Hanbok Cowboy

This Costume line by Sophie Chao is an extension of a previous work — Hanbok Cowboys 2023. This project consists of a series of wearables visualizing cultural displacement in a Western context, while exploring examples of excessive Western theatricality. The collection combines structured elements with soft sculptural details made from felt, alongside intricate beading. The construction of its materials finds inspiration in Scandinavian felt applique, and Japanese samurai armour. This project plays with themes of American masculinity and the false “costumed” image of the West. The structure of each design is based on patterns of traditional Korean hanboks, with additional hand stitched and beaded detailing that relate to Western costume.

This project was made possible with support from the Frank-Ratchye Further Fund, microgrant #2025-029.