Cherin Kim is an interdisciplinary artist exploring fashion as a vehicle for interaction, expression and play. As of late, she has found herself drawn to the nostalgic and whimsical, often looking back to her own childhood to find inspiration in the media, aesthetics and youth subcultures that shaped her early upbringing.
Doodle Cape, Doodle Cape, 2023, poly poplin, cotton, satin, upholstery trim, ribbon, stuffing, various found fabrics and fabric swatches, fabric crayons, approx. 36 x 50 in
Doodle Cape, Doodle Cape, 2023, poly poplin, cotton, satin, upholstery trim, ribbon, stuffing, various found fabrics and fabric swatches, fabric crayons, approx. 36 x 50 in
Doodle Cape, Doodle Cape, 2023, poly poplin, cotton, satin, upholstery trim, ribbon, stuffing, various found fabrics and fabric swatches, fabric crayons, approx. 36 x 50 in
Doodle Cape, Doodle Cape, 2023, poly poplin, cotton, satin, upholstery trim, ribbon, stuffing, various found fabrics and fabric swatches, fabric crayons, approx. 36 x 50 in
Doodle Cape, Doodle Cape, 2023, poly poplin, cotton, satin, upholstery trim, ribbon, stuffing, various found fabrics and fabric swatches, fabric crayons, approx. 36 x 50 in
Doodle Cape, Doodle Cape, 2023, poly poplin, cotton, satin, upholstery trim, ribbon, stuffing, various found fabrics and fabric swatches, fabric crayons, approx. 36 x 50 in
Kitschy Kidz, Kitschy Kidz, 2023, ink pen and color pencil, 9 x 12 in (each)
Inspired by maximalist fashion, kitschy aesthetics and ideas of childhood, this collection embodies the playful and nostalgic quality of dress-up. During the process of designing Kitschy Kidz, I looked at subcultures within Japanese street fashion as well as illustrations in children’s books and cartoons. The Doodle Cape encapsulates the playful practices of children’s arts and crafts activities, incorporating both its juvenile techniques and childlike aesthetics. The rows of blue ribbon adorning the cape mimic the visuals of ruled writing paper, while the combination of drawn and collaged elements are reminiscent of the doodles and drawings children would decorate these papers with. The cape, shoulder pads and ribbon are all separate, detachable pieces, calling back to the practice of dress-up and play in many childhood games or activities.