Tokyo Fashion Week has long served as a dynamic platform for both Japanese designers and notable talents across Asia. The 2025 event was no exception, offering a diverse lineup of visionary creatives pushing the boundaries of fashion. Among the international designers who captivated audiences was YOUJIYOUNG, a South Korean haute couture women’s brand known for its dramatic elegance and innovative flair.
The Autumn/Winter 2025 collection marked fashion designer You Ji Young’s debut at Tokyo Fashion Week — a highly anticipated moment for those familiar with her work. JAPAN Forward attended the YOUJIYOUNG runway show on March 20 to experience the collection firsthand.
What unfolded was a stunning showcase of avant-garde beauty, theatrical storytelling, and technical mastery.
Brand Background
Designer You Ji Young launched her namesake label YOUJIYOUNG in 2002. Since then, she has made a name for herself in South Korea and on international runways. Her collections have graced major fashion events such as Shanghai Fashion Week, Paris Prêt-à-Porter, and Dubai Fashion Week.
Beyond the runway, You Ji Young’s creative reach extends to stage and performance. She has designed costumes for the musical Cougar and the opera Hamlet, bringing her signature dramatic flair to the theatrical world. She also contributed to Miss Korea 2009 and has been involved in charitable fashion shows, particularly those tailored to highlight fashion for individuals with disabilities. These projects speak to her belief that fashion can serve a purpose beyond aesthetics — telling stories, celebrating identity, and empowering people of all backgrounds.
A Conceptual ‘Feast of Time’
The concept behind YOUJIYOUNG’s A/W 2025 show was titled The Feast of Time, a theme that explored beauty across the ages. In a striking break from tradition, senior models walked the runway alongside younger models, creating a poignant juxtaposition. This thoughtful casting choice celebrated the elegance and wisdom of age — something rarely spotlighted in fashion shows.
The show began with high drama: booming opera music filled the venue, lights flashed overhead, and the first model slowly danced down the runway with a scowl that instantly commanded attention. From that moment, the tone was set — bold, mysterious, and emotionally rich.
The garments themselves echoed this theatricality. The collection featured opulent fur coats, sharply layered blazers, flowing dresses with geometric cutouts, and exaggerated tassels. Much of the line played with the contrast between fluid, slouchy fabric and stiff, structured silhouettes. A recurring motif was the use of muted tones — especially gray and black — giving the collection a timeless, almost monastic aura.
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Standout Pieces
Several looks left a lasting impression. One notable ensemble was a two-piece outfit featuring a tailored blazer with an elongated panel that could be styled as a shawl or scarf. Paired with high-waisted capri pants adorned with bottom tassels, the outfit was completed with a chic headscarf, giving it an effortless yet styled look.
Another standout was a reinterpretation of the classic pantsuit. The blazer began with a conventional structure but transformed at the waist into three sculpted layers of fabric resembling flower petals. The accompanying pants were voluminous and intricately draped, creating a feast of textures and form.
A striking all-black look combined a leotard with fishnet tights and a dramatic floor-length fur coat. It was accented by a beige shawl draped casually around the neck — marrying edge and elegance.
Bows also emerged as a signature detail in this collection. One piece featured a corset adorned with ribbons and bows, paired with flowing, heavily draped pants and a billowing jacket.
Not all the pieces leaned toward maximalism — some were minimalist yet memorable. A gray knee-length baby doll dress featured pleats, while another dress stood out with a deconstructed A-line silhouette. This piece featured a slanted, boxy neckline and a bodice pinned at the front, offering a small opening. The skirt was masterfully layered, with structured fabric jutting out from one side for an asymmetric effect.
A Daring and Emotional Debut
YOUJIYOUNG’s Tokyo Fashion Week debut was not just a fashion show — it was a narrative experience. With her bold use of structure, age-diverse casting, and emotive presentation, You Ji Young invited the audience into her world, one where beauty evolves, time is honored, and clothing is more than just fabric. It’s storytelling in motion.
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Author: Natasha Takahashi
