ITS 2020 Explained episode 9: How to celebrate sexuality & the male body, by Jimin Lee.

Jimin Lee is a menswear designer from South Korea. She is a Parsons MFA Fashion Design & Society 2019 graduate.

She was selected for the fashion contest of ITS 2020 with her collection “Female Gaze”

Jimin is interested in eroticism, sexuality and the naked human form. Drawing is where her work begins and how she expresses what she sees and how she feels, revealing her imagination. ‘I want to express a woman’s desire by exploring the male body to show how I see them. I come from a conservative Korean culture where a woman’s sexual desire is taboo and perceived as abnormal. However, since moving to New York I have become very interested in the subject of sex and desire. I took a life drawing class where I was able to study the male form and I began to feel the possibility of breaking free from the repressed sexual culture I have always known. I don’t want to hide myself or my sexual desires anymore.’ Her drawings developed into textiles and informed her silhouettes. Large unexpected cut-outs on men’s oversized suits reveal parts of the male body. She explores a new found freedom through her work, that results in an admiration and respect for the naked male form.

International Talent Support was launched in 2002 and throughout its history it has developed into the most highly recognized platform to showcase & support the strongest young talents on the planet. Most importantly, it created an ever-growing family supporting creativity, like branches on a tree growing in different directions, yet nurtured by the same roots. It has built an impressive Creative Archive, a unique collection tracing the history of fashion evolution. Many of the over 630 finalists were selected by top fashion brands where they now hold key positions, or have successfully developed their own lines.

Discover more about Jimin Lee’s Project

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