Keyi Zhao

Keyi Zhao

Collection

Shattering Silence: Misogyny in the Fabric of My Culture and Self

My project explores misogyny, examining its historical roots in my cultural identity and its ongoing impact on women today. In the past, practices like foot-binding deformed women's bodies, restricting their freedom. Today, misogyny persists through body criticism—I was once told my legs looked like an elephant’s when I was heavier and unhealthy when I lost weight. These judgments reveal that societal ideals are unattainable and rooted in control rather than beauty. In response, my project merges elements of traditional Chinese men's power-symbolic attire with feminine silhouettes, fostering reflection and dialogue rather than opposition.

I aim to weave my personal experiences into the first, while grounding them in my cultural background. I incorporate the derogatory terms from my culture that I've heard—both personally and from peers with similar backgrounds—into my garment silhouettes, as a response to the misogyny embedded in everyday language. For instance, women with fuller chests are often called "cows," while those with smaller cups are mocked as "airfield." By exaggerating the physical traits targeted by these labels in my designs, I confront and reflect the absurdity and cruelty of such gendered commentary.
By doing this, I want to highlight the struggles faced by women with similar identities in contemporary society. My goal is to articulate the issue of misogyny in a way that connects both the past and the present, acknowledging the cultural history that has shaped these experiences. At the same time, I seek to express resistance against misogyny through a modern narrative that doesn’t abandon or overlook the weight of tradition, but instead reinterprets it.

I. Inheritance

They told me hush, in stitched-tight seams,
In cords that tangled girlhood dreams.
Image: Look 1
Image: Look 1
With bound feet and lowered gaze,
They shaped my voice in silent praise.
Image: Look 1 detial
Image: Look 1
Image: Look 1 editorial

II. The Weight

The silence pressed into my chest,
Not peace — but rules I must digest.
Image: Look 2 editorial
Image: Look 2
A thousand voices, soft and thin,
Taught me to hide the storm within.
Image: Look 2 detial
Image: Look 2

III. Naming the Shame

“Too loud,” they said, “too big, too tall,”
So I learned the art of being small.
Image: Look 3 without the jacket
A skeleton, a cow, a joke —
Their words became the air I choke.
Image: Look 3 without the jacket

IV. Cracks

But silence breaks where pain has stayed,
A quiet rage I can't evade.
Image: Look 3 with the jacket
Image: Look 3 editorial
Image: Look 3 with the jacket
I turn their names into a spark,
A fire rising from the dark.
Image: Look 3 with the jacket

V. Refusal

I walk not theirs, I speak not his,
This voice is mine — it simply is.
Image: Look 4 detial
Image: Look 4 editorial
Let judgment watch and shadows cling,
I owe them nothing, not a thing.
Image: Look 4
Image: Look 4
Image: Look 4

VI. Becoming

So let their silence circle tight,
I move through ash and claim the night.
Image: Look 5 editorial
Image: Look 5 detial
Image: Look 5
For even bound, my breath defines
A new beginning —
When silence binds, I rise.
Image: Look 5
Image: Lineup

缄缚 | When Silence Binds

Concept Video

Bio

Hello, my name is Keyi Zhao, a fashion designer with a dual base in New York and China. I view clothing as more than just attire—it is a second skin, a tangible expression of identity, emotion, aesthetics, and societal context. As a designer, my mission is to empower individuals through fashion, challenging preconceived notions and redefining the boundaries of self-expression. I strive to create thought-provoking designs that challenge rigid societal expectations, using clothing as a tool for dialogue and self-empowerment. By seamlessly integrating historical influences with contemporary aesthetics, my work aims to inspire wearers to reclaim their narratives and express their true selves.

My design journey is profoundly influenced by historical narratives, gender studies, and personal experiences. At Parsons, I have honed my technical skills in pattern making, draping, and garment construction, while also refining my ability to conceptualize and tell stories through fashion. I have interned with the bespoke tailor brand named Milan, where I contributed to collection development, fabric research, and design execution. My independent projects focus on challenging societal norms through innovative silhouettes and material exploration, constantly pushing the boundaries of fashion. I'm always open to new projects and meaningful collaborations that spark creativity and purpose！

Contact

Email: zkeyi1102@gmail.com

Ins: @kyiz_0211

Wechat:Kyiz_1102_

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