric, velvet, and tulle, these four distinct materials contrast yet coexist in the design, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of femininity. In terms of tailoring, the broad shoulder silhouette creates a striking contrast with the cinched waistline, showcasing both female strength and graceful curves. Additionally, the high slit combined with tulle fabric strikes a perfect balance between confidence and mystery.
Design Challenge: The stiffness difference between tulle and other fabrics complicates seamless integration. To address this, the design opts for elastic lining as a transition, maintaining overall lightness while ensuring a natural combination of materials. A broad shoulder silhouette can emphasize strength but may reduce elegance. To balance this, it uses lightweight suiting fabric to mitigate visual bulk at the shoulders, paired with a cinched waistline to harmonize bold power with soft grace.
Research: This piece is for independent, confident, and multifaceted modern women, especially workplace elites and avant garde culture fans. To challenge traditional gender stereotypes that limit female representation, it uses modern design to portray unique femininity. Through this, it promotes public understanding of complex female identities, emphasizing that women are equally powerful. It also encourages women to define their own beauty and value, boldly expressing their authentic, diverse selves.
Inspiration: The design takes cues from the diversity of modern femininity. It blends the essence of modern minimalism and structuralism, highlighting the unique beauty found in the contrast and harmony between sharp lines and soft materials. Classic black, as the main 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 maintaining their inner depth.
Project Duration: This project started in Los Angeles in October 2022 and was completed there by the end of December 2022.
Operation Flow: The design prioritizes the symbolic meaning of clothing and its role as a medium of self expression, aiming to highlight the unique charm and social standing of women. The asymmetric cuts break from traditional symmetrical patterns, boldly expressing defiance of societal norms. The tulle fabric at key body contours adds layers to the garment and creates dynamic visual flow. Drawing on the 1980s power suits, the broad shoulder silhouette reflects the authority and leadership of modern women.
Team Members: Xinyi Chen
Image Credits: Xinyi Chen