Fashion Designer Hwanhee Lee Contributes to Aiste Hong’s New York Fashion Week Collection and Earns Dual Gold Recognition
Fashion designer Hwanhee Lee continues to build her presence in the global fashion industry through her work at New York Fashion Week and recent recognition at the New York Product Design Awards. Lee contributed to the development and execution of Aiste Hong’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, presented at The Harmonie Club in New York City as part of the official IMG New York Fashion Week schedule. Aiste Hong is a New York-based luxury ready-to-wear brand founded by Parsons graduate Aiste Hong. The brand has gained international visibility, with features in Vogue, WWD, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, and has been worn by figures including Lady Gaga and Julia Fox. Translating Concept into Garment Inspired by childhood memory and the Lithuanian folk tale “Egle the Queen of Serpents,” the Spring/Summer 2025 collection explored themes of love, courage, and transformation. The 19-look lineup featured asymmetric silhouettes, fluid draping, and wave-like movement. Within this context, Lee contributed to translating the collection’s narrative into garment form. Working through sketching and draping, she helped shape silhouettes that balanced structure with fluid motion, reinforcing the collection’s visual language. She also participated in refining design elements through technical development, ensuring consistency in construction, proportion, and material application. Her involvement extended to fabric and color selection, supporting the overall tonal direction of the collection. From Development to Runway Execution Lee’s role extended beyond design development into the execution of the runway presentation. In preparation for the show, she contributed to visual coordination, including model-to-look assignments and aspects of the casting process. As the presentation approached, she focused on final garment preparation, overseeing adjustments and ensuring each look was ready for the runway. On the day of the show, Lee worked backstage in a fast-paced environment, supporting look sequencing, outfit changes, and on-site refinements. Her involvement helped maintain the continuity of the presentation, ensuring that each look was delivered as intended. She also contributed to final styling elements, including footwear and accessories, reinforcing the overall cohesion of the collection. Dual Gold Recognition at the New York Product Design Awards In addition to her work at New York Fashion Week, Lee received international recognition at the New York Product Design Awards, earning two Gold distinctions for her collection Trace of Love. The collection was awarded in both the Clothing & Accessories - Womenswear and Clothing & Accessories - Luxury categories. The New York Product Design Awards is recognized as a global platform that evaluates submissions based on criteria such as form, creativity, functionality, and overall impact, with entries judged independently by an international panel of design professionals. Trace of Love explores the lasting impact of human connection, translating emotional traces into form. The collection is characterized by draped silhouettes, curved structures, and soft materiality, reflecting gestures of intimacy such as embracing and holding. Expanding a Design Practice Lee’s work reflects an approach that connects conceptual development with execution. From shaping design language to supporting runway realization, her practice moves fluidly between idea and outcome. As she continues her work, Lee is expanding her presence within the New York fashion industry, focusing on developing a design language that integrates emotion, structure, and wearability. 정현식 기자fashion recognition fashion designer fashion industry new york
2026.04.23. 17:57
