Xinyi Chen

It’s an incredible affirmation of both my personal journey and creative philosophy. Coming from a non-traditional background, being recognized by MUSE proves that fashion can be both emotionally powerful and intellectually rigorous. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries in design.

This recognition has been a deeply personal encouragement. Coming from a non-traditional background, receiving a MUSE Design Awards gave me greater confidence in my direction as a designer. It’s also a meaningful milestone as I continue to build my creative voice and portfolio.

Experimentation is essential—it’s how I discover new ways to express complexity. For The Form of Power, I experimented with combining contrasting materials like velvet, leather, and mesh, which resulted in unexpected harmony. It allowed the garment to reflect multidimensional femininity.

One day, I noticed how I often crossed my legs and kept my arms close in public spaces, unconsciously making myself smaller. That moment led me to reflect on how social expectations shape posture—and how posture shapes design. I designed a silhouette that encouraged expansion instead of containment.

It’s not just about visual aesthetics—it’s emotional, strategic, and often deeply personal. Every fold, seam, and proportion in a garment carries intention and often, a story.

I approach it as a dialogue, not a compromise. I listen carefully to the client’s needs and then reinterpret them through my vision. The best outcomes happen when mutual trust creates space for bold ideas.

One of the main challenges was achieving a balance between structure and fluidity—especially when working with contrasting fabrics like leather, velvet, suiting wool, and mesh. Each material had its own behavior, and combining them without losing the visual harmony was technically demanding. I spent a lot of time testing seam techniques, layering orders, and proportions to make sure each piece held its shape while still allowing movement and lightness. It was a learning process, but also a very rewarding one.

I usually give myself space to pause without pressure. Sometimes I revisit textures, colors, or fabrics without an end goal—just to feel them again. I also turn to music, poetry, or visual art that evokes emotion. Rather than forcing ideas, I try to shift my focus back to why I started creating in the first place. That quiet reconnection with intuition often brings clarity.

My designs reflect a belief in duality—rationality and emotion, strength and vulnerability. As someone who shifted careers, I have a deep understanding of transformation and identity, which fuels my approach to women’s fashion.

Take the time to understand what matters to you—not just aesthetically, but emotionally and ethically. Trends come and go, but a clear point of view lasts. Also, don’t be afraid to start from a non-traditional path. Your background is not a limitation—it can be your strength. Design is not a straight line, and success rarely comes instantly. Stay curious, stay honest, and build something that feels true to you.

I would choose Alexander McQueen. His work was fearless, emotionally raw, and structurally groundbreaking. What moves me most is how he turned personal pain, history, and cultural commentary into hauntingly beautiful garments. I deeply admire his ability to push the boundaries of fashion as both art and narrative.

Question: “What do you hope your designs make people feel?” Answer: I hope they feel seen. I want women to feel both powerful and understood—to wear something that aligns with their identity, not a stereotype.