Inspired by the Oscar nominated film L’amant, Hyden Yoo created a collection that draws inspiration from the romantic affiliation between an expat and a native. It’s an exploration of beauty with notions of taboo, and subtle eroticism from the late 1920’s neocolonialism. There’s a juxtaposition between the elite and working class, and distinguished maturity and innocent fragility.
Born Seoul South Korea, Hyden Yoo initially enrolled in a career path that others chose for him and graduated from the University of Chicago pre-med with biology and East Asian Studies double majors. After working stints as a calculus teacher, tennis and fitness coaches, a retail salesperson at Banana Republic, and eventually as an options trader in Chicago, Hyden did something only dreamers do. He entered the reality game show contest, Fear Factor. He was cast, actually won, and took home the prize of $50,000. Hyden then did what dreamers only hope for; he used the winnings as seed money to pursue his passion as a sportswear designer. Very inspiring!
The palette is comprised of a warm grey, an icy silver, melted yellow, maple, and an ashy sand with pops of color including ocean blue, hibiscus and golden root. Light fabrics can be found in the women’s collection including bamboo, cotton/silk voile, and crinkled natural fibers. The men’s collection uses the reliable cotton twill, sturdier canvas, and the extra soft cashmere blended yarn. Accessories are launching for the first time this season! Made of cotton canvas with veggie tan trim, styles include a small saddle bag with oversized chain, a perfect envelope iPad clutch, and a large weekend draw string duffle.
For women, it’s a soft, romantic collection for the edgy downtown girl. Trench coats have been manipulated into capes. Jackets are light and cropped while the dresses and skirts are floor length. Geometric color blocked patterns are created using intarsia, and wood grain prints on light fabric give an earthy feel. Dresses come in a variety of silhouettes from maxi styles to tank styles with overlaid detailing. Trousers have giant tube pleats and stretch contrast grosgrain waistbands. Shorts are high-waisted and have oversized contrast cuffs.
For guys, a savannah style with subtle jacquard details prevails. Jackets come with oversized cargo pockets while classic trench coats and blazers have cotton twill tape details. Button down shirts come in a variety of styles from short-sleeve with subtle polka dot prints to chambray with savannah roll-up sleeves to create the perfect adventurer look. T-shirts have a variety of details such as oversized envelope pockets, and dropped shoulder shape. Light weight knits with alternating single and double ply knits, and architectural patterns on tanks, cardigans and hoodies give a stripe pattern without changing the colors. Pleated trousers and slim pants with pinstripe patch details round out the collection that readies any man for his next endeavor.
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